Episodes

  • Aviation Matters: Kristi Ivey & Phil Derner from NBAA | Episode 93

    Aviation Matters: Kristi Ivey & Phil Derner from NBAA | Episode 93
    May 1 2026
    In this episode, Lindsay Dyer speaks with Kristi Ivey and Phil Derner, Regional Directors with the National Business Aviation Association. They share how they ended up in their roles and what the job entails before really diving into the member experience with NBAA. Their passion for making a change within the aviation field is clear. Kristi and Phil cover why your voice matters, how to get involved, and the numerous resources available through NBAA. For more, you can visit: https://nbaa.org Kristi Ivey Represents Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming kivey@nbaa.org Kristi Ivey, CAM joined the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) in 2007 and serves as one of NBAA's Regional Directors covering AL, FL, GA, ID, MN, MT, NC, ND, SC, SD, UT, WI, & WY. Prior to joining NBAA, Kristi managed the flight operations scheduling and dispatch team for The Home Depot Aviation Department. She is an instrument-rated private pilot with an aircraft dispatcher’s license and a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management from Auburn University. Kristi's home base is Livingston, Montana. https://nbaa.org/about/contact-nbaa/regional-directors/kristi-ivey/ Phil Derner Represents Alaska, Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia pderner@nbaa.org Phil Derner is a Regional Director for the National Business Aviation Association, handling government affairs and advocacy in 12 states. He has a background in aviation operations management in multiple aviation sectors (DoD contract, major airline, private charter), and also in communications as a writer and on-air analyst in news (FoxNews, CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, etc.), and documentaries (History, National Geographic, Discovery, etc.). Show Notes 0:00 Intro 1:02 Road to NBAA 5:07 Week In The Life 11:41 Member Experience 16:55 Making Change 28:02 Looking to the Future 42:20 NBAA Resources 47:12 Getting Involved 58:39 Final Thoughts ABOUT LD AVIATION PODCAST Welcome to the LD Aviation Podcast! We aim to promote cooperation and collaboration within the Business Aviation community by featuring discussions with industry leaders, experts, and professionals. We know how important it is for Executive Assistants, Schedulers and Dispatchers to learn efficiently.That’s why we made this podcast to give you helpful ideas about Business Aviation. Host and CEO, Lindsay Dyer, talks to experts in Business Aviation to share their knowledge. They talk about what’s new and interesting in the industry, and give tips to help EA’s, Schedulers and Dispatchers do their job well.We hope you join us on this exciting journey to learn more about Business Aviation! https://ldaviationservices.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-dyer-ancora/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Yikes! Learning From Pilot Mistakes with JJ Madison | Episode 92

