Created in 2008, the NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Outstanding Achievement & Leadership Award (OLA) recognizes individuals who have shared their expertise, provided extraordinary service and otherwise have truly “led up” in their roles throughout business aviation. Three of these award winners explain how they have applied lessons learned during their careers. “We all strive to lift each other up and help each other to make each other’s lives easier,” said Amy Thornton, flight operations manager for Lowes Aviation, who won the OLA award in 2017. “The more we listen to each other, it makes our job more fulfilling.”
In this episode of NBAA’s “Flight Plan,” host Rob Finfrock speaks with:
Kelly Rittenhouse, CAM, director of aviation for Hangar Aviation Management and the 2019 recipient of the OLA award
Lisa Swartzwelder, the 2018 OLA honoree and director of shuttle operations and flight administration for L Brands
Amy Thornton, flight operations manager for Lowes Aviation and the 2017 OLA recipient
In critical situations, making sure all teams are sharing important information with each other can mean the difference between success and failure. Experienced business aviation managers share valuable guidance on how to take interdepartmental teamwork to the next level.
There’s a huge potential upside for aviation managers who step outside their comfort zone and get to know the CEO. Understanding the benefits of an engaged, honest relationship with company executives can help avert critical misunderstandings and communication breakdowns that often result in serious repercussions inside a flight operation.
Local and regional business aviation organizations should always have plans for the group’s future leadership, to avoid putting the entire organization at risk. NBAA shares ideas on how to maintain long-term organizational vitality.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.