BizAv Flight Ops Improvements: Motivating the Crew

One of my early mentors taught me that people are the foundation of a successful business. Without empowered, dedicated and team-spirited people, a business cannot thrive – it could even fail.

In Business Aviation, pilots and cabin crew are ambassadors of service and excellence. We are the public face of our companies. Choosing the right people to form and build our teams takes expertise.

Hiring Key Flight Ops Team Members

Firstly, what type of people do you want within your flight operation? Different organizations and operations will require different personalities to fit into their work dynamic.

It can be challenging to select a new team member who fits the core personality, values and culture of your organization, while simultaneously having the proficiency and experience required to operate sophisticated aircraft in complex airspace. Whoever becomes your choice must fit in with the camaraderie of your existing team and be an asset to it.

Having aircraft specific experience and a type rating is always helpful and shortens the operational start-up but, in my opinion, it should not be a deal breaker where hiring the right person is concerned. For the right person, investment in training will always be worthwhile.

Retaining Key Flight Ops Team Members

Once you have built your dream team, you will want to keep them. Retention requires a combination of competitive salaries, benefits and lifestyle. That means you will need to regularly benchmark against the industry what compensation you are offering and how attractive it is in comparison to other BizAv flight operations.

Health insurance, retirement plans, and performance-based bonuses significantly enhance staff retention, while creating a great atmosphere and place to work is the cherry on the cake.

Continuous learning and career advancement opportunities are also vital for retention. It’s worth considering sponsoring advanced training, certification courses, and leadership development programs to keep the team motivated. Meanwhile, mentorship programs help foster knowledge transfer, personal growth, interpersonal relationships, and prepare people for advanced roles that provide a pipeline of qualified leaders.

Corporate flying often has irregular schedules and requires extended periods away from home. What are you doing to promote a healthy work-life balance with flexible scheduling, adequate rest periods, and limited consecutive duty days? Not only will due care and attention to these details mitigate fatigue and improve wellbeing among the team, but it will help increase staff stability within your flight operation.

More predictable schedules, although challenging to deliver, are known to reduce burnout, reduce sick days and enhance job satisfaction.

Similarly, tailored health and wellness programs, including regular medical check-ups, fitness incentives, health support and access to mental health professionals will significantly improve quality of life for the team. As your flight operation demonstrates a commitment to its employees, it will build appreciation, loyalty, and assure that you have fit people flying, servicing and maintaining your airplanes.

As part of your demonstration of that commitment, it’s important to ensure everyone in the flight operation has a voice. By implementing a robust feedback mechanism, you provide an opportunity for everybody to voice their experiences and suggestions – helping them shape the operation and its culture. Be sure to regularly review and act upon the feedback, ensuring issues are addressed promptly.

Workload Reduction for the Flight Ops Team

The integration of digital communication tools, such as real-time messaging systems, electronic flight bags, flight tracking applications and especially satellite-based worldwide internet connectivity helps keep flight crews, ground staff and management connected.

It has streamlined information-sharing and changed the concept of Crew Resource Management (CRM) which now reaches far beyond the cockpit and brings access to expertise and information in a matter of seconds.

How technologically advanced is your flight operation in this regard? Are you doing all you can to make the workload of your team more manageable with the aid of technology, streamlining the way they can complete essential aspects of their jobs?

Software tracking systems provide real-time data on aircraft performance, maintenance requirements, and scheduling, for example. By using predictive analytics, maintenance needs can be anticipated, reducing unscheduled repairs and minimizing downtime – making the team more proactive than reactive.

With the guesswork eliminated, the team will be able to better manage their time while simultaneously reducing costs.

It’s all in the Vision for your Flight Operation

A clear strategic vision aligning with the company’s overall goals is important and should establish both short- and long-term objectives for your team and department, identifying key performance indicators, and regularly reviewing progress.

A defined strategy provides direction and ensures that people know their goals and expectations, reducing anxiety but increasing job satisfaction.

In Summary...

Adopting a culture of ongoing improvement encourages innovation and adaptability. When you have a great team at the core of your flight operation, don’t rest on your laurels. Regularly review processes, incorporate new technologies, and seek feedback from employees and clients to help identify areas for enhancement.

Take the responsibility of empowering your team seriously. Highly motivated individuals strive, create and deliver successful results. The core of my operational plan always relies on empowerment and growth that drives the delivery of service excellence. If you’re not already, I suggest you do the same!