I have worked for Air Select Ltd for six years now and thoroughly enjoy it.

Air Select Ltd is an executive management company, currently overseeing the operation of two Falcon 900 EASys, as well as dry lease aircraft as and when required. Through my role in operations I have also managed a fleet of helicopters, which to be honest, was more challenging than looking after fixed wing. It's amazing how much careful planning is required in the private sector.

I started off as flight operations coordinator with no experience in flight ops, and then worked my way up to becoming a flight and ground operations manager and post holder. I grew up surrounded by aviation as my stepfather is a pilot and my mother was cabin crew – both now own and run Air Select Ltd. I never thought I would last in ops, as I didn't have a clue, but I'm a quick learner and once the clients trusted me and got to know me, I found it so enjoyable.

I am responsible for communication and coordinating private requests to meet owners/ individual's needs. I monitor all flight operation activities and manage disruptions, short notice changes and crew allocations. Flight planning is a major part of this and I am constantly learning. A part of my main role is to liaise with the engineering department and other key stakeholders.

Crew rostering is an extremely important role, and is somewhat of a challenge at times to ensure their records and passports are up to date etc.

One of my most enjoyable roles is liaising with FBOs worldwide. Our clients travel worldwide. Some of the nicest people I have met have been through contacting handlers from all over the globe.

Currently I am the only person in ops, and I see it as a role I am loath to relinquish, therefore I am busy 24/7. I have the phone with me at all times, not great for the social life but hey!

I find some days can be quiet, so I make the most of it, and other days it's mayhem. On a typical busy day, the aircraft could be flying as many as 7-8 sectors. It is extremely stressful, especially when clients require the aircraft at the same time, but are opposite ends of Europe, but I use my initiative and find ways to cost save on empty legs and positioning to include all our clients needs. It is amazing the amount of categories you need to cover to set up a flight especially at short notice. Organisational and anticipational skills are a must when that phone rings!

We are aiming to increase our fleet and client base, so will eventually have to employ some extra dedicated ops personnel.

I find my most satisfying part of the job is when I have spent all those hours setting up flights, passenger limos, catering etc, to then see the clients where they need to be and happy from a smooth flight experience.

I would advise anyone who does want to become a part of an operations team to have extremely good customer skills, patience and a good understanding of executive aviation. But the most important skill I have learnt over the years is to be able work under extreme pressure, it is not a job for the faint hearted!

– Elizabeth ('Beth') Wächter, flight and ground operations manager, Air Select