Podcast

Why Schedulers Are Aviation’s Unsung Heroes | Don Chupp on Safety & Resilience

Why Schedulers Are Aviation’s Unsung Heroes | Don Chupp on Safety & Resilience

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The Hidden Role That Saves Lives in Aviation | Don Chupp

✈️ Behind every safe flight, there’s a scheduler making it happen.

In this powerful episode of the LD Aviation Podcast, host Lindsay Dyer sits down with Don Chupp, CEO of Fireside Partners, to uncover the often-overlooked but critical role of schedulers in aviation safety and emergency response.

From real-life crisis stories to practical strategies for improving resilience, Don shares nearly two decades of insight on what it really takes to keep flight operations safe, calm, and coordinated.

Major Themes & Concepts

  • The Founding of Fireside Partners:

The story behind how Fireside Partners was created and its mission to enhance aviation safety and emergency response.

  • The Crucial Role of Schedulers in Aviation Safety:

How schedulers serve as the backbone of crisis management and day-to-day operational safety.

  • Mental Health and Resilience in Aviation:

Why mental health is essential for aviation professionals and how resilience training can improve performance under pressure.

  • Addressing Safety Gaps:

Practical ways to recognize and fix vulnerabilities in safety planning to ensure seamless operations.

  • The Need for Scheduler Certification:

A case for establishing a formal certification program to recognize and elevate the profession of aviation schedulers.

  • Real-Life Crisis Management Stories:

Insights and lessons from real aviation emergencies that highlight the importance of preparation and teamwork.

  • Improving Emergency Response Through Proactive Planning:

Strategies to enhance preparedness and ensure a coordinated response during aviation crises.

Chapter Breakdown

00:00 – Intro: The Role of Schedulers in Aviation
01:50 – Don Chupp’s Daily Discipline & Focus Habits
03:10 – Don’s Journey: From Air Force to Emergency Response
06:08 – Founding of Fireside Partners & Vision
08:10 – Why Schedulers Are Often Left Out of Safety Planning
10:29 – Real Impact of Schedulers in Emergency Scenarios
13:00 – Situational Awareness & Thinking Beyond the Checklist
15:42 – Human Factors & Fatigue Risk in Scheduling
18:05 – The Truth: Industry Hasn’t Progressed As Much As We Think
21:54 – Listening to the Emerging Aviation Workforce
24:12 – Empowering Schedulers During Drills & Training
26:03 – Real Story: Schedulers Leading Emergency Communication
28:12 – What Emergencies Look Like from a Scheduler’s POV
30:34 – Why Schedulers Notice Safety Red Flags First
32:26 – Signs Frontline Voices Are Being Ignored
34:26 – The Need for Professional Scheduler Certification
35:13 – Fireside’s Approach to Resilience & Mental Health
39:35 – How Schedulers Can Be Part of Emergency Solutions
41:38 – Advocating for Better Data & Passenger Awareness
44:00 – The Case for Emergency Contact Protocols
46:11 – Vetting Supplemental Lift Providers
48:37 – Why In-Person Site Visits Build Trust
50:48 – Final Thoughts: Elevating Scheduler Roles in Aviation
52:47 – Outro: Behind Every Great Flight is a Great Scheduler

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