Lyndsay Dyer
Lindsay Dyer, CAM, is the CEO of LD Aviation Services with 20+ years in business aviation. A licensed pilot and dispatcher with a B.S. in Aviation Management, she leads her growing company with progressive, client-focused solutions. Outside aviation, Lindsay enjoys family, nature, camping, and traveling.
Why Contract Schedulers are the New Contract Pilots
For decades, flight departments have relied on contract pilots. But contract schedulers? Lindsay Dyer shows why they’re the overlooked advantage your team can’t ignore.
Nearly everyone understands the value of contract pilots. They give flight departments flexibility, help reduce costs, and keep operations running smoothly without adding permanent headcount.
The same logic applies to contract schedulers.
Without backup support in scheduling, departments risk leaving a critical piece of in operational coverage.
Contract Schedulers: Why They Count
Every flight starts long before the crew arrives. Permits, customs, fuel, catering, NOTAMs, and weather reroutes can determine whether a trip succeeds or stalls.
A skilled scheduler is the first line of defense against last-minute chaos. But when that person is out of the office, you need a reliable “force multiplier” on your side.
With a contract scheduler, you get:
- Trusted backup when your team is stretched thin, out on PTO or away on medical leave.
- On-demand scalability, especially during heavy travel seasons.
- Proactive planning that keeps trips on time, compliant, and crew-ready.
Reliable Coverage When It Counts
More flight departments are realizing that flexibility doesn’t stop at the flight deck door. Even with a scheduler on staff, you need a reliable backup to prevent operations from grinding to a halt when they’re out. \
Pilots have enough on their plate. They shouldn’t also track every detail while preparing to fly. Monitoring crew duty limits, NOTAMS, and weather, for example, aren’t optional, they’re mission- and safety-critical.
That’s why a qualified scheduler, even on contract, is essential. They cover the groundwork, keeping your team safe, compliant, and focused on flying.Bottom line: If contract pilots give you freedom in the air, contract schedulers give you freedom on the ground. Pair the two together, and you’ve got a flight department that runs lean, smart, and stress-free.