Send us a textWelcome 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 - Intro00:42 - Top Gun & Flying the F-1417:08 - Life in Australia & Flying for Qantas21:49 - QF7231:52 - Aftermath of QF7243:44 - Automation 46:28 - Reduced Crew Operations 51:43 - Life after flying 55:05 - Closing wordsFly safe and stick with it.
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Captain Andrew Stewart (Ret'd)
Send us a textWelcome 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.
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Captain Ryan Smith
Send us a textWelcome 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.Timestamps:00:00 – Intro00:44 – How Ryan's Flying Career Began05:02 – Starting in QantasLink06:45 – Moving from Q300 to Q40009:08 – Starting at QantasLink as a New Recruit14:49 – Flying Roles, F/O and Capt Flying16:30 – Ground School Training19:12 – First Days as a QantasLink Pilot23:05 – Rostering & First Flights33:17 – Memory Items & Recalls34:50 – Training and Checking Secrets38:00 – Diverse Operations41:00 – Dealing with Setbacks44:32 – Where AIPA Can Help46:30 – Advice for Pilots48:53 – 3 Key Things to Remember52:32 - OutroFly safe and stick with it.
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Captain Wayne Kearns (Ret'd)
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. Timestamps:00:00 - Intro01:45 - Origins of AIPA12:48 - Flying with WWII Veterans 14:07 - Time as AIPA President 18:29 - 1989 Pilots Dispute 24:30 - Working for Qantas post AIPA31:54 - Managing Pilots 33:39 - Stories from Managing Pilots39:43 - Flight Engineers 43:33 - Seniority List 44:32 - Mergers with Airlines50:03 - Advice for Pilots51:42 - Life in RetirementFly safe and stick with it.
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Captain Andrew Marshall
Send us a textWe’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 farewellFly safe and stick with it.
Presented by the Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA), Stick With It is a podcast for pilots who want to learn, reflect, and grow in their profession.Each episode features conversations with experienced guests from current to former pilots and aviation experts, sharing stories, practical skills, and timeless advice for navigating a career in aviation.Fly safe and stick with it.
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