    Yikes! Learning From Pilot Mistakes with JJ Madison | Episode 92
    Feb 20 2026
    In this episode, Lindsay Dyer speaks with JJ Madison, author of YIKES! 100 Smart Pilots and the Dumb Things They Did Yet Lived to Tell About ‘Em. JJ shares how he got involved in aviation, the importance of mentorship and support, and the focus of his writing. They cover the benefits of NASA reports and how pilots can learn from mistakes. Most importantly, JJ is using his book to pay it forward through the Victor Kilo Fund, supporting the future of the aviation industry. Find more at: https://www.victorkilofund.org/product/yikes Show Notes 0:00 Intro 4:28 Mistakes & Safety Writing 10:00 NASA Reports 13:31 Writing Yikes 17:47 Surprising Stories 20:20 Errors in Ease & Familiarity 27:36 Fatigue & Self Awareness 34:09 Get-There-Itis & Upcoming Pilots 41:37 Paying It Forward 47:32 Supporting Victor Kilo Fund 51:35 Mindset Shift & Final Thoughts ABOUT JJ Madison Jeffrey “JJ” Madison is a Harvard-educated flight instructor, mentor pilot, author and airline pilot. A pilot since 1995, he has over 1,500 hours dual given and flown into more than 250 GA airports throughout most of the Lower 48. He’s also a helicopter pilot. JJ examined thousands of NASA reports for his column, "Human Factors”, and is the only aviation safety expert who analyzes NASA reports for the benefit of the pilot community. His book, YIKES! 100 Smart Pilots and the Dumb Things They Did Yet Lived to Tell About ‘Em is a collection of the best of those columns. He wrote the book so that all proceeds from its sales will help fund aerospace scholarships for Civil Air Patrol squadrons, under-resourced flight schools and STEM organizations, through the Victor Kilo Fund, a non-profit aerospace foundation that he co-founded with his wife. ABOUT LD AVIATION PODCAST Welcome to the LD Aviation Podcast! We aim to promote cooperation and collaboration within the Business Aviation community by featuring discussions with industry leaders, experts, and professionals. We know how important it is for Executive Assistants, Schedulers and Dispatchers to learn efficiently.That’s why we made this podcast to give you helpful ideas about Business Aviation. Host and CEO, Lindsay Dyer, talks to experts in Business Aviation to share their knowledge. They talk about what’s new and interesting in the industry, and give tips to help EA’s, Schedulers and Dispatchers do their job well.We hope you join us on this exciting journey to learn more about Business Aviation! https://ldaviationservices.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-dyer-ancora/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr
  • Future of Pilot Staffing: Flying Company with Tyler Flagg | Episode 91

    Future of Pilot Staffing: Flying Company with Tyler Flagg | Episode 91
    Feb 6 2026
    In this episode, Lindsay Dyer speaks with Tyler Flagg, CEO of Flying Company. Aiming to bringing greater transparency, efficiency, and reliability to pilot staffing, Flying Company is a platform built to streamline how flight departments find, evaluate, hire, and pay professional pilots. They address many of the pain points involved in the process and how Flying Company aims to alleviate the entire process, as well as changes they are looking to implement in the future. Find more at: https://flyingcompany.com Show Notes 0:00 Intro 1:14 Aviation Background 7:58 The Flying Company 17:27 Scheduling & Dispatching 19:49 Credentials & Communication 25:00 Safety Reports & SMS 30:09 Looking to the Future 35:49 Before Starting on App 39:35 Trusted Partner Program 41:50 Payment & Final Thoughts ABOUT TYLER FLAGG Tyler Flagg is a former U.S. Air Force Special Operations Instructor and Evaluator Pilot and deployed Squadron Commander, with operational flying experience spanning 67 countries across six continents. During his final deployment, he led 35 Airmen and commanded a fleet of Special Operations aircraft in the Pacific theater. After separating from the Air Force in 2021, Tyler transitioned into business aviation as Chief Pilot and Aircraft Manager for a Part 91 flight department in Arkansas. In that role, he experienced firsthand the operational friction and inefficiencies associated with sourcing, vetting, and compensating qualified contract pilots. Motivated by that challenge, Tyler founded Flying Company, a platform built to streamline how flight departments find, evaluate, hire, and pay professional pilots—bringing greater transparency, efficiency, and reliability to pilot staffing. Tyler currently serves on the NBAA Domestic Operations Committee and is an active member of the working group for NBAA’s Military Connect program, where he continues to support the transition of military aviators into civilian and business aviation roles. Email: tyler@flyingcompany.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerflagg/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/flyingcompany/ ABOUT LD AVIATION PODCAST Welcome to the LD Aviation Podcast! We aim to promote cooperation and collaboration within the Business Aviation community by featuring discussions with industry leaders, experts, and professionals. We know how important it is for Executive Assistants, Schedulers and Dispatchers to learn efficiently.That’s why we made this podcast to give you helpful ideas about Business Aviation. Host and CEO, Lindsay Dyer, talks to experts in Business Aviation to share their knowledge. They talk about what’s new and interesting in the industry, and give tips to help EA’s, Schedulers and Dispatchers do their job well.We hope you join us on this exciting journey to learn more about Business Aviation! https://ldaviationservices.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-dyer-ancora/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    52 mins
  • Episode 90: Inside Aircraft Maintenance: Real Problems and Real Solutions

