Episodes

  • Episode 88: Beyond the Checklist: Building a Smarter Safety Culture in Private Aviation

    Episode 88: Beyond the Checklist: Building a Smarter Safety Culture in Private Aviation
    Oct 17 2025
    In this episode of the LD Aviation Podcast, host Lindsay Dyer sits down with Dr. Jason Starke to discuss how private and corporate aviation are redefining safety in 2025. From leadership accountability to human factors and fatigue management, Dr. Starke shares how operators can move beyond compliance to create proactive, people-first safety cultures that last. This episode dives into what truly drives safe operations communication, leadership, and trust. Whether you’re managing, flying, or dispatching, you’ll gain practical insights to strengthen safety and team performance at every level. Chapter Breakdown 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Intro by Lindsey Dyer 00:35 – Introducing Dr. Jason Stark & his aviation-safety background 02:00 – How human behavior drives safety success or failure 04:00 – The big myth: “No accidents = safe operation” 06:10 – Defining real safety culture vs paper compliance 08:00 – Leadership influence on everyday safety decisions 10:00 – Balancing production pressure vs protection mindset 12:10 – “Safety Citizenship” — everyone owns safety 14:00 – Schedulers & dispatchers: the glue of flight departments 16:20 – Fatigue management & human-factor challenges 18:40 – When communication saves flights (and when it fails) 21:00 – Real-world stories of near-misses & lessons learned 23:10 – Why ASAP programs build trust through reporting 25:20 – Just Culture vs punitive culture — creating safe feedback 27:30 – Inside Baldwin Aviation & BASC support for operators 29:45 – Turning data into decisions that prevent accidents 32:00 – Training leaders to reinforce positive behavior 34:10 – Safety with limited resources & small teams 36:00 – Collaboration across flight departments & vendors 38:10 – Future challenges: AI, automation & UAS integration 40:20 – Mental-health awareness in aviation operations 42:10 – Mentorship & developing the next generation of leaders 44:10 – Avoiding complacency & the illusion of perfection 46:00 – Jason’s core message: “Safety is about people, not paper.” 48:00 – Key takeaways for flight leaders & operators 49:20 – Outro and closing thank-you from LD Aviation Podcast Guest Info: • Jason Starke Host Information: • Lindsay Dyer | LinkedIn • LD Aviation | LD Aviation Services Production, Distribution, and Marketing • By Jeanette Carrillo, Brad, Hassan Ali • Website: www.ldaviation.net • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ldaviation-services • Website: Fiverr • LinkedIn: Jeanette’s LinkedIn For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email jeanette@ldaviation.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    50 mins
  • Episode 87: Data Is Aviation’s Superpower: Portside’s Role in Flight Department Success

    Episode 87: Data Is Aviation’s Superpower: Portside’s Role in Flight Department Success
    Oct 3 2025
    In this episode, host Lindsay Dyer sits down with Robyn Carpenter of Portside to explore how technology is transforming the way flight departments operate. Robyn brings more than 25 years of experience, starting in Taco Bell’s flight department and now helping aviation leaders leverage data and software to stay efficient, compliant, and valuable. She shares how platforms like PFM, BART, Avianus, FOSS, and Horizon give teams the tools they need to manage scheduling, fuel, and maintenance with confidence. Chapters Breakdown 00:00 – Introduction & Welcome 01:30 – Meet Robyn Carpenter & her aviation journey 04:00 – From whiteboards to web-based scheduling tools 06:15 – How tech adoption transformed flight departments 08:30 – Why data is now a hot topic in aviation 10:30 – Spend management, savings & fiscal responsibility 11:30 – The struggle: complex reporting vs useful insights 13:00 – Portside’s ecosystem: PFM, BART, Avianus, FOSS, Horizon 14:30 – The Owner Portal & Power BI dashboards 16:00 – Scheduling as the hub: connecting maintenance, safety & trip services 18:00 – The power of two-way integrations 20:00 – Fuel pricing, maintenance & efficiency examples 22:00 – Web-based request systems & reducing email overload 24:00 – Business vs personal use tracking & audit trails 26:00 – Moving from collecting data → making decisions 28:00 – Real story: how Taco Bell flight department stayed alive 31:00 – Visibility, leadership & aligning with corporate goals 33:00 – What’s next: mobile apps, passenger booking, AI & predictive maintenance 36:00 – Advice for schedulers & managers on adopting tech 38:00 – Final takeaways: data leverage, not burden 40:00 – Outro & how to connect with Robyn Carpenter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    42 mins
  • The Hard Truth About Part 91 Flight Departments: Gray Stone Advisors

