
Hosted by Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson · EN
Welcome to the Passive Income Pilots Podcast – the show designed to help pilots climb to new levels of financial success.
Join Tait Duryea & Ryan Gibson, both airline pilots, business owners and investors, as they interview top experts and share practical knowledge on real estate, tax strategy, passive income and generational wealth. This one-of-a-kind show created specifically for professional pilots offers applicable strategies and tactics for improving your financial life.
Whether you're a seasoned pilot or just starting out, we'll equip you with the expertise and confidence you need to upgrade your money and achieve true financial independence.

Join us on October 8–9, 2026, at the M Resort and Casino in Las Vegas for the first-ever Passive Income Pilots Conference. Learn how to build smarter wealth beyond the cockpit - https://www.passiveincomepilots.com/pip-conference A practical path to business ownership. Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson sit down with Brenda Gage, a pilot spouse who turned a long-time goal of business ownership into a growing café portfolio. Brenda shares how she found established, cash-flowing businesses, evaluated opportunities on BizBuySell, used SBA financing, and pushed through lender rejections. She also explains why culture, employee retention, and a respectful seller transition matter just as much as the numbers. This episode offers a grounded look at acquiring a business beyond franchises or real estate.Brenda Gage is the owner of a growing chain of Washington cafés and Larson’s Bakery. Married to an Alaska Airlines pilot, she built a flexible career around family life before acquiring eight cafés through SBA financing. In three years, she helped grow annual revenue from approximately $16.7 million to $21 million. Brenda shares practical insights on finding established businesses, securing the right lending partner, leading employees through ownership transitions, and preserving the legacy of family-owned companies.Show notes:(0:00) Passive Income Pilots Conference announcement: https://www.passiveincomepilots.com/pip-conference (4:44) Brenda’s path to business ownership(7:36) Finding cash-flowing businesses online(9:25) Growing the café business(13:47) How BizBuySell works(17:57) Criteria for legacy businesses(21:57) Leading without industry expertise(26:53) Funding an acquisition with SBA loans(33:22) Finding the right SBA lender(41:25) How a business purchase closes(43:36) Leading staff through ownership change(49:36) OutroConnect with Brenda Gage:Website: https://www.cafesinc.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenda-gage-12796592/ If you’re interested in participating, the latest institutional-quality self-storage portfolio is available for investment now at: https://turbinecap.investnext.com/portal/offerings/8449/houston-storage/ — You've found the number one resource for financial education for aviators! Please consider leaving a rating and sharing this podcast with your colleagues in the aviation community, as it can serve as a valuable resource for all those involved in the industry.Remember to subscribe for more insights at PassiveIncomePilots.com! https://passiveincomepilots.com/ Join our growing community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/passivepilotsCheck us out on Instagram @PassiveIncomePilots: https://www.instagram.com/passiveincomepilots/Follow us on X @IncomePilots: https://twitter.com/IncomePilotsGet our updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/passive-income-pilots/Do you have questions or want to discuss this episode? Contact us at ask@passiveincomepilots.com See you at the next one!*Legal Disclaimer*The content of this podcast is provided solely for educational and informational purposes. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts, Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson, and do not reflect those of any organization they are associated with, including Turbine Capital or Spartan Investment Group. The opinions of our guests are their own and should not be construed as financial advice. This podcast does not offer tax, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are advised to consult with their own legal or financial counsel and to conduct their own due diligence before making any financial decisions.

