What Are Scheduler Priorities?

The scheduler priority setting tells the automatic scheduler what to optimize for when filling your calendar. Different priorities lead to different scheduling decisions. You choose the one that best matches how you want to run your practice.

The five Scheduling Priority options: Maximize Availability Time, Maximize Revenue, Maximize Checkride Count, Maximize Variety, and Maximize Waitlist Movement
The five Scheduling Priority options: Maximize Availability Time, Maximize Revenue, Maximize Checkride Count, Maximize Variety, and Maximize Waitlist Movement

The Five Priority Modes

Maximize Time

MAXIMIZE_TIME fills as many of your available hours as possible, minimizing gaps between checkrides. This mode is ideal if your primary goal is to stay busy and make the most of your working hours. The scheduler will prefer scheduling longer checkrides and fitting them together efficiently to reduce idle time in your calendar.

Maximize Revenue

MAXIMIZE_REVENUE prioritizes checkride types that generate the highest base fees. If you offer a mix of checkride types with different fee structures, this mode ensures the scheduler fills your calendar with the highest-value checkrides first.

Maximize Count

MAXIMIZE_COUNT schedules the greatest number of individual checkrides possible. It tends to favor shorter checkride types so more can fit in a given time period. This mode is useful if you want to serve the maximum number of applicants, especially during busy seasons.

Maximize Variety

MAXIMIZE_VARIETY spreads checkride types evenly across your schedule. Instead of concentrating on one or two popular types, the scheduler ensures you conduct a diverse mix. This is helpful for maintaining FAA currency across multiple checkride types and keeping your examining skills sharp across categories.

Maximize Waitlist

MAXIMIZE_WAITLIST strictly follows the priority order you have set on your waitlist. Applicants at the top of your waitlist are scheduled first, regardless of checkride type, fee, or duration. This mode gives you the most direct control over who gets scheduled next, since you control the waitlist order through drag-and-drop.

How to Change Your Priority

Open Settings and the Scheduling tab. The priority appears under Automatic, and under Self-Serve while the waitlist head start is on, since only then does the scheduler make offers. Select your preferred mode and save. The change takes effect on the next scheduler run and does not affect currently outstanding offers or confirmed checkrides.

Choosing the Right Priority

Here are some guidelines for choosing:

  • Want a full calendar with minimal downtime? Choose MAXIMIZE_TIME.
  • Want to maximize your earnings? Choose MAXIMIZE_REVENUE.
  • Want to see the most applicants possible? Choose MAXIMIZE_COUNT.
  • Want to stay proficient across all your checkride types? Choose MAXIMIZE_VARIETY.
  • Want direct control over scheduling order? Choose MAXIMIZE_WAITLIST.
If you are unsure which priority to start with, MAXIMIZE_WAITLIST is a safe default. It gives you the most control because you determine the order by arranging your waitlist. As you become more comfortable with the scheduler, you can experiment with other modes to see which produces results you prefer.
You can change your priority at any time. The new priority takes effect on the next scheduler run and does not affect checkrides that have already been offered or confirmed.