    Episode 90: Inside Aircraft Maintenance: Real Problems and Real Solutions
    Nov 14 2025
    In this episode of the LD Aviation Podcast, host Lindsay Dyer talks with Mark Melby, an aviation entrepreneur and the creator of Aloft Evermore. Mark shares what is really happening behind the scenes of aircraft maintenance and why so many flight departments struggle with planning, communication, and understanding true downtime. His experience across maintenance, operations, and aviation business gives a clear look at the challenges teams face every day. ✈️ This conversation focuses on real solutions that help operators work smarter and avoid the common issues that lead to delays, confusion, and unnecessary costs. Mark explains how better forecasting, simple communication, and the right systems can make life easier for mechanics, dispatchers, pilots, and owners. Whether you support a single aircraft or a full flight department, this episode offers practical guidance to help your operation stay ahead. 00:00– Welcome Back to LD Aviation 00:35 – Meet Mark Melby and the Story Behind Aloft Evermore 01:20 – Why Maintenance Planning Matters 02:17 – Mark’s Early Aviation Journey 04:00 – Shifting from Flying to Maintenance and Entrepreneurship 06:20 – Why Small Flight Departments Struggle with Planning 07:05 – How the Idea for Aloft Evermore Began 08:10 – Costs, Networks, and Building Industry Relationships 10:15 – What Aloft Evermore Helps Operators Do 11:02 – Long Term Planning and Comparing Maintenance Shops 12:55 – AI and the Evermore RFQ Tool 15:05 – Creating Visibility for Smaller Repair Shops 16:55 – Maintenance, Ops, Dispatch, and Daily Scheduling Challenges 18:57 – Understanding Downtime, Forecasting, and Experience Gaps 20:58 – How Poor Communication Creates Bigger Problems 23:06 – Reframing Downtime and Improving Department Visibility 26:05 – Using Automation to Reduce Calls and Delays 27:13 – Building a Tech Business While Working Maintenance 28:54 – Staying Connected to Real User Needs 30:19 – Leadership Lessons from Running a Startup 31:25 – Why Innovation Is Hard in Aviation 33:30 – The Rise of Specialty Companies in BizAv 34:17 – Advice for Future Aviation Entrepreneurs 35:54 – The Future of Tech, Automation, and Predictive Maintenance 39:09 – The Cost of Not Planning Ahead 40:20 – Rental Engines, Long Term Prep, and Real World Examples 40:40 – Where to Learn More About Aloft Evermore 41:40 – Demo Details and Vendor Onboarding 42:20 – Final Thanks and LD Aviation Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    43 mins
  • Episode 89: The Backseat Pilot Story: From C-17 Instructor to Aviation Innovator

