Opening Doors in Aviation - Embrace the Hustle
Ready 4 Pushback
Nik Fialka
4.8 • 716 Ratings
🗓️ 1 September 2025
⏱️ 47 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
Episode 276: In this interview episode, Nik speaks with Army aviator Vinh Do about his path from military flying to pursuing a civilian aviation career. Vinh shares how he used his GI Bill, earned a fully funded ATP-CTP scholarship, and built flight hours while serving on active duty and in the Army National Guard.
He also talks about moving to Alaska, how he found flying jobs by showing up in person, and what it’s like to fly in one of the most challenging and rewarding places in the U.S. Vinh's story is a practical example of how hard work, networking, and persistence can open doors in aviation—no matter where you start.
What You'll Learn:
How Vinh transitioned from Army aviation to civilian flight training
How Vinh earned an ATP-CTP scholarship from RTAG
Why in-person networking is essential—especially in Alaska's tight-knit aviation community
How to stay motivated during slow hiring cycles
Why “casting a wide net” and taking chances pays off in this industry
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
Are you a pilot just coming out of the military and looking for the perfect second home for your family? Look no further! Reach out to Marty and his team by visiting www.tridenthomeloans.com to get the best VA loans available anywhere in the US.
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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 I have a special guest. |
| 0:07.5 | His name is Vin Doe, and he is an Army aviator. He is also an aviator that lives in the state of Alaska. |
| 0:16.5 | And we talk today all about flying in the military, transitioning out of the military, but also what it's like getting in the air in Alaska and also how to hustle. |
| 0:27.2 | This is a guy that just gets after it and he turns over every single rock and he talks every single person he can just trying to find a flying opportunity. |
| 0:37.2 | A lot of people feel stuck in aviation they |
| 0:40.2 | think it's really hard to find a job and like vinn is one of those people that gets uncomfortable by |
| 0:45.2 | going face to face with people uh he drives to their businesses he cold calls them he sends emails |
| 0:52.0 | he checks in he builds friendships and relationships and that's how |
| 0:56.3 | you've got to do it great episode about networking great episode about flying and you there's so many |
| 1:02.6 | good nuggets in here you all so sit back relax let's get ready for pushback it all started |
| 1:09.6 | as a spark. |
| 1:11.6 | Maybe it was the sound of jets racing across the sky. |
| 1:16.6 | Or the feeling of your heart racing as you watch CropDuster flying low and slow. |
| 1:22.6 | Even then, you knew you were meant to fly. |
| 1:26.6 | For pilots, it's more than just a job. |
| 1:29.4 | It's a calling. |
| 1:31.5 | The early mornings, the long hours, the relentless training, you didn't do it for the money. |
| 1:37.3 | You did it for that moment. |
| 1:39.3 | That moment when the wheels lift off and the earth falls away beneath you. |
| 1:44.0 | But flying is just the beginning. |
| 1:45.0 | The journey to your dream job takes more than just skill in the sky. |
| 1:49.0 | It takes strategy on the ground and a lifetime of learning. |
... |
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