Inside RTAG 2025: Joshua Lee on the Convention, Community and Careers
Ready 4 Pushback
Nik Fialka
4.8 • 716 Ratings
🗓️ 8 September 2025
⏱️ 31 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
In this episode, Nik Fialka sits down with Joshua Lee, founder of RTAG (Rotary to Airline Group), about how the organization has grown to the point where it hosts the largest aviation convention in the U.S. RTAG’s mission is simple: help veterans transition into aviation careers—not just as pilots, but across the entire industry. From scholarships to mentorship, RTAG connects veterans with opportunities in flying, maintenance, engineering, and beyond.
Josh also shares his own journey, from flying in the military to recently joining the flight deck at United Airlines. He explains what went into the move, how his network helped, and why no pilot succeeds alone. You’ll also get a preview of this year’s Denver convention and the opportunities it holds for veterans and civilians alike.
What You’ll Learn:
How RTAG started and why it’s become such a major event
The wide range of aviation careers open to veterans How RTAG scholarships and mentorship bridge the military-to-civilian transition
Joshua Lee’s personal path to flying at United Airlines
What to expect at the Denver RTAG convention this year
What You'll Learn:
Why LPA expanded to represent all aerospace career fields beyond pilots The difference between mentorship and sponsorship—and why both matter
How to push past imposter syndrome and avoid self-selecting out of opportunities
What makes the LPA Aerospace Industry Expo different from other career fairs
How cultural celebration and community create a stronger sense of representation in aviation
Why authenticity and preparation is more powerful than cookie cutter answers in interviews and meet-and-greets
How upcoming airline hiring waves make this year’s Expo a critical opportunity for aspiring pilots
CONNECT WITH US
Are you ready to take your preparation to the next level? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Use the promo code “R4P2025” and save 10% on all our services. Check us out at www.spitfireelite.com! If you want to recommend someone to guest on the show, email Nik at [email protected], and if you need a professional pilot resume, go to www.spitfireelite.com/podcast/ for FREE templates!
SPONSOR
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | Hey, pilot. Welcome back to Ready for Pushback. I'm Nick Fialka and today's interview show is with the founder of RTAG, Joshua Lee, and we are talking all things. Our tag, the convention's coming up. It's going to be a big time. If you guys are interested, if you're a veteran, then this is for you. |
| 0:24.0 | It's a free event for veterans. If you're not a veteran, there is a sign up and there's a small |
| 0:28.9 | fee to get in, but it is the biggest convention. It is full of all the military people, very |
| 0:35.8 | fun. Josh and I have a really fun relationship. |
| 0:40.6 | We're great friends. |
| 0:42.6 | And I think you're really going to enjoy this episode. |
| 0:45.4 | We talk about something pretty surprising at the end, too. |
| 0:47.8 | So sit back, relax. |
| 0:49.9 | Let's get ready for pushback. |
| 0:52.4 | It all started as a spark. |
| 0:56.4 | Maybe it was the sound of jets racing across the sky. |
| 1:00.8 | Or the feeling of your heart racing |
| 1:02.5 | as you watch Crop Duster flying low and slow. |
| 1:06.9 | Even then, you knew you were meant to fly. |
| 1:10.8 | For pilots, it's more than just a job. It's a calling. |
| 1:14.6 | The early mornings, the long hours, the relentless training, |
| 1:18.6 | you didn't do it for the money. You did it for that moment. |
| 1:22.6 | That moment when the wheels lift off and the earth falls away beneath you. |
| 1:29.3 | But flying is just the beginning. The journey to your dream job takes more than just skill in the sky. |
| 1:33.3 | It takes strategy on the ground and a lifetime of learning. |
| 1:37.3 | Most pilots don't understand what career opportunities are available in the world of aviation. |
| 1:43.3 | Learn how to go from good to great, from flight school to regional What career opportunities are available in the world of aviation. |
... |
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