    Episode 89: The Backseat Pilot Story: From C-17 Instructor to Aviation Innovator
    Oct 31 2025
    In this episode of the LD Aviation Podcast, host Lindsay Dyer talks with Nate Ehlers, an airline pilot, former C17 instructor, and founder of Backseat Pilot. Nate shares his story of starting on the ramp, moving into the cockpit, and eventually building a business that helps the next generation of flight instructors and students. His journey shows how hard work, curiosity, and saying yes to opportunities can completely change a career. ✈️ This conversation is about more than aviation. It’s about growth, mentorship, and finding purpose in every stage of the journey. Whether you are just getting started in aviation or already flying at the highest level, Nate’s story is a reminder that every flight path begins with persistence and passion for the skies. Check out backseatpilot.com Chapter Breakdown 00:00 – Intro: Behind the Scenes of LD Aviation 01:15 – Meet Nate Ehlers: Pilot, Instructor & Entrepreneur 03:40 – Early Beginnings in Aviation 06:10 – Discovering the Air Force Path 09:55 – The Military Selection Maze 13:05 – From Civilian CFI to C-17 Pilot 15:30 – How Military Training Shapes Civilian Flying 17:25 – Lessons from Teaching Across Fields 19:10 – Why Ground Operations Matter for Every Pilot 21:25 – Real-World Maintenance & Flight Stories 23:40 – Learning the Other Side: Dispatch & Ops Perspective 26:05 – The Power of a Plan B in Aviation Careers 28:10 – Furloughs, the 2020 Impact & the Reserve Advantage 30:30 – Networking on the Ramp & Building Connections 32:20 – Unexpected Detours that Shaped Nate’s Career 35:00 – How to Build Meaningful Aviation Relationships 36:20 – Turning an Idea into a Business: Backseat Pilot 38:50 – How a Simple Idea Took Off Mid-Flight 41:00 – Building Lesson Plans for Flight Instructors 43:15 – From Side Hustle to Aviation Brand 45:20 – Marketing Without Ads: The Power of Word of Mouth 47:10 – The Long Road: Patience in Building a Brand 50:05 – AI in Aviation Training: What’s Possible Now 54:20 – The Future of Learning for CFIs 57:00 – Building the Next Generation of Flight Training Tools 1:00:25 – From Lesson Plans to Full Training Systems 1:04:10 – Final Advice: Persistence in the Sky & Business 1:06:15 – Where to Find Backseat Pilot & Wrap-Up Guest Info: Nathan Ehlers Host Information: Lindsay Dyer Production, Distribution, and Marketing Jeanette Carrillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Episode 88: Beyond the Checklist: Building a Smarter Safety Culture in Private Aviation

    Episode 88: Beyond the Checklist: Building a Smarter Safety Culture in Private Aviation
    Oct 17 2025
    In this episode of the LD Aviation Podcast, host Lindsay Dyer sits down with Dr. Jason Starke to discuss how private and corporate aviation are redefining safety in 2025. From leadership accountability to human factors and fatigue management, Dr. Starke shares how operators can move beyond compliance to create proactive, people-first safety cultures that last. This episode dives into what truly drives safe operations communication, leadership, and trust. Whether you’re managing, flying, or dispatching, you’ll gain practical insights to strengthen safety and team performance at every level. Chapter Breakdown 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Intro by Lindsey Dyer 00:35 – Introducing Dr. Jason Stark & his aviation-safety background 02:00 – How human behavior drives safety success or failure 04:00 – The big myth: “No accidents = safe operation” 06:10 – Defining real safety culture vs paper compliance 08:00 – Leadership influence on everyday safety decisions 10:00 – Balancing production pressure vs protection mindset 12:10 – “Safety Citizenship” — everyone owns safety 14:00 – Schedulers & dispatchers: the glue of flight departments 16:20 – Fatigue management & human-factor challenges 18:40 – When communication saves flights (and when it fails) 21:00 – Real-world stories of near-misses & lessons learned 23:10 – Why ASAP programs build trust through reporting 25:20 – Just Culture vs punitive culture — creating safe feedback 27:30 – Inside Baldwin Aviation & BASC support for operators 29:45 – Turning data into decisions that prevent accidents 32:00 – Training leaders to reinforce positive behavior 34:10 – Safety with limited resources & small teams 36:00 – Collaboration across flight departments & vendors 38:10 – Future challenges: AI, automation & UAS integration 40:20 – Mental-health awareness in aviation operations 42:10 – Mentorship & developing the next generation of leaders 44:10 – Avoiding complacency & the illusion of perfection 46:00 – Jason’s core message: “Safety is about people, not paper.” 48:00 – Key takeaways for flight leaders & operators 49:20 – Outro and closing thank-you from LD Aviation Podcast Guest Info: • Jason Starke Host Information: • Lindsay Dyer | LinkedIn • LD Aviation | LD Aviation Services Production, Distribution, and Marketing • By Jeanette Carrillo, Brad, Hassan Ali • Website: www.ldaviation.net • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ldaviation-services • Website: Fiverr • LinkedIn: Jeanette’s LinkedIn For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email jeanette@ldaviation.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    50 mins
  • Episode 87: Data Is Aviation’s Superpower: Portside’s Role in Flight Department Success

