If it's IRS 1099 then you get to decide when to fly. If you don't feel like flying that day because you want to see a MLB game in the city you're in, then see the game - never mind if they have a schedule laid out for you. I bet that would make the sensor operator happy too. If you were on a standard payroll, then they can make you fly that day's schedule. A 1099 is a contract or consultant position. Also, 1099 means you pay all your medical, your income taxes, and all the social security; from 7.5% to 15%.