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Automating Altitudes: Scaling Operations Seamlessly in Aviation
Systems Over Goals
Join us for the 14th edition of Airplane Mode, your essential weekly aviation newsletter diving deep into industry shifts, leadership insights, and self-mastery, and the occasional mystery (see last week’s mind bender…). As we prepare to enrich our content with interviews from aviation leaders and introduce video/audio features for our on-the-go readers, we invite you to shape the conversation.
Are you against dropping a quick email [email protected] with the subject "AM Advice" and let me know which aviation topics matter most to you. If we are going to positively influence and change an entire industry as the underdogs, we need to be on the same page.
We're unraveling a topic that's been tossed around (wantonly) for some time now - operations automation. The focus is on how technology, when harnessed right, can be a catalyst for scaling and growth especially in the realms of maintenance, charter, and sales within the aviation sector. It unlocks what a younger generation refers to as “next levels”, if you use it right.
Are you against taking a quick poll? So curious how everyone is thinking, feeling. The internet is a strange place.
The Operational Upscale
The narrative of automation isn't new. Yet, its potential in streamlining operations, especially in a sector as dynamic as aviation, is an unfolding story. Vueling Airlines, for instance, tapped into Robotic Process Automation to automate the creation of work packages, a move that reflected in enhanced operational efficiency. See references below.
Skepticism in the Air
A common reservation echoes: "Isn't that what we hired them for, to do that work? How could they be strategic?" This skepticism points towards a broader discussion on the role of automation and its impact on human resourcefulness. Naval Ravikant (i.e. billionaire genius maniac) has talked a lot about this sentiment and that it’s just undervaluing the human potential for creativity and skill. I am inclined to agree - most are more capable than they get credit for. The problem is the buy-in, not the skills gap. People need to be shown what’s possible for their community, their country, and the world before they buy-in. Wealth is possible for a large majority - it’s a positive sum game after all. Yes, I am a free market capitalist… Thank you for your inquiry and momentary fear at my mention of wealth for “most”, I get it.
Gleaning from the Past: The FMS Saga
Flight Management Systems (FMS) were early signs of automation, focusing on simplifying complex tasks to free up pilots for critical decision-making. The evolution from FMS to modern automation tools underscores the transition from manual to automated, from routine to strategic. Yet, there were arguments to the contrary, that skills would be lost - and that may be true… But is that a management problem? I mention FMS to introduce the age old argument when overcoming objections to new tech “we had horses and buggies, and within ten years we had no more buggies - people adapted”. With automation, we have to be careful of course - but people will adapt and we will grow.
Financial Implications
Automation isn’t just a cost-cutting venture; it’s an investment towards building a robust operational framework that can adapt and scale amidst market shifts. The potential is under-realized in aviation. You can go from zero to one much more quickly, and this will also allow for new tech to be brought to market much faster. If you picture the financial flow and the eventual feedback into the nations economy - it’s going to be huge.
Lessons from Beyond
Small and medium-sized businesses outside aviation have also ventured into automation, showcasing significant operational transformations. These instances broaden the scope of discussion, indicating a pattern of progress aligned with automation. See references for more.
Addressing Concerns
There are concerns that need addressed on the macro and micro scales. Global reach and weapons potential. Cyber crime. Information in the wrong hands. Scaling and growing terror operations. Skynet.
Concerns of employee displacement. The overall need for automation and what’s next. Loss of creativity if mismanaged.
Valid concerns - and if we’re careful and take steps to mitigate bad actors (this may have to be done by U.S. forcefully unfortunately), we can use this in huge ways that free us to do more wholesome, more profitable, and mo’ betta’ things with our time and energy.
A Forward Glance
Ultimately, my case is that we need to have operational systems, and those systems need to be automated. Losers have goals, winners have systems
Whether you’re an advocate for automation or hold reservations, your perspective is needed in this conversation (no, seriously). Are you against leaving a comment on this post?
Brass Tacks (This is the value…)
“Okay, Connor, that’s great and all - but how can I use this information to get ahead of the game?”
Very simple. You refine your taste and judgement - AI cannot replicate taste and judgement. Those who leverage automation to scale their own authenticity simply cannot be beat i.e. “Scaling Authenticity through AI”.
Start here:
Further Reading on Ops Automation and Systems:
You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.
— James Clear (@JamesClear)
12:23 AM • Oct 4, 2018
Warren Buffett Genius Minute
I need do no more than leave this link to one of his latest and greatest for the history books. Warren Buffett has near infinite leverage via capital alone.
‘Like having God opening a chest and just pouring money into it’
Start Winning With Your Emails
Here’s what’s wrong with your emails and my own, and how to fix it:
Shorter is better.
Five Lines should be gold standard.
When you play chess, you don’t move five times at once, you make one move and see how it’s received and how they react.
The last impression is a LASTING impression. The end of the email needs to be thoughtful and positive, if possible.
Start with an Accusation Audit if it’s going to be news they won’t like. If you’re not familiar with an Accusation Audit - your life will change. Knowing this is going from zero to one.
Video:
Ace Update
Ace takes his oath seriously. He swore it, he will defend it unto death. The paradox? He’s the funniest dog you’ve ever met. Remember when he told Neil Armstrong he should have lifted a leg and “marked” the moon?
We waste our time with short-term thinking and busywork. Warren Buffett spends a year deciding and a day acting. That act lasts decades.
Thank you for being a part of Airplane Mode - this is just the beginning of our journey! Please leave a comment, like this post, and subscribe - only if it brought you value, we are not pandering for “feel-goods” and likes, we want to add to this world in a positive way. We are a community of people who know what we stand for, operate with timeless principals, and love aviation and the business of aviation! I am proud to be a small part of this community. Even if you’re not in aviation - you’re welcome here if you are playing long-term games with long-term people, and want to win!
Email: [email protected]
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