When the interview invite finally lands in your inbox, excitement quickly turns into stress: “What documents do I actually need to bring?” In this episode, Nik Fialka walks you step-by-step through the essential paperwork you’ll need to secure your dream airline job. From licenses and logbooks to transcripts, background checks, and even the dreaded FCC permit, Nik breaks it all down so you can show up fully prepared and stress-free.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why your pilot certificates, type ratings, and medical need to be neatly organized.

The logbook mistakes that can cost you a job—and how to make yours stand out.

How to handle education transcripts, sealed records, and training documents.

Tips for navigating background checks, military service paperwork, and driver history.

Pro interview prep hacks: checklists, accordion folders, backups, and labeling.

Key Takeaways:

Start early—some documents can take weeks or months to acquire.

Always bring originals plus extra copies.

Organize your paperwork so the interviewers can quickly find what they need.

Never underestimate the value of attention to detail—it can make or break your chances.

Protect your logbooks like gold, and always keep a digital/printed backup.

Show up to your airline interview with confidence—because when your documents are squared away, the only thing left to prove is how ready you are for pushback.

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

In this episode Nik welcomes back Marty Medve, Delta Captain and President/CEO of Trident Home Loans. Marty shares his incredible journey of recovering from a serious eye injury, regaining his FAA medical, and returning to the flight deck—all while running one of the top VA lenders in the nation.

Nik and Marty dive into the unique challenges pilots face when navigating mortgages and refinancing. From understanding the timing of rate drops to avoiding costly mistakes when buying your first “forever” home, Marty explains why having a team that truly understands pilot pay and career paths makes all the difference.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Marty’s inspiring story of overcoming medical setbacks to return to international flying at Delta

Why interest rates are trending down—and what that means for pilots looking to buy or refinance

The biggest mistakes new airline pilots make when buying their first home

How Trident Home Loans helps pilots refinance at no cost—again and again—as rates continue to drop

Why working with a lender who understands pilot pay and career progression can save you from major financial headaches

The unique ways Trident supports the aviation and military community through sponsorships and outreach

Whether you’re just starting your airline career or looking to refinance your fifth property, this episode gives you the tools and insider perspective you need to make smarter financial moves as a pilot.

Resources & Links: Connect with Marty and the Trident Home Loans team: TridentHomeLoans.com Email Marty directly: marty@mythl.com Download Nik’s free pilot resume template: spitfireelite.com/podcast

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

If you’re on the path to the airlines, there’s a good chance you’ll face an assessment test along the way. These tests aren’t just about checking your flying ability—they’re designed to measure traits like decision-making, teamwork, and stress tolerance. In today’s solo episode, Nik dives into what pilots need to know before sitting down for one of these crucial assessments.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

Why major airlines use assessment tests and what they’re really looking for

The different types of assessments at United, Delta, American, and Frontier

The Hogan Personality Inventory (United) and its “Big Five” traits Delta’s mix of AON (cut-E) gamified tests and the MMPI deep-dive personality inventory American Airlines’ skill and personality assessments

Frontier’s OutMatch assessment and cognitive testing

Practical tips to prepare: practice strategies, environment setup, and mindset

What to avoid when answering personality-based questions (like extremes or blind obedience)

Free (and paid) resources for practice and prep

Pro Tips from Nik:

Practice using free resources like Pilotest.com

Take your assessment in a quiet, stable internet environment

Use a laptop and mouse instead of a tablet

Dress professionally if video monitoring is required—set yourself apart

Be honest, consistent, and professional in personality tests—don’t try to “game” them

At the end of the day, whether you’re headed to a regional or shooting straight for a major, these tests aren’t just boxes to check—they’re your chance to show the airlines you’re the pilot they want on their team.

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