    The Hard Truth About Part 91 Flight Departments: Gray Stone Advisors
    Sep 19 2025
    In this episode of the LD Aviation Podcast, host Lindsay Dyer sits down with Jim Lara and Steve Brechtor of Gray Stone Advisors to tackle one of business aviation’s toughest challenges: why so many Part 91 flight departments are shutting down. From misaligned corporate priorities to failing to prove value with data, they uncover the real reasons behind closures and share the leadership strategies that can turn things around. Whether you’re a flight department manager, scheduler, or executive, this conversation will give you practical tools to protect your team, prove your worth, and lead with confidence in 2025 and beyond. ⏱️ Chapters / Time Stamps 00:00 – Introduction & Welcome 01:30 – Meet Steve & Jim Lara (Gray Stone Advisors) 06:30 – Steve’s Journey: From Pratt & Whitney to NetJets COO 12:00 – Jim’s Journey: From Levi Strauss to Sea Ray & Aviation Leadership 18:30 – How Gray Stone Advisors Started 23:00 – True Story: Building a Budget Overnight for a Client 28:40 – Why Flight Departments Are Closing Today 32:00 – The 5 Achilles’ Heels of Aviation Leadership 37:30 – Perception Problem: “Garage Mentality” in Corporate Aviation 43:00 – Evaluating Charter, Fractional, and Supplemental Lift Options 49:20 – Case Study: Fractional Share Solving Deadhead Issues 55:10 – Using Data to Tell a Clear Business Story 01:00:00 – The Power of 5-Slide Executive Presentations 01:05:20 – Tools: Budget Builder & Crew Count Explained 01:13:30 – Leadership Lessons: Chief Leading Officer vs Chief Doing Officer 01:18:00 – Coaching Aviation Directors to Gain Confidence 01:22:00 – Top 3 Actions to Secure Your Department’s Future 01:26:00 – Final Takeaways & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 31 mins
  • 12 Accidents, 45 Lives Lost: A Operator’s Wake-Up Call

