Nik is back! In this episode, he sits down with Cherry Kan—an international student and first-generation pilot whose aviation journey is anything but ordinary. With grit, community support, and relentless resourcefulness, Cherry has paved her own way into the flight deck. Like many aspiring pilots, Cherry faced the financial challenges of flight training and earning her ratings. She overcame those hurdles by diving deep into aviation scholarships and getting involved with pilot organizations. In this episode, she shares exactly how she did it—where to find opportunities, how to apply, and the mindset it takes to succeed, even if you don’t think you “check all the boxes.” Cherry also opens up about the value of mentorship, staying focused through industry ups and downs, and the power of persistence. Her story is a reminder that doors start to open when you keep showing up, keep reaching out, and keep believing in your path.

What You'll Learn:

How Cherry finds aviation scholarships—and how you can too

Why your story matters more than your stats in most applications How to build a repeatable system for applying to opportunities year after year

Tips for finding scholarship mentors How networking at events like PAPA, OBAP, RTAG etc can unlock real job opportunities

Why Cherry stays optimistic despite industry slowdowns—and how she reframes negativity as fuel

The power of long-term relationship building in aviation

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 #scholarship #aviationscholarship

In this solo episode, Nik Fialka dives deep into one of the most underrated skills in aviation—and life: self-awareness. Drawing from personal reflection, his experience coaching pilots, and insights from the book Atomic Habits, Nik explores how understanding yourself is the foundation for meaningful growth and career success.

From confronting ego to developing habits like journaling and seeking real feedback, this episode serves as a reminder that becoming a great aviator goes far beyond stick and rudder skills. Whether you’re deep in training or prepping for your next big opportunity, this message will help you reflect, recalibrate, and realign.

This isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being honest.

Why this could be the perfect time to buy a home, even though lending rates are higher than they have been in the last several years. Benefit of having a lender that understands pilot pay: Not all lenders understand the pay structure and transition timelines of military and airline pilots. Marty explains why this insight matters—and how it can save your deal. Realtors often push local lenders they "trust"—but that may not be in your best interest.

Learn how to spot biased recommendations and protect your wallet.

How to avoid VA Loan pitfalls: From misclassifying primary residences to playing games with second homes—Marty unpacks the legal traps that could put your pilot license at risk. www.TridentHomeLoans.com or www.myTHL.com Marty Medve Cell: 850-346-0250

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 #mortgages #buyingahome #finance #homeownership