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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.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro
00:44 – How Ryan's Flying Career Began
05:02 – Starting in QantasLink
06:45 – Moving from Q300 to Q400
09:08 – Starting at QantasLink as a New Recruit
14:49 – Flying Roles, F/O and Capt Flying
16:30 – Ground School Training
19:12 – First Days as a QantasLink Pilot
23:05 – Rostering & First Flights
33:17 – Memory Items & Recalls
34:50 – Training and Checking Secrets
38:00 – Diverse Operations
41:00 – Dealing with Setbacks
44:32 – Where AIPA Can Help
46:30 – Advice for Pilots
48:53 – 3 Key Things to Remember
52:32 - Outro

Fly safe and stick with it.