Corporate Flight Department Support
Management
Backed by over 33 years of hands-on experience in implementing and running Corporate Flight Departments, I bring a wealth of practical insights and proven strategies to the table. This extensive background enables me to offer tailored solutions and expert guidance, ensuring the smooth establishment and effective management of aviation operations. With a track record of success in navigating the complexities of corporate aviation, I am well-equipped to assist organizations in optimizing their flight department performance while upholding the highest standards of safety and operational excellence.
Recruiting
Focused on recruiting and training staff for corporate departments, I recognize that people are the cornerstone of any organization's success. Peter Drucker's wise words remind us that decisions should always prioritize the well-being and involvement of those affected. James Reason's insights underscore the importance of creating optimal conditions for human performance. Engaging employees is not just beneficial; it's essential for achieving organizational goals. Clarity in job descriptions, fair compensation aligned with market standards and performance evaluations, and robust succession plans and career paths are indispensable components of effective human resource management. By ensuring that every staff member understands expectations and feels valued, we lay the groundwork for a motivated and productive workforce.
Special Services
As a consultant specializing in complex intercontinental flight operations for long-range corporate jets, I offer comprehensive expertise in navigating diverse and challenging airspaces worldwide. With extensive experience in areas such as North Atlantic Track, China Flight Level Allocation Scheme, World-Wide RVSM, Australia, Russia, and others, I provide valuable guidance and support to flight crews and corporate flight departments operating in these regions. From strategic flight planning to meticulous risk management, I ensure that every aspect of intercontinental operations is handled with precision and efficiency. My consultancy services encompass route optimization, airspace compliance, regulatory adherence, and crew training, tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. By leveraging my specialized knowledge and hands-on experience, I help optimize performance, enhance safety, and streamline operations for corporate flight departments venturing into intercontinental travel.
Management
People, Environment & Assets:
Ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals, the environment, and the company's assets is paramount. Prioritizing the care, development, and fair treatment of our personnel fosters operational sustainability within the flight department, cultivates a positive work environment, and facilitates seamless succession planning. Embracing environmentally friendly practices not only benefits the community but also aligns with our shared goals. Preserving the company's assets is a collective responsibility, entrusted to all users and operators of our assets.
Policies & Values:
In pursuit of organizational objectives, we prioritize Risk Management, Quality, Safety, and Security. Formal procedures and process-focused activities are established, reviewed, and monitored by the appropriate control board, utilizing suitable measurement methods. Embracing a process approach and the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) virtuous cycle characterize our Flight Department's activities.
Customer Satisfaction:
At the core of every flight department lies the commitment to not just meet but surpass customer expectations. The drive to innovate and enhance service processes should be inspired by customer needs, encouraging staff to continually improve. For a flight mission to be deemed satisfactory, it must adhere to five key specifications: legal, regulatory, normative, internal flight department standards, and, notably, the specific requirements outlined by the customer. Monitoring and measuring customer satisfaction should be an ongoing practice, allowing for timely adjustments and improvements.
Providers Evaluation:
Ensuring the smooth operation of the flight department hinges on establishing and nurturing a reliable network of vendors, particularly those offering critical services such as aviation fuel, international handling, ground local handling, aircraft maintenance, and crew training. A valuable tool in this regard is the periodic assessment of existing providers, coupled with fostering excellent relationships aimed at strategic collaboration rather than competitive dynamics.
Reports to Upper Management:
Regular reporting to upper management is vital for maintaining the owner's up-to-date insight into the flight department's key economic, operational, and strategic performance indicators.
Compliance:
Aviation is widely acknowledged as one of the most heavily regulated industries, renowned for its unparalleled safety standards. Adherence to rules and regulations is paramount in aviation. Therefore, flight department management must ensure full compliance with all domestic and international regulatory requirements pertaining to each flight mission.
Recruiting
In a Corporate Flight Department, the personnel—be it pilots, flight attendants, or technicians—must possess a unique blend of personal traits and professional skills, essential for their roles involving close interaction with passengers, colleagues, and team members. Carlos Dillon brings forth streamlined and efficient methodologies for assessing staff, managing recruitment processes, devising strategic succession plans, and structuring compensation policies. Employing a set of templates facilitates the creation of comprehensive job descriptions, delineating required competencies for defining position profiles and comparing applicants' qualifications effectively.
Special Services
Crew Coaching
At times, specific crew members may benefit from in-flight follow-up, monitoring, or oversight for various reasons. This could stem from limited experience on a particular aircraft type, unfamiliarity with certain routes, areas, or special airspaces. Coaching sessions enable the identification of improved procedures, effective communication strategies with air traffic control, optimal utilization of equipment capabilities, and proactive measures to prevent delays in specific areas or airports.
Human Factors
As a certified Human Factors instructor, Carlos Dillon offers comprehensive courses covering TEM Model (Threat and Error Management), NoTechS (Non-Technical Skills)including but not limited to Situational awareness, communications motivation and leadership, aeronautical decision making, conflicts resolution and negotiations, fatigue and stress management, cooperation and team-work, interpersonal relationships, CRM (Crew Resources Management), and Aero Medical Factors to ensure crews remain up-to-date with the mandatory 12-month recurrent Human Factors training.
PBN
Performance Based Navigation (PBN) operations incorporating RNAV and/or RNP procedures, whether enroute, during terminal phases, or for instrument approaches, have experienced significant growth recently. Pilot assessments during inspections and training now prioritize these procedures, placing special emphasis on vertical navigation modes utilized by crews in various operational circumstances and phases. A comprehensive understanding of this new technology as applied to aeronautical procedures is crucial for effective operation.
RVSM
As the Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums (RVSM) airspace continues to expand globally, pilots must stay updated on its evolving regulations and procedures. In particular, areas like the China Flight Levels Allocation Scheme (FLAS) present unique challenges that require specialized knowledge and adherence to specific altitude units and procedures. Attendance at periodic training courses is essential for pilots to maintain their proficiency and ensure compliance with these intricate airspace requirements.
Intercontinental Operations
While aircraft technology has advanced, the complexity of global flight operations has increased significantly. Intercontinental operations demand proficiency in a type of aviation where passengers aboard long-range corporate jets may request travel to any destination without constraints. With a wealth of experience dating back to 1978, Carlos Dillon has amassed extensive expertise in this realm, piloting large cargo aircraft and executive jets across the globe.
Special Airspace Operations
Intercontinental Operations often entail navigating through specialized airspace with unique regulations, altitude units, mandatory procedures, and specific restrictions. Examples include the North Atlantic Track (NAT), China RVSM Airspace, Hong Kong area, Russia Operations, and Australia Operations, among others. To ensure safe and efficient flight operations, it is highly recommended that flight crews undergo thorough familiarization with the intricacies of these special airspaces before engaging in such operations. This preparation helps mitigate risks and ensures compliance with all relevant regulations and requirements.