    12 Accidents, 45 Lives Lost: A Operator’s Wake-Up Call
    Sep 5 2025
    In this episode of the LD Aviation Podcast, host Lindsay Dyer sits down with Valerie Smith, a commercial pilot, certified flight instructor, and dispatcher dedicated to advancing aviation safety. Valerie brings her unique perspective to real-world case studies, showing how proper oversight can prevent tragedies in Part 135 operations. • Valerie Smith – Pilot, instructor, and aviation safety advocate ✈️ This episode uncovers the critical role dispatchers play in protecting lives. From identifying risks to improving decision-making, Valerie shares insights that every operator, pilot, and aviation professional needs to hear. Whether you’re flying, managing operations, or simply passionate about safer skies, this conversation will change the way you see dispatch. Chapter Breakdown 00:00 – Introduction & Welcome 01:30 – Meet Valerie Smith (Pilot, Instructor, Dispatcher) 03:10 – Why Dispatch Matters in Part 135 Ops 05:00 – NTSB vs FAA: Roles in Aviation Safety 08:00 – The Case for Certified Dispatchers 10:15 – Case Study 1: Riverwoods, Illinois (Fuel Mismanagement) 15:40 – Case Study 2: Angoon, Alaska (VFR into Weather) 19:30 – Case Study 3: Talkeetna, Alaska (Tour Crash) 23:50 – Case Study 4: Ketchikan, Alaska (Cruise Ship Tour) 27:10 – Case Study 5: Bethel to St. Mary’s (Commuter Flight Crash) 33:30 – Case Study 6: Juneau, Alaska (Short Hop Gone Wrong) 39:50 – Case Study 7: Mosby, Missouri (Helicopter Fuel Exhaustion) 45:30 – Case Study 8: Enterprise, Alabama (Helicopter Weather Error) 49:40 – Case Study 9: Zaleski, Ohio (Air Ambulance Night Flight) 54:10 – Case Study 10: Bethel to Togak, Alaska (IFR vs VFR) 01:00:30 – Case Study 11: Palmer, Alaska (Heli-Skiing Disaster) 01:03:40 – Case Study 12: Sioux Falls, South Dakota (Cargo Flight Crash) 01:09:20 – Lessons Learned: Why Dispatchers Save Lives 01:12:00 – Call to Action: How You Can Help Aviation Safety 01:14:00 – Closing Thoughts & Outro Guest Info: Valerie Smith Host Information: Lindsay Dyer Production, Distribution, and Marketing jeanette@ldaviation.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • Building Stronger Teams: Greg Linton’s Leadership Journey

    Building Stronger Teams: Greg Linton’s Leadership Journey
    Aug 22 2025
    In this episode of the LD Aviation Podcast, host Lindsay Dyer sits down with Greg Linton, an aviation leader with years of experience in flight operations and team development. Greg opens up about his journey of growth, resilience, and leadership, sharing what it really takes to build strong teams and lead with purpose in the demanding world of aviation. • Greg Linton: Aviation professional and leadership mentor✈️ This episode uncovers the mindset and strategies behind effective leadership. From overcoming setbacks to building trust, Greg highlights the lessons he’s learned through experience and the importance of mentorship, teamwork, and resilience in both aviation and life. Whether you’re an aviator, a leader in another field, or simply seeking motivation, this conversation will inspire you to grow, adapt, and lead with strength. Chapter Breakdown 00:00 – Intro: Welcome to LD Aviation 00:40 – Meet Greg Linton 02:10 – Greg’s Early Journey in Aviation 04:20 – First Steps into Leadership 06:15 – Facing Challenges and Setbacks 08:05 – Learning Resilience Through Experience 10:15 – The Importance of Mentorship 12:00 – Developing Leadership Skills 14:10 – Teamwork and Building Strong Teams 16:05 – Balancing Pressure and Decision-Making 18:00 – Stories from Greg’s Career 20:15 – Leadership in High-Stress Situations 22:10 – Growth Mindset in Aviation and Beyond 24:05 – Helping Others Succeed 26:00 – Advice for Young Leaders 28:20 – Greg’s Vision for the Future of Aviation 30:15 – Lessons Learned from Failures 32:05 – Staying Motivated Through Hard Times 34:10 – Communication and Trust in Leadership 36:00 – Mentorship: Giving Back to the Community 38:05 – What Aviation Taught About Life 40:10 – Personal Stories of Growth and Change 42:00 – Keys to Building Resilient Teams 44:05 – Greg’s Leadership Philosophy 46:15 – Advice for Pilots Entering Leadership Roles 48:00 – Finding Purpose in Aviation 50:10 – Overcoming Doubts and Moving Forward 52:05 – Future Goals and Hopes for Aviation 54:00 – Final Words of Encouragement from Greg 56:00 – Outro & Next Episode Preview Guest Info: • LinkedIn: Greg Linton Host Information: • Lindsay Dyer | LinkedIn • LD Aviation | LD Aviation Services Production, Distribution, and Marketing • By Jeanette Carrillo, Brad, Hassan Ali • Website: www.ldaviation.net • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ldaviation-services• Website: Fiverr • LinkedIn: Jeanette’s LinkedIn For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email jeanette@ldaviation.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Inside AIN with Michelle James: Aviation Media Where Confidence Takes Off

