Ep216 - Following Wes’s Journey: From Setbacks to Success on the Path to Becoming an Airline Pilot

Ready 4 Pushback

Nik Fialka

Business, Careers, Leisure, Aviation

4.8 • 716 Ratings

🗓️ 6 February 2025

⏱️ 51 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

What does it take to turn setbacks into stepping stones on the path to becoming an airline pilot? In this episode, we follow Wes’s inspiring journey as he navigates the challenges of flight training. After facing struggles during his first instrument check ride, Wes learned the power of perseverance, humility, and support from those around him. He shares how additional training and guidance helped him pass on his second attempt and become a stronger pilot. Now working on his commercial certificate while balancing family and work, Wes highlights the importance of resilience, networking, and continuing to push forward toward his airline career.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE

Wes’s experience with his first instrument check ride, including his mistakes and how he learned from them.

The emotional impact of failure and the importance of owning up to mistakes to improve.

How having a strong support system can make a difference in tough times.

The value of additional training and mentorship from experienced CFII instructors.

Lessons learned from passing his check ride on the second attempt and how it made him a better pilot.

How Wes balances the demands of flight training, work, and family life.

Why networking and attending conferences are essential for anyone pursuing an airline career.

Transcript

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0:00.0	Hey, pilot. Welcome back to Ready for Pushback. I'm Nick Fialca. Stoked you here today.
0:08.2	Wes Wages is joining me again. He is a repeat customer here on the show, and we are following
0:16.0	Wes through his aviation journey. He is a person that has had a career in the past and this
0:23.7	idea and dream of being a professional pilot. It's his second shot at what he really wants to do.
0:31.6	And so here we are. It's our third conversation. He just had his instrument check ride and we'll talk through all the things that
0:39.0	happened. It's, it's so fun to talk to Wes. He's an easy conversationalist. He is a really humble
0:47.1	guy. And it's, it's just, it's nice to talk to him. These are one of the most popular episodes.
0:55.6	Every time Wes is on the show, there's a big spike
0:57.8	and people that enjoy listening.
1:00.3	So I certainly love having them on,
1:03.1	having them back as much as I can.
1:04.6	So anyway, y'all, sit back, relax.
1:08.5	Let's get ready for pushback.
1:11.6	Most pilots don't understand what career opportunities are available in the world of aviation.
1:17.9	They're making career decisions based on advice from friends or posts on internet forums,
1:23.6	meaning they are taking huge risk with their livelihood without having all the details.
1:28.8	This podcast was created to help you understand the aviation industry so you can find your dream job.
1:35.7	Let's get ready for pushback.
1:37.9	Here's your host and my dad, Nick Fialca.
1:42.7	All right, Wes, wages back again.
1:46.5	My man, what's up?
1:47.5	How are you?
	...

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