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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