SDC2026: Expert Strategies to Sharpen Scheduling, Dispatch and Operational Decision-Making

March 24, 2026

For aviation schedulers, managers and operations teams, navigating missed slots, last-minute changes and international logistics demands more than technical know-how – it requires sharp decision-making, cross-departmental coordination and a culture of accountability.

During the 2026 NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference (SDC2026), the session “Scheduling 201: Expert Techniques for Efficient Flight Coordination,” will walk professionals through real-world situations that test strategic thinking. From supplemental lift and customs protocols to recordkeeping and global checklists, the session offers practical standards designed to deliver lasting value across an organization.

The session, which takes place at 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 25, features panelists Emily Moore, flight operations scheduler at Elite Jets; Annie Wyatt, manager of crew scheduling at Executive Jet Management and Brian Zolotorofe, senior manager of crew logistics and scheduling at Wheels Up. Each will unique perspectives based on their wide range of skillsets during scenario-based discussions.

The panel will focus on five key points:

• Using resources effectively
• Navigating technical challenges
• Fostering cross-departmental collaboration
• Managing disruptions and operational challenges
• Decision-making in high pressure aviation environments

For example, panelists will share practical examples of dealing with technical difficulties, such as issues with crew scheduling software and problems caused by recent Outlook outages.

“Crew scheduling software is a common technical challenge. Some programs may require more manual processing, and certain companies are restricted to specific software due to safety and compliance requirements,” said Wyatt. “Meanwhile, the recent Outlook email outages demonstrated how technical disruptions can quickly arise without warning, but we need to be prepared to find alternatives and work around those challenges.”

Recent airspace closures surrounding Venezuela, affecting much of the Caribbean, alongside ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, have highlighted key challenges in managing disruption and operational risk. These events not only disrupt scheduled flights but can also result in crew members being out of position without viable options for safe repatriation. In such circumstances, ensuring the safety and security of personnel remains paramount despite the potential for unpredictable environments.

The panelists also will look at how operational standards can promote consistency and accountability and offer best practices to avoid complacency, elevate strategic thinking and deliver lasting value to your organization.

“Smaller organizations might not have checklists, SOPs or emergency response plans to rely on,” said Wyatt. “If you do have these tools, use them. If you don’t, create them.” For example, if you don’t have a checklist available for a frequent task, like calling FBOs for parking reservations, catering and ground transportation, make one and use it each time you complete that task and refine it over time, if needed.

“We hope attendees will walk away with something they can use to drive meaningful change within their organizations,” said Wyatt. “While large companies often face greater challenges when implementing improvements, each person can still refine the way they approach their work. Even small, personal changes can create lasting, positive impacts on a scheduler’s effectiveness and longterm career growth within any operation.”

Scheduling 201 is part of a series of scheduling and dispatching tips from the industry’s top experts. It follows Scheduling 101: Building a Solid Foundation and precedes Scheduling 301: Mastering the Art of Scheduling and Dispatching. These three sessions provided beginner, intermediate and “pro” level content for schedulers, dispatchers and managers of all experience levels.

View the full program schedule and don’t miss this session at 9 a.m. March 25.