    Episode 87: Data Is Aviation’s Superpower: Portside’s Role in Flight Department Success
    Oct 3 2025
    In this episode, host Lindsay Dyer sits down with Robyn Carpenter of Portside to explore how technology is transforming the way flight departments operate. Robyn brings more than 25 years of experience, starting in Taco Bell’s flight department and now helping aviation leaders leverage data and software to stay efficient, compliant, and valuable. She shares how platforms like PFM, BART, Avianis, FOSS, and Horizon give teams the tools they need to manage scheduling, fuel, and maintenance with confidence. Chapters Breakdown 00:00 – Introduction & Welcome 01:30 – Meet Robyn Carpenter & her aviation journey 04:00 – From whiteboards to web-based scheduling tools 06:15 – How tech adoption transformed flight departments 08:30 – Why data is now a hot topic in aviation 10:30 – Spend management, savings & fiscal responsibility 11:30 – The struggle: complex reporting vs useful insights 13:00 – Portside’s ecosystem: PFM, BART, Avianis, FOSS, Horizon 14:30 – The Owner Portal & Power BI dashboards 16:00 – Scheduling as the hub: connecting maintenance, safety & trip services 18:00 – The power of two-way integrations 20:00 – Fuel pricing, maintenance & efficiency examples 22:00 – Web-based request systems & reducing email overload 24:00 – Business vs personal use tracking & audit trails 26:00 – Moving from collecting data → making decisions 28:00 – Real story: how Taco Bell flight department stayed alive 31:00 – Visibility, leadership & aligning with corporate goals 33:00 – What’s next: mobile apps, passenger booking, AI & predictive maintenance 36:00 – Advice for schedulers & managers on adopting tech 38:00 – Final takeaways: data leverage, not burden 40:00 – Outro & how to connect with Robyn Carpenter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    42 mins
  • The Hard Truth About Part 91 Flight Departments: Gray Stone Advisors

    The Hard Truth About Part 91 Flight Departments: Gray Stone Advisors
    Sep 19 2025
    In this episode of the LD Aviation Podcast, host Lindsay Dyer sits down with Jim Lara and Steve Brechtor of Gray Stone Advisors to tackle one of business aviation’s toughest challenges: why so many Part 91 flight departments are shutting down. From misaligned corporate priorities to failing to prove value with data, they uncover the real reasons behind closures and share the leadership strategies that can turn things around. Whether you’re a flight department manager, scheduler, or executive, this conversation will give you practical tools to protect your team, prove your worth, and lead with confidence in 2025 and beyond. ⏱️ Chapters / Time Stamps 00:00 – Introduction & Welcome 01:30 – Meet Steve & Jim Lara (Gray Stone Advisors) 06:30 – Steve’s Journey: From Pratt & Whitney to NetJets COO 12:00 – Jim’s Journey: From Levi Strauss to Sea Ray & Aviation Leadership 18:30 – How Gray Stone Advisors Started 23:00 – True Story: Building a Budget Overnight for a Client 28:40 – Why Flight Departments Are Closing Today 32:00 – The 5 Achilles’ Heels of Aviation Leadership 37:30 – Perception Problem: “Garage Mentality” in Corporate Aviation 43:00 – Evaluating Charter, Fractional, and Supplemental Lift Options 49:20 – Case Study: Fractional Share Solving Deadhead Issues 55:10 – Using Data to Tell a Clear Business Story 01:00:00 – The Power of 5-Slide Executive Presentations 01:05:20 – Tools: Budget Builder & Crew Count Explained 01:13:30 – Leadership Lessons: Chief Leading Officer vs Chief Doing Officer 01:18:00 – Coaching Aviation Directors to Gain Confidence 01:22:00 – Top 3 Actions to Secure Your Department’s Future 01:26:00 – Final Takeaways & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 31 mins