July 15, 2019
Small flight departments, which have two aircraft or fewer, account for about 80 percent of flight departments and have their own set of unique rewards and challenges. “Sometimes there is a challenge with resources and having enough resources to do what we need to do.” said James Stone, CAM, AFLAC, director of aviation. “The onus is really on me and my team to plan ahead and ask for what we need, and we regularly work with leadership to communicate what is needed to accomplish what they’re looking for.”
This week, NBAA Flight Plan host Pete Combs speaks with:
- David Keys, Peace River Citrus Products, chief pilot, chair of Small Flight Department Subcommittee of the NBAA Domestic Operations Committee
- Jeffrey Long, University of Kansas, director of aviation services and chief pilot
- James Stone, CAM, AFLAC, director of aviation
The NBAA Flight Plan podcast, which ran from 2009 to 2025, provided an overview of important developments affecting NBAA members, and the association’s work to advocate for their interest. The archive of past episodes will remain available for your enjoyment. Please note that no new episodes will be released.
Related Articles
Nov/Dec 2025
Smart Ideas for Hiring Contract Scheduler/Dispatchers
Seasoned industry professionals offered tips on finding contractors who will be the right fit for your business aircraft operation.
Read More
Nov/Dec 2025
Vets Who Turned Military Experience Into Bizav Careers
Industry leaders share their stories on how America’s veterans can help fill business aviation’s looming workforce gap.
Read More
Student Edition 2025/2026
Advocacy Can Open Doors to Careers in Aviation
Meet a flight operations specialist who found her career path in business aviation after a series of closed doors put her in the right place at the right time.
Read More
Student Edition 2025/2026
How One Engineer Found an Exciting Career in Business Aviation
A powerful passion for aviation drove Dylan Brown’s journey from an airport baggage handler to an engineering role at a prestigious aircraft manufacturer to piloting a sophisticated business jet.
Read More
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.