Watch this episode on YouTube to see the screen share: https://youtu.be/GjCnHgscdms Join us on October 8–9, 2026, at the M Resort and Casino in Las Vegas for the first-ever Passive Income Pilots Conference. Learn how to build smarter wealth beyond the cockpit - https://www.passiveincomepilots.com/pip-conference Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson sit down with Captain Kit Darby for a detailed look at the airline industry in 2026. Kit breaks down pilot hiring, retirements, fleet delays, fuel costs, widebody opportunities, compensation, and retirement benefits. He also shares practical advice for aspiring pilots preparing for interviews and explains why pilots should build financial resilience outside their airline career. This episode offers a clear, data-driven perspective for pilots planning their next professional and financial move.Captain Kit Darby is a retired United Airlines pilot, aviation consultant, and president of KitDarby.com. With decades of experience across military, commercial, training, and airline operations, he specializes in pilot hiring trends, career planning, compensation analysis, application reviews, and interview preparation.Show notes:(0:00) Passive Income Pilots Conference announcement: https://www.passiveincomepilots.com/pip-conference (5:39) Kit Darby’s aviation career(15:57) Today’s pilot hiring environment(20:01) Investing wisely to get hired(22:18) Why interview preparation matters(30:13) Airline recovery and fuel outlook(46:36) Retirements and future pilot demand(52:00) Fleet shortages and grounded aircraft(1:01:49) Pilot demand through 2034(1:26:52) Career value, pay, and retirement(1:41:05) OutroConnect with Kit Darby:Website: https://kitdarby.com/wp/ Related Episode: #34 - Navigating Cash Balance Plans And Retirement For Airline And Corporate Pilots With Tim Pope#83 - Market-Based Cash Balance Plans with Jesse ReedIf you’re interested in participating, the latest institutional-quality self-storage portfolio is available for investment now at: https://turbinecap.investnext.com/portal/offerings/8449/houston-storage/ — You've found the number one resource for financial education for aviators! Please consider leaving a rating and sharing this podcast with your colleagues in the aviation community, as it can serve as a valuable resource for all those involved in the industry.Remember to subscribe for more insights at PassiveIncomePilots.com! https://passiveincomepilots.com/ Join our growing community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/passivepilotsCheck us out on Instagram @PassiveIncomePilots: https://www.instagram.com/passiveincomepilots/Follow us on X @IncomePilots: https://twitter.com/IncomePilotsGet our updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/passive-income-pilots/Do you have questions or want to discuss this episode? Contact us at ask@passiveincomepilots.com See you at the next one!*Legal Disclaimer*The content of this podcast is provided solely for educational and informational purposes. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts, Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson, and do not reflect those of any organization they are associated with, including Turbine Capital or Spartan Investment Group. The opinions of our guests are their own and should not be construed as financial advice. This podcast does not offer tax, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are advised to consult with their own legal or financial counsel and to conduct their own due diligence before making any financial decisions.

Buying an airplane can create opportunities and legal exposure that pilots may not see until something goes wrong. Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson sit down with aviation attorney and pilot Scott Williams to cover LLC structures, dry leases, co-ownership, and the limits of depreciation for passive real estate activity. Scott also explains key insurance terms, including smooth coverage, open pilot warranties, and waivers of subrogation. A practical conversation for pilots who want to protect their aircraft, finances, and future.Scott Williams is the founding principal attorney of the General Aviation Law Firm and a pilot with 38 years of flying experience and roughly 4,000 flight hours. He helps Part 91 aircraft owners buy, sell, structure, and operate aircraft while avoiding unintended legal and regulatory risks. Scott is also a Cirrus SR22 owner and former president of the Cirrus Owners and Pilots Association.Show notes:(0:00) Intro(5:19) Why aircraft belong in LLCs(7:01) Structuring aircraft co-ownership(12:30) Passive real estate tax limits(18:21) Dry leases and operational control(24:08) Named insureds Vs. Named pilots(29:54) LLC setup and aircraft domicile(33:47) Using a trust for ownership(36:34) Insurance as first-line protection(40:52) Smooth Vs. Sublimit coverage(43:39) Passenger waivers and liability(49:34) OutroConnect with Scott Williams:Website: https://www.generalaviationlaw.org/ If you’re interested in participating, the latest institutional-quality self-storage portfolio is available for investment now at: https://turbinecap.investnext.com/portal/offerings/8449/houston-storage/ — You've found the number one resource for financial education for aviators! Please consider leaving a rating and sharing this podcast with your colleagues in the aviation community, as it can serve as a valuable resource for all those involved in the industry.Remember to subscribe for more insights at PassiveIncomePilots.com! https://passiveincomepilots.com/ Join our growing community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/passivepilotsCheck us out on Instagram @PassiveIncomePilots: https://www.instagram.com/passiveincomepilots/Follow us on X @IncomePilots: https://twitter.com/IncomePilotsGet our updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/passive-income-pilots/Do you have questions or want to discuss this episode? Contact us at ask@passiveincomepilots.com See you at the next one!*Legal Disclaimer*The content of this podcast is provided solely for educational and informational purposes. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts, Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson, and do not reflect those of any organization they are associated with, including Turbine Capital or Spartan Investment Group. The opinions of our guests are their own and should not be construed as financial advice. This podcast does not offer tax, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are advised to consult with their own legal or financial counsel and to conduct their own due diligence before making any financial decisions.

