Mastering Remote Flight Ops: How Planet Nine Leads from Anywhere

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:

LinkedIn: Brian Walker - Manager of Training - Planet Nine Private Air

LinkedIn: Kate Mihailovic - Sales Manager - Planet Nine Private Air

LinkedIn: Justin Carwile - Director Of Customer Service

Website: Planet9

Host Information:

Lindsay Dyer | LinkedIn

LD Aviation | LD Aviation Services

Production, Distribution, and Marketing
By Massif Studio & Production & The Tallawah Group

Website: www.massifsp.com

LinkedIn: Massif Studio & Production

Website: www.TallawahWorldwide.com

LinkedIn: The Tallawah Group

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