    Inside AIN with Michelle James: Aviation Media Where Confidence Takes Off
    Aug 8 2025
    In this episode of the LD Aviation Podcast, host Lindsay Dyer sits down with Michelle James, a passionate aviator, mentor, and changemaker whose journey into aviation is equal parts inspiring and transformative. From overcoming early fears to finding purpose in the skies, Michelle shares how mindset, representation, and community helped shape her path. • Michelle James: Pilot, mentor, and advocate for inclusion in aviation ✈️ This episode dives deep into the power of believing in yourself — especially when you don’t see others who look like you in the cockpit. Michelle opens up about the moment she realized aviation was for her, the importance of visibility for young aspiring aviators, and the mindset that helped her push through challenges. Whether you're a student pilot, a career-switcher, or someone dreaming of flight, Michelle's story will leave you motivated to chart your own course. Chapter Breakdown 00:00 – Intro: Welcome to LD Aviation Podcast 00:45 – Guest Introduction: Who is Michelle James? 02:05 – Early Life and the First Spark for Aviation 04:15 – Her First Flight and the Feeling of Freedom 06:30 – Choosing Aviation as a Career Path 08:20 – The Importance of Finding Your "Why" 10:15 – Family Support and Initial Reactions 12:00 – Starting Flight Training: Expectations vs Reality 14:05 – Challenges Faced as a Woman in Aviation 16:00 – Representation Matters: “You Can’t Be What You Can’t See” 18:15 – The Role of Mentors and Community Support 20:30 – Balancing Personal Life with Training Commitments 22:10 – Pushing Through Setbacks and Self-Doubt 24:05 – Building a Strong Mindset for the Cockpit 26:20 – Leadership Skills Learned from Flying 28:15 – Creating Opportunities for the Next Generation 30:00 – Key Lessons from Her Aviation Journey 32:10 – Memorable Moments in the Sky 34:25 – Facing Gender Stereotypes in the Industry 36:00 – Staying Calm and Focused Under Pressure 38:15 – Advice for New Pilots and Aviation Students 40:20 – Handling Fear and Building Confidence 42:05 – What Keeps Her Passion for Flying Alive 44:10 – Future Goals and Vision for Aviation 46:00 – Encouraging More Diversity in Aviation 48:15 – Favorite Aircraft and Flying Experiences 50:05 – Overcoming Challenges Outside the Cockpit 52:00 – The Power of Representation and Storytelling 54:15 – Final Words of Inspiration from Michelle 56:05 – Closing Thoughts and Reflections 58:00 – Outro: Thank You & Next Episode Preview Guest Info: Michelle James Host Information: Lindsay Dyer Production, Distribution, and Marketing: Jeanette Carrillo For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email jeanette@ldaviation.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    49 mins
  • Mental Wellness for Pilots, Dispatchers & Crews — A Fireside Chat