Insurance may not feel exciting until it becomes the thing protecting everything you’ve built. In this episode, Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson sit down with Rod Zabriskie to unpack the coverage high-income professionals often overlook, from income protection and asset defense to long-term planning and liquidity. For pilots, physicians, business owners, and investors, this conversation offers a timely look at how the right insurance strategy can support wealth building, passive income goals, and family security before life forces the issue.Rod Zabriskie is the President and Co-Founder of Money Insights Group, a financial strategy firm that helps high-income earners think beyond conventional planning and build wealth with greater control and protection. Known for his education-first approach, Rod helps clients connect insurance, alternative assets, tax strategy, and legacy planning into one cohesive financial system. He brings a practical lens to insurance, helping clients understand the coverages that can protect their income, family, assets, and future opportunities.Show notes:(0:00) Backcountry flying and insurance(3:58) Ten insurance categories(5:05) Health insurance essentials(10:25) FSA Vs. HSA(12:07) Homeowners and renters insurance(17:18) Protecting personal assets(24:31) Disability insurance basics(29:07) Loss of medical coverage(36:00) Long-term care insurance(41:02) Term and whole life insurance(50:27) OutroConnect with Rod Zabriskie:Website: https://www.moneyinsightsgroup.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodzabriskie/ Related Episode: #82 - From LLCs and HSAs to Roth IRAs: Mastering Wealth Protection with Mark Kohler#67 - Protecting Your Wings: What Pilots Need to Know with Dr. Dan Monlux#47 - Innovative Wealth Strategies: From Life Insurance to Alternative Investing with Christian Allen and Rod ZabriskieIf you’re interested in participating, the latest institutional-quality self-storage portfolio is available for investment now at: https://turbinecap.investnext.com/portal/offerings/8449/houston-storage/ — You've found the number one resource for financial education for aviators! Please consider leaving a rating and sharing this podcast with your colleagues in the aviation community, as it can serve as a valuable resource for all those involved in the industry.Remember to subscribe for more insights at PassiveIncomePilots.com! https://passiveincomepilots.com/ Join our growing community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/passivepilotsCheck us out on Instagram @PassiveIncomePilots: https://www.instagram.com/passiveincomepilots/Follow us on X @IncomePilots: https://twitter.com/IncomePilotsGet our updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/passive-income-pilots/Do you have questions or want to discuss this episode? Contact us at ask@passiveincomepilots.com See you at the next one!*Legal Disclaimer*The content of this podcast is provided solely for educational and informational purposes. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts, Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson, and do not reflect those of any organization they are associated with, including Turbine Capital or Spartan Investment Group. The opinions of our guests are their own and should not be construed as financial advice. This podcast does not offer tax, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are advised to consult with their own legal or financial counsel and to conduct their own due diligence before making any financial decisions.

Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson sit down with Trevor Kuresa to unpack the Deferred Sales Trust, a lesser-known strategy for deferring capital gains after selling a business or highly appreciated asset. Trevor explains how the structure works, why it differs from a 1031 exchange or monetized installment sale, and when the costs, timing, and compliance rules make sense. For pilots, real estate investors, and business owners thinking about a future exit, this episode offers a practical look at tax planning before a major transaction.Trevor Kuresa is a corporate and tax attorney specializing in mergers and acquisitions, fractional general counsel, and advanced tax strategies for business owners and high-income professionals. With experience in tax structuring, legal transactions, and corporate counsel work, Trevor helps clients evaluate strategies for reducing or deferring capital gains and income tax.Show notes:(0:00) Chamonix race recap(2:14) Deferred Sales Trust intro(4:47) Trevor’s legal background(6:10) Tax strategy for pilots(9:37) Deferred sales trust explained(13:50) Rental property example(17:26) Best use cases(21:10) Tax deferral mechanics(25:15) IRS rules and risks(36:28) OutroConnect with Trevor:Website: https://hibiscuslegal.com/ Email: tkuresa@hibiscuslegal.com Phone: 801-577-3445LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-kuresa-36b59339/ Related Episode: #10 - Reduce Your Taxes & Maximize Returns Using PROVEN Investment Strategies with Toby MathisIf you’re interested in participating, the latest institutional-quality self-storage portfolio is available for investment now at: https://turbinecap.investnext.com/portal/offerings/8449/houston-storage/ — You've found the number one resource for financial education for aviators! Please consider leaving a rating and sharing this podcast with your colleagues in the aviation community, as it can serve as a valuable resource for all those involved in the industry.Remember to subscribe for more insights at PassiveIncomePilots.com! https://passiveincomepilots.com/ Join our growing community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/passivepilotsCheck us out on Instagram @PassiveIncomePilots: https://www.instagram.com/passiveincomepilots/Follow us on X @IncomePilots: https://twitter.com/IncomePilotsGet our updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/passive-income-pilots/Do you have questions or want to discuss this episode? Contact us at ask@passiveincomepilots.com See you at the next one!*Legal Disclaimer*The content of this podcast is provided solely for educational and informational purposes. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts, Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson, and do not reflect those of any organization they are associated with, including Turbine Capital or Spartan Investment Group. The opinions of our guests are their own and should not be construed as financial advice. This podcast does not offer tax, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are advised to consult with their own legal or financial counsel and to conduct their own due diligence before making any financial decisions.

