Captain Ryan Smith

Send us Fan Mail 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.