Podcast

Mastering Remote Flight Ops: How Planet Nine Leads from Anywhere

Mastering Remote Flight Ops: How Planet Nine Leads from Anywhere

Podcasts
Spotify

The Essential Tools, Culture, and Strategies to Keep Jets Flying High—Wherever You’re Working

Lindsay from LD Aviation dives into how to successfully lead remote flight operations with three experts from Planet Nine Private Air:

  • Brian Walker – Manager of Training and aviation leadership coach
  • Justin Carwile – Director of Customer Service and logistics guru
  • Kate Mihailović – Sales Manager and champion of transparent communication

Together, they unravel the key leadership skills, communication strategies, and tech tools that keep Planet Nine’s fleet running smoothly—no matter where each team member is located. From building a non-punitive, collaborative culture to using shared inboxes and structured Zoom “huddles,” this episode is a masterclass in staying connected and efficient across time zones. If you’re wondering how to maintain safety, training, and team morale while working from your kitchen table or halfway around the globe, this is the conversation you need.

Major Themes & Concepts

Trust & Accountability

  • Hiring self-starters and empowering them to make decisions without micromanagement
  • Holding team members accountable in a supportive, growth-oriented way

Communication & Collaboration

  • Daily huddles and open Zoom calls to replicate “office chatter” and maintain camaraderie
  • Shared inboxes, templates, and “tail chats” to ensure consistent and transparent information flow

Proactive Training & Development

  • Regular one-on-ones to uncover career goals and skill gaps
  • Company-wide scholarships (Elevate Awards) and continuous training for each department

Safety & Crisis Management

  • Clear ERP (Emergency Response Plan) roles, ready-to-go Zoom links, and comprehensive crisis drills
  • Emphasizing a non-punitive approach so team members feel safe reporting and learning from mistakes

Culture of Transparency & Ownership

  • High-level collaboration across departments (Sales, Ops, Client Services, Maintenance)
  • Openly sharing bad news early to preserve relationships with brokers and ensure safe decisions

Technology Stack

  • Front for seamless inbox collaboration
  • WhatsApp for real-time team chats
  • Google Drive and dedicated Zoom links for crisis response and everyday operations

Chapter Breakdown

  • 00:05 – Opening & Remote Work in Aviation
  • 01:19 – Meet Brian Walker
  • 01:23 – Meet Justin Carwile
  • 01:44 – Meet Kate Mihailović
  • 02:30 – Key Leadership Skills for Remote Ops
  • 05:06 – Setting Up Daily Huddles & Maintaining Morale
  • 09:14 – Written Communication & Shared Inboxes
  • 14:24 – Trust, Accountability & Non-Punitive Culture
  • 18:51 – Vendor Relationships & Consistency
  • 25:05 – Continuous Training & Professional Growth
  • 30:08 – Overcoming Time Zone Challenges
  • 35:20 – Interdepartmental Collaboration
  • 39:30 – Handling Last-Minute Changes & Delays
  • 44:33 – Safety at the Core
  • 48:19 – Crisis Response & Tech Tools
  • 54:38 – The Role of AI
  • 57:32 – Wrap-Up & Key Takeaways

Guest Info:

Host Information:

Production, Distribution, and Marketing

For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email hello@MassifKroo.com