Is your wealth strategy working together or pulling in different directions? Hosts Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson unpack the 10-30-30-30 strategy for balancing cash, 401(k)s, real estate, tax benefits, and passive investments. They explain why liquidity, control, and tax strategy all matter, and how short-term rentals, syndications, oil and gas, and self-storage can fit into a pilot’s portfolio. Plus, they preview Passive Income Pilots Live in Las Vegas, a new event focused on financial education, estate planning, due diligence, and community.Show notes:(0:00) Intro(2:15) Diversifying pilot investments(3:33) The 10-30-30-30 strategy(7:23) Managed money and 401(k)s(9:21) 2026 401(k) limits(12:14) Tax-advantaged real estate(15:06) Short-term rental episodes(16:50) Passive investments and syndications(18:13) Oil and gas tax benefits(26:51) Passive Income Pilots Live(29:52) OutroRelated Episodes: #87 - The Mega Backdoor Roth and How Pilots Can Maximize Retirement Contributions with Timothy Pope#14 - Depreciation Demystified: Cost Segregation and Tax Savings in Real Estate with Toby Mathis#37 - Empowering Insights and Strategies On Short-Term Rentals with Alex Jarbo#41 - Short-Term Rental Strategies To Maximize Your Passive Income with Dan Templin#68 - Cruising to Success: Optimizing Your Short-Term Rentals with Airbnb Insider Daniel Rusteen#110 - The IRA Club Advantage: The Self-Directed IRA Strategy for Pilots with Ramez FakhouryEvent Mentioned: Passive Income Pilots Live Conference - Location: Las Vegas, Dates: October 8–9.For updates on tickets and details, keep an eye out for the official announcement from Passive Income Pilots.If you’re interested in participating, the latest institutional-quality self-storage portfolio is available for investment now at: https://turbinecap.investnext.com/portal/offerings/8449/houston-storage/ — You've found the number one resource for financial education for aviators! Please consider leaving a rating and sharing this podcast with your colleagues in the aviation community, as it can serve as a valuable resource for all those involved in the industry.Remember to subscribe for more insights at PassiveIncomePilots.com! https://passiveincomepilots.com/ Join our growing community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/passivepilotsCheck us out on Instagram @PassiveIncomePilots: https://www.instagram.com/passiveincomepilots/Follow us on X @IncomePilots: https://twitter.com/IncomePilotsGet our updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/passive-income-pilots/Do you have questions or want to discuss this episode? Contact us at ask@passiveincomepilots.com See you at the next one!*Legal Disclaimer*The content of this podcast is provided solely for educational and informational purposes. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts, Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson, and do not reflect those of any organization they are associated with, including Turbine Capital or Spartan Investment Group. The opinions of our guests are their own and should not be construed as financial advice. This podcast does not offer tax, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are advised to consult with their own legal or financial counsel and to conduct their own due diligence before making any financial decisions.

Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson break down one of the most important but often misunderstood parts of real estate investing: the capital stack. They explain how senior debt, mezzanine debt, preferred equity, and common equity shape risk, returns, and who gets paid first. For pilots and high-income professionals evaluating passive income opportunities, this episode offers a practical framework for understanding leverage, deal structure, DSCR, private credit, and why projected returns do not tell the whole story.Show notes:(0:00) Intro(1:10) Ways investors get paid(3:08) Capital stack basics(4:11) Debt drives real estate risk(7:32) All-cash versus leveraged deals(10:31) Common equity explained(18:50) Preferred equity position(21:10) Checking debt ahead(27:39) Rescue capital versus healthy deals(35:36) Operator view on structure(42:05) DSCR and cash flow cushion(57:18) OutroRelated Episode: #2 - Invest Passively in DST and Opportunity Zones with Brandon BruckmanIf you’re interested in participating, the latest institutional-quality self-storage portfolio is available for investment now at: https://turbinecap.investnext.com/portal/offerings/8449/houston-storage/ — You've found the number one resource for financial education for aviators! Please consider leaving a rating and sharing this podcast with your colleagues in the aviation community, as it can serve as a valuable resource for all those involved in the industry.Remember to subscribe for more insights at PassiveIncomePilots.com! https://passiveincomepilots.com/ Join our growing community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/passivepilotsCheck us out on Instagram @PassiveIncomePilots: https://www.instagram.com/passiveincomepilots/Follow us on X @IncomePilots: https://twitter.com/IncomePilotsGet our updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/passive-income-pilots/Do you have questions or want to discuss this episode? Contact us at ask@passiveincomepilots.com See you at the next one!*Legal Disclaimer*The content of this podcast is provided solely for educational and informational purposes. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts, Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson, and do not reflect those of any organization they are associated with, including Turbine Capital or Spartan Investment Group. The opinions of our guests are their own and should not be construed as financial advice. This podcast does not offer tax, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are advised to consult with their own legal or financial counsel and to conduct their own due diligence before making any financial decisions.

Hosts Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson sit down with Elena Melchert to examine how energy demand, fossil fuels, mineral rights, royalties, and infrastructure shape real passive income opportunities. Elena brings a grounded, technical perspective to a sector many investors hear about but rarely understand deeply. For pilots and high-income professionals looking at alternative investments, tax strategy, and long-term cash flow, this conversation offers a clearer way to think about energy as both a global necessity and a potential portfolio play.Elena Subia Melchert is the founder and president of Energia Consulting LLC and host of Oil and Gas Upstream. With a career spanning engineering, energy technology, federal policy, and industry advisory work, Elena helps connect technical expertise with practical energy solutions. Her background includes leadership in upstream research at the U.S. Department of Energy, along with ongoing work in emerging energy areas such as geothermal, carbon storage, produced water, and geologic hydrogen. She brings rare depth, clarity, and real-world perspective to today’s energy conversation.Show notes:(0:00) Intro(2:17) Elena’s oil and gas background(7:31) Upstream research and technology(10:06) The reality of energy transition(16:28) Energy poverty around the world(18:42) Pilots, fuel costs, and investing(20:42) Fossil fuels over the next 50 years(22:19) Infrastructure versus production(25:41) How oil and gas royalties work(30:32) Royalties during market downturns(40:13) Geothermal and critical minerals(43:28) OutroConnect with Elena Melchert:Website: https://energiaconsultingllc.com/our-company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenamelchert/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/oil-and-gas-upstream/id1450833136 If you’re interested in participating, the latest institutional-quality self-storage portfolio is available for investment now at: https://turbinecap.investnext.com/portal/offerings/8449/houston-storage/ — You've found the number one resource for financial education for aviators! Please consider leaving a rating and sharing this podcast with your colleagues in the aviation community, as it can serve as a valuable resource for all those involved in the industry.Remember to subscribe for more insights at PassiveIncomePilots.com! https://passiveincomepilots.com/ Join our growing community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/passivepilotsCheck us out on Instagram @PassiveIncomePilots: https://www.instagram.com/passiveincomepilots/Follow us on X @IncomePilots: https://twitter.com/IncomePilotsGet our updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/passive-income-pilots/Do you have questions or want to discuss this episode? Contact us at ask@passiveincomepilots.com See you at the next one!*Legal Disclaimer*The content of this podcast is provided solely for educational and informational purposes. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts, Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson, and do not reflect those of any organization they are associated with, including Turbine Capital or Spartan Investment Group. The opinions of our guests are their own and should not be construed as financial advice. This podcast does not offer tax, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are advised to consult with their own legal or financial counsel and to conduct their own due diligence before making any financial decisions.

Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson welcome back Chris Prefontaine for a practical conversation on active investing, creative deal structures, and using real estate to build capital for future passive income. Built for pilots and high-income professionals, this episode looks at what it takes to move beyond simply writing checks into deals and start understanding how opportunities are created. Chris brings a seasoned perspective on today’s market, traditional bank limits, and the skills investors need before getting more hands-on. If you have ever wondered whether active real estate could help fuel your long-term wealth strategy, this episode is worth your attention.Chris Prefontaine is the Chairman and Founder of Smart Real Estate Coach®, a best-selling author, and host of the Smart Real Estate Coach® Podcast. With nearly 35 years in the industry, Chris has helped investors better understand creative real estate strategies through changing market cycles. His work gives listeners a practical look at how experience, education, and smart deal structure can shape a more resilient investing path.Show notes:(0:00) Intro(0:44) Active income to passive wealth(4:36) Chris’ real estate background(9:23) The three-payday strategy(11:51) First steps for active investors(16:44) Creative financing trends(19:04) What does creative financing mean(23:28) Personal guarantee risks(27:03) Buying short-term rentals(33:03) OutroConnect with Chris:Website: https://3paydaysbooks.com/pip LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisprefontaine/ Related Episode: #97 - Creative Deal Structuring: Smart Real Estate Strategies with Chris PrefontaineIf you’re interested in participating, the latest institutional-quality self-storage portfolio is available for investment now at: https://turbinecap.investnext.com/portal/offerings/8449/houston-storage/ — You've found the number one resource for financial education for aviators! Please consider leaving a rating and sharing this podcast with your colleagues in the aviation community, as it can serve as a valuable resource for all those involved in the industry.Remember to subscribe for more insights at PassiveIncomePilots.com! https://passiveincomepilots.com/ Join our growing community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/passivepilotsCheck us out on Instagram @PassiveIncomePilots: https://www.instagram.com/passiveincomepilots/Follow us on X @IncomePilots: https://twitter.com/IncomePilotsGet our updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/passive-income-pilots/Do you have questions or want to discuss this episode? Contact us at ask@passiveincomepilots.com See you at the next one!*Legal Disclaimer*The content of this podcast is provided solely for educational and informational purposes. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts, Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson, and do not reflect those of any organization they are associated with, including Turbine Capital or Spartan Investment Group. The opinions of our guests are their own and should not be construed as financial advice. This podcast does not offer tax, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are advised to consult with their own legal or financial counsel and to conduct their own due diligence before making any financial decisions.

What happens when the aviation job market shifts faster than pilots are prepared for?Live from TPNX in Dallas, Tait Duryea sits down with Nik Fialka for a timely look at pilot hiring, airline interviews, and career strategy in a changing aviation market. From major airline hiring trends to the pressure facing Spirit and regional pilots, this episode gives pilots and aviation families a clearer view of what is shifting, what still matters, and why preparation can make or break the next opportunity. If you know an aspiring pilot, military transition pilot, regional pilot, or airline hopeful, this is the conversation to send them before the next interview window opens.Nik Fialka is a major airline pilot, former U.S. Navy pilot, aviation mentor, and host of Ready 4 Pushback. As part of Spitfire Elite, he helps pilots prepare for high-stakes airline interviews with a focus on confidence, communication, leadership, and cultural fit. With experience across military aviation, airline operations, and pilot coaching, Nik brings a practical, no-fluff perspective to the career decisions that shape a pilot’s future. His work supports aviators from flight training to major airline interviews and beyond.Show notes:(0:00) Intro(1:48) Nick’s aviation background(3:36) Inside Spitfire Elite(5:11) Why interview prep matters(7:08) Authentic interview answers(8:49) Ready for Pushback podcast(12:13) State of aviation hiring(18:04) Major airline hiring numbers(19:37) Advice for Spirit pilots(22:59) Standing out beyond flight time(27:16) OutroConnect with Nik Fialka:Website: https://spitfireelite.com/ Email: podcast@spitfireelite.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sir-nik-fialka-86b16515/ If you’re interested in participating, the latest institutional-quality self-storage portfolio is available for investment now at: https://turbinecap.investnext.com/portal/offerings/8449/houston-storage/ — You've found the number one resource for financial education for aviators! Please consider leaving a rating and sharing this podcast with your colleagues in the aviation community, as it can serve as a valuable resource for all those involved in the industry.Remember to subscribe for more insights at PassiveIncomePilots.com! https://passiveincomepilots.com/ Join our growing community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/passivepilotsCheck us out on Instagram @PassiveIncomePilots: https://www.instagram.com/passiveincomepilots/Follow us on X @IncomePilots: https://twitter.com/IncomePilotsGet our updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/passive-income-pilots/Do you have questions or want to discuss this episode? Contact us at ask@passiveincomepilots.com See you at the next one!*Legal Disclaimer*The content of this podcast is provided solely for educational and informational purposes. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts, Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson, and do not reflect those of any organization they are associated with, including Turbine Capital or Spartan Investment Group. The opinions of our guests are their own and should not be construed as financial advice. This podcast does not offer tax, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are advised to consult with their own legal or financial counsel and to conduct their own due diligence before making any financial decisions.