Send us a text

Welcome back to Stick With It! In this powerful and exclusive episode, we’re joined by Capt Kevin Sullivan (Ret’d), whose aviation story is nothing short of extraordinary.

Kevin began his career as a U.S. Navy pilot, flying the iconic F-14 Tomcat and training as part of the elite Top Gun program. After his military career, he made the transition to commercial aviation, joining Qantas and flying widebody aircraft across the globe.

But it was one fateful day in 2008 that would forever define Kevin's career and test every ounce of his skill and resilience. As the captain of QF72, a flight that experienced a sudden and violent in-flight upset caused by a malfunctioning flight control system, Kevin’s quick thinking and calm leadership under extreme pressure helped save countless lives.

In this candid conversation, Kevin shares the highs and lows of his aviation journey from the structured intensity of Top Gun to the deep personal impact of QF72. He speaks openly about the mental toll, the moments of doubt, the support systems that mattered, and the lessons he believes all pilots should carry with them.

This is a rare insight into the life and mindset of a pilot who’s seen and experienced it all, from the thrill of fighter jets to the unforgiving reality of real-world emergencies.

Whether you're in training, on the line, or in command, Kevin’s story will resonate deeply. It’s not just a story about flying it’s a story about leadership, responsibility, and the human side of aviation.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
00:42 - Top Gun & Flying the F-14
17:08 - Life in Australia & Flying for Qantas
21:49 - QF72
31:52 - Aftermath of QF72
43:44 - Automation
46:28 - Reduced Crew Operations
51:43 - Life after flying
55:05 - Closing words

Fly safe and stick with it.

Send us a text

Welcome back to Stick With It! In this episode, we're joined by Capt Andrew Stewart (Ret’d), a former Qantas 747 Captain who is now a psychotherapist working with the Pilot Assistance Network (PAN). After retiring from flying, Andrew retrained as a therapist at Oxford, specialising in supporting pilots with the unique mental challenges of aviation.

We explore the psychological blocks pilots often face in training, how to manage stress, deal with imposter syndrome, and practical strategies to build resilience throughout your career.

While many of these themes may be familiar, we hope this conversation reinforces what you know or helps you learn something new, as you prepare for your next SIM, upgrade, or command training.

Fly safe and stick with it.

Send us a text

Welcome back to Stick With It. Today, we’re joined by Captain Ryan Smith, a QantasLink Dash 8 Q400 Check and Training Captain with a rich background that started in general aviation through the UNSW program. In this episode, Ryan walks us through his journey from flight training and GA operations into an airline operation, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to transition into QantasLink.

We dive into the challenges and steep learning curve of operating the Dash 8 Q400, a complex, high-performance turboprop and the mindset required to succeed in training and line operations. Ryan shares practical tips, reflections from his early days, and advice to new pilots.

Whether you’re just beginning your aviation journey or building hours in GA, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and honest insights.

Fly safe and stick with it.

Send us a text

In this episode of Stick With It, we’re honoured to be joined by former AIPA President, Captain Wayne Kearns (Ret'd).

Captain Kearns reflects on the early days of AIPA, sharing firsthand stories from a defining era in aviation. From navigating industrial challenges to flying alongside World War II pilots, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the past through the eyes of someone who lived it.

With decades of experience both in the flightdeck and in leadership roles, Captain Kearns shares key moments from his career, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and his advice for the next generation of pilots.

Fly safe and stick with it.

Send us a text

We’re kicking the new season off with my good mate, AIPA President Captain Andrew Marshall. We talk through his career so far, unpack where things stand with Reduced Crew Operations (RCO), dive into the latest on enterprise bargaining, and look ahead to what the future may hold for our profession.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and welcome to season two
00:29 – Guest introduction: Captain Andrew Marshall
02:38 – Andrew's early career and Qantas start
06:30 – Self-funded cadetship and pilot training
08:09 – Role and challenges as AIPA President
10:15 – Academic journey and Executive MBA
13:13 – Short haul EA implementation update
15:47 – Industrial relations and pay rise issues
17:50 – Negotiations and collaboration between groups
27:14 – Reduced crew operations concerns
31:35 – Importance of union representation
34:00 – Reasons for staying involved in AIPA
36:10 – Reflections on career and advice to younger self
37:59 – Enjoyment of flying and presidential role
40:05 – Closing remarks and farewell

Fly safe and stick with it.

Send us a text

In the second part of this special episode, we explore what happens after the aircraft is on the ground. Andy and Pagey walk us through the post-incident process, from debriefs and investigations to the personal side of getting back in the air.

Fly safe and stick with it.

Send us a text

In this first installment, Andy and Pagey take us through the airborne phase of the QF520 incident. From the moment things went sideways to the decisions made at altitude, this is a raw and real look at crisis management in the skies.

Fly safe and stick with it.

Send us a text

This discussion provides a better understanding of what happens following an accident or incident and most importantly, the support services available to you from AIPA. You'll gain a better understanding into the process and who is available to help you manage what is always a stressful time.

Fly safe and stick with it.