In this episode of Ready 4 Pushback, Nik sits down with Benson Truong, president of the Professional Asian Pilots Association (PAPA), to unpack what it really takes to lead a massive aviation affinity group while still being a relatively new regional airline pilot. Benson shares his path from Googling "Asian pilots" before he even started training to now running an organization that's changing lives through mentorship, community, and serious scholarship opportunities—including full-ride flight training, ATP-CTP slots, and a guaranteed private pilot scholarship.

They dive into representation in aviation, cultural expectations around "safe" careers, the power of showing up in person at PAPA Expo in Las Vegas, and how networking and storytelling can break down financial and emotional barriers to the flight deck. If you've ever wondered how to plug into a supportive aviation community—or how to help the next generation of pilots who don't see themselves in the cockpit yet—this conversation will give you both inspiration and a roadmap.

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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 podcast@spitfireelite.com, 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.

Be ready for takeoff anytime with 3D-stretch, stain-repellent, and wrinkle-free aviation uniforms by Flight Uniforms. Just go to www.flightuniform.com and type the code SPITFIREPOD20 to get a special 20% discount on your first order.

#Aviation #AviationCareers #aviationcrew #AviationJobs #AviationLeadership #AviationEducation #AviationOpportunities #AviationPodcast #AirlinePilot #AirlineJobs #AirlineInterviewPrep #flying #flyingtips #PilotDevelopment #PilotFinance #pilotcareer #pilottips #pilotcareertips #PilotExperience #pilotcaptain #PilotTraining #PilotSuccess #pilotpodcast #PilotPreparation #Pilotrecruitment #flightschool #aviationschool #pilotcareer #pilotlife #pilot

As 2025 comes to a close, Nik delivers a powerful solo episode about the part of the aviation journey no one warns you about — the impact your pursuit of the dream job has on the people sitting across from you at the kitchen table. Inspired by a late-night writing session and a heartfelt mentoring call, this conversation unpacks the "messy middle" of an aviation career: long hours, commuting, upgrades, Guard duties, volunteering, and the slow march toward a major airline.

This episode challenges every pilot to be intentional — to love bigger, to recalibrate priorities, and to make sure the people you're doing all this for actually feel like your priority. Nik shares the real strategies he and Anna use to stay connected, grounded, and on the same team while balancing the chaos of a flying career and raising five kids. It's deep, honest, and exactly what pilots need at the end of the year.

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 podcast@spitfireelite.com, 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.

Be ready for takeoff anytime with 3D-stretch, stain-repellent, and wrinkle-free aviation uniforms by Flight Uniforms. Just go to www.flightuniform.com and type the code SPITFIREPOD20 to get a special 20% discount on your first order.

#Aviation #AviationCareers #aviationcrew #AviationJobs #AviationLeadership #AviationEducation #AviationOpportunities #AviationPodcast #AirlinePilot #AirlineJobs #AirlineInterviewPrep #flying #flyingtips #PilotDevelopment #PilotFinance #pilotcareer #pilottips #pilotcareertips #PilotExperience #pilotcaptain #PilotTraining #PilotSuccess #pilotpodcast #PilotPreparation #Pilotrecruitment #flightschool #aviationschool #pilotcareer #pilotlife #pilot

Today's Monday interview takes us into one of the heaviest, most important conversations in professional aviation. Nik sits down with Scott Whittington, an airline pilot, physical therapist, and dedicated HIMS volunteer, to talk openly about substance abuse, recovery, pilot wellness, and what support truly looks like inside this profession. This is a real, honest conversation with a real dude—one who reached out because he wanted to make sure pilots know there is a path, there is help, and your career does not have to end because you ask for it. If you're a pilot, know a pilot, or carry the weight of your own concerns, this is an essential listen.

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 podcast@spitfireelite.com, 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.

Be ready for takeoff anytime with 3D-stretch, stain-repellent, and wrinkle-free aviation uniforms by Flight Uniforms. Just go to www.flightuniform.com and type the code SPITFIREPOD20 to get a special 20% discount on your first order.

#Aviation #AviationCareers #aviationcrew #AviationJobs #AviationLeadership #AviationEducation #AviationOpportunities #AviationPodcast #AirlinePilot #AirlineJobs #AirlineInterviewPrep #flying #flyingtips #PilotDevelopment #PilotFinance #pilotcareer #pilottips #pilotcareertips #PilotExperience #pilotcaptain #PilotTraining #PilotSuccess #pilotpodcast #PilotPreparation #Pilotrecruitment #flightschool #aviationschool #pilotcareer #pilotlife #pilot