flight dispatch

Question 1

Definitions

Answer 1

Flight Watch - means maintaining current information on the progress of the flight and monitoring all factors and conditions that might affect the Operational Flight Plan.

Timely Communication
● The ability to establish communications domestically within thirty minutes of first trying and internationally within one hour when the flight is in cruise

Direct Communications
● The ability of the Flight Dispatcher and Pilot-in-Command to communicate using the air operator’s facilities, an electronic data link facility, or a facility operated by a third party

Dispatcher and PIC
● Prior to acceptance by the pilot-in-command of the Operational Flight Plan (OFP), operational control, as delegated by the Operations Manager in the company operations manual, is exercised jointly by the flight dispatcher and the pilot-in-command of a flight

After the pilot-in-command accepts the Operational Flight Plan, the flight dispatcher and the pilot-in-command share responsibility for Flight Watch.
● The flight dispatcher and the pilot-in-command shall share pertinent and related flight information, including any proposed changes to the Operational Flight Plan

Once a flight has commenced, the final decision on any changes to the Operational Flight Plan shall be taken by the pilot-in-command based on considerations of safety.
● For the purpose of operational control systems, a flight is deemed to be “commenced” after brake release for take-off

Question 2

Flight Dispatcher’s Operational Control Manual

Answer 2

Ops Control Manual
● Air operators are required by Transport Canada to create and maintain an Operational Control Manual for their dispatch employees.
● This manual must cover all aspects of the operation including flight planning, operational control, administration policies, personnel responsibilities, overdue aircraft handling procedures, and emergency procedures

Authority
The information, instructions, policies and procedures contained in the manual are binding on all of the Air Operators Operational Control and Flight Operations personnel

Content of Manual
● Dispatchers must be thoroughly familiar with the content of this manual as it pertains to their areas of responsibility. All dispatchers are charged with having a good working knowledge of all regulations and other manuals pertinent to the exercise of their Dispatcher Certificates

Question 3

Objectives

Answer 3

Briefing the Next Dispatcher
● A Flight Dispatcher debriefing, at shift changeover, shall consist of a thorough explanation of categories as outlined:
○ Flights under the flight watch phase
○ Upper air charts (applicable to operations)
○ Surface analysis and weather charts
○ Weather information for origin/destination and alternate airports
○ Pilot reports (PIREPS )
○ AIRMETS & SIGMETS

There are two key Flight Dispatcher activities associated with the exercising of Operational Control:
○ Pre-departure preparation
○ Flight Watch