Job Description of the AIRCRAFT DISPATCHER
(Credit to the Airline Dispatchers Federation webpage)
- The Aircraft Dispatcher is a
licensed airman certificated by the Federal Aviation Administration.
- He/She has joint responsibility with
the captain for the safety and operational control of flights under his/her
guidance.
- He/She authorizes, regulates and controls commercial airline flights according to government and company regulations to expedite and ensure safety of flight.
- He/She is also responsible for economics,
passenger service and operational control of day to day flight operations.
- He/She analyzes and evaluates meteorological information to determine potential hazards to safety of flight and to select the most desirable and economic route of flight.
- He/She computes the amount of fuel required for the safe completion of flight according to type of aircraft, distance of flight, maintenance limitations, weather conditions and minimum fuel requirements prescribed by federal aviation regulations.
- He/She prepares flight plans containing information such as maximum allowable takeoff and landing weights, weather reports, field conditions, NOTAMS and many other informational components required for the safe completion of flight.
- He/She prepares and signs the dispatch release which is the legal document providing authorization for a flight to depart.
- He/She delays or cancels flights if unsafe conditions threaten the safety of his/her aircraft or passengers.
- He/She monitors weather conditions, aircraft position reports, and aeronautical navigation charts to evaluate the progress of flight.
- He/She updates the pilot in command of significant changes to weather or flight plan and recommends flight plan alternates, such as changing course, altitude and, if required, enroute landings in the interest of safety and economy.
- He/She originates and disseminates flight information to others in his/her company including stations and reservations. This is the source of information provided to the traveling public.
- He/She has undergone extensive training to have earned the coveted Aircraft Dispatcher's certificate having taken and passed both an extensive oral examination and the comprehensive Dispatch ADX test, administered by the Federal Aviation Administration. These tests are equivalent to the same Air Transport Pilot (ATP) written and oral examinations that an airline captain must successfully complete.
- He/She participates in frequent and detailed recurrent training courses covering aircraft systems, company operations policy, meteorology and Federal Air Regulations as required by the FAA.
- He/She analyzes and evaluates meteorological information to determine potential hazards to safety of flight and to select the most desirable and economic route of flight.
