Ep222. Military to Civilian Aviation: Building Your Career with the Right Strategy
Ready 4 Pushback
Nik Fialka
4.8 • 716 Ratings
🗓️ 27 February 2025
⏱️ 17 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
Leaving the military and stepping into the aviation industry can be stressful, but with the right preparation, you can make the transition smoother and more successful. In this episode, we break down the key steps military pilots should take to position themselves for a strong career in aviation. From financial planning and leveraging military benefits to networking and optimizing your resume, we cover everything you need to know. Learn how programs like SkillBridge can give you a head start, why keeping your logbook in order is crucial, and how to build connections that will help you land the right job. Plus, hear Nik’s personal story of transitioning out of active duty in 2009 during an economic downturn—the struggles he faced and what he wishes he had done differently.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE
How to reduce stress when transitioning from the military to a civilian aviation career.
Why financial preparation, including emergency funds and budgeting, is key.
How to maximize military benefits like the GI Bill, VA disability rating, and SkillBridge.
The importance of getting your logbook, resume, and LinkedIn profile in order.
How networking, career fairs, and mentorship can open doors.
Why staying in the cockpit and continuing to build flight time is critical.
How to set long-term career goals, including backup options.
Lessons from Nik’s experience leaving the military in a tough job market.
Why persistence, planning, and tapping into all available resources will set you up for success
#Aviation #AviationCareers #pilotcareer #pilottips #pilotcareertips #aviationcrew #AviationJobs #AviationLeadership #flying #PilotSuccess #pilotpodcast #PilotPreparation #Pilotrecruitment #AviationEducation #AviationOpportunities #AviationPodcast #flyingtips #AirlineInterviewPrep #PilotDevelopment #PilotFinance #PilotExperience #PilotTraining
Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | Hey, pilot, welcome back to Ready for Pushback. I'm Nick Fialca, and as always, it's Thursday with a solo show. |
| 0:09.0 | We're here to rock and roll today, and today I'm going to be speaking to the military boys and girls that are getting out of active duty and looking for a job. |
| 0:20.0 | Most pilots don't understand what career opportunities are available in the world of aviation. |
| 0:26.5 | They're making career decisions based on advice from friends or posts on internet forums, |
| 0:32.2 | meaning they are taking huge risk with their livelihood without having all the details. |
| 0:37.4 | This podcast was created to help you understand the aviation industry so you can find your |
| 0:42.9 | dream job. |
| 0:44.3 | Let's get ready for pushback. |
| 0:46.6 | Here's your host and my dad, Nick Fialca. |
| 0:50.7 | So let's talk about looking for a job as we're getting out of active duty. |
| 0:54.7 | I think this is a really, really important conversation to have and a thing to think about |
| 1:02.4 | because I've had a lot of people reach out, send me messages. |
| 1:08.0 | They're in a lot of stress. |
| 1:09.6 | They're having a little bit of a crisis. |
| 1:11.3 | They don't know what to do because they're leaving this active duty job. They've had so long |
| 1:15.4 | and they've done such good things. And, you know, whatever turn of events, the things that are |
| 1:21.0 | happening in the world right now, I can't find a job in aviation. And I'm scared. And I'm freaking out and I don't know what to do. |
| 1:30.5 | So I'm going to preface all of this with saying I don't have a magic bullet. |
| 1:36.9 | I don't have like the thing that's going to make it perfect. |
| 1:39.9 | I don't. |
| 1:40.9 | But I want you to think about some things, especially if you're a military member considering |
| 1:45.4 | getting out of the military, all right? |
... |
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