    Mental Wellness for Pilots, Dispatchers & Crews — A Fireside Chat
    Jul 25 2025
    In this episode of the LD Aviation Podcast, host Lindsay Dyer sits down with Destiny Carpenter, a private aviation leader with 7+ years of experience navigating the high-stakes world of executive travel. Destiny shares what it takes to build client relationships that go the distance, cultivate trust in luxury aviation, and consistently deliver top-tier service in a demanding and ever-changing industry. • Destiny Carpenter – Client Services Director with 7+ years of experience in brand management and private aviation ✈️ This episode explores how client satisfaction in private aviation goes far beyond smooth takeoffs and landings. Destiny opens up about the mindset and skills required to gain trust in a world where every detail matters. From anticipating client needs to navigating sensitive VIP expectations, she offers a grounded yet insightful perspective into what makes exceptional service possible. Major Themes & Concepts Building Long-Term Client Relationships Understanding the Luxury Aviation Client Behind-the-Scenes of High-Stakes Service Navigating Culture, Etiquette & Client Sensitivity Chapter Breakdown 00:00 - Intro: Why Mental Wellness in Aviation Matters 01:35 - Meet Destiny Carpenter: A Unique Path in Aviation 04:15 - Hidden Stressors Aviation Professionals Face 06:10 - Is “Safety First” Just a Myth? 08:05 - Understanding Acute vs. Chronic Stress 10:00 - Destiny’s Personal Story of Stress During Flight School 15:20 - What is Healthy Headings? 17:10 - How It Differs from EAP Programs 20:40 - Confidentiality & Career-Safe Support 22:45 - Resiliency Training for Aviation Teams 25:10 - Unique Tools for Self-Regulation & Stress Relief 29:00 - On-Site Support After Traumatic Events 31:10 - How Flight Departments Can Support Employees 34:15 - Reducing Stigma & Normalizing Mental Health 36:00 - Signs Leaders & Coworkers Should Watch For 40:00 - The True Cost of Ignoring Mental Health 42:00 - Final Advice: Take Care of Yourself First Guest Info: Destiny Carpenter Host Information: Lindsay Dyer Production, Distribution, and Marketing For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email jeanette@ldaviation.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    44 mins
  • Security Is Intentional: Kristopher Cannon’s Must-Hear Advice for Flight Departments

    Security Is Intentional: Kristopher Cannon’s Must-Hear Advice for Flight Departments
    Jul 11 2025
    ✈️ When it comes to flight safety, the greatest threat may be the one you never saw coming. In this high-impact episode of the LD Aviation Podcast, host Lindsay Dyer sits down with Kristopher Cannon, founder of Aviation Secure, to unpack the unseen vulnerabilities in business aviation—and what flight departments can do right now to close the gap. From crews getting drugged abroad to luxury branding mistakes that create serious exposure, Kristopher shares gripping stories and hard-won strategies that can protect your team, your aircraft, and your clients. 🎧 As a bonus for our listeners: Get 20% off Aviation Security & Awareness Training for your crew or department. Code: CLOSETHEGAP Chapter Breakdown 00:00 – Intro: Meet Kristopher Cannon & Aviation Secure 01:58 – From Law Enforcement to Corporate Aviation 04:45 – The Real Threats in Business Aviation Today 08:00 – What is a Security Mindset? 12:00 – Crew Stories: Getting Roofied, Robbed, & Trapped 15:30 – One Mistake That Grounded a Fortune 100 Flight 20:00 – Closing Gaps: Real-World Risk Scenarios 24:30 – Why “You’re on Location, Not Vacation” 27:40 – Dispatch Mistakes That Risk the Entire Operation 30:00 – Destination Risk Assessments Explained 34:10 – Bridging the Gap Between Corporate Security & Flight Ops 38:00 – Crew Conduct, Alcohol, and High-Stakes Decisions 41:10 – Social Media Risks & Real Abduction Stories 45:00 – Red Wing Standard: What It Is & Why It Works 48:20 – Why Just Meeting Minimums Is Not Enough 51:00 – Why Security Is People-Centric, Not Paperwork 54:30 – What Aviation Secure Offers: Training & Tools 57:10 – Red Flag: Tail Numbers on Catering Boxes 59:40 – How Flight Departments Can Start Securing Now 01:01:35 – Final Thoughts: Security is Intentional Guest Info • LinkedIn: Kristopher Cannon Host Information • Lindsay Dyer | LinkedIn • LD Aviation | LD Aviation Services Production, Distribution, and Marketing • By: Jeanette Carrillo, Brad, Hassan Ali • Website: www.ldaviation.net • LinkedIn: LD Aviation Services • Jeanette’s LinkedIn: Jeanette Carrillo For sponsorship inquiries, email: jeanette@ldaviation.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 5 mins