Test

Air Carrier Operations and Dispatch
George Mason University

18 October 2010
COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL
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My history . . .
1970- BA
1974- RW in California
1981- RC, moved to Minnesota
1986- NW
2006- Sabre-Consultant
2007- China
2008- Japan, Brazil, Egypt
2009- Egypt, Chile, Venezuela
2009- Metron Aviation,
Principle Subject Matter Expert –
Airline Operational Control
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1974 - 2010
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Tough life at Metron Aviation . . .
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Air Carrier Operations
the process conducted by the air carrier to transport payload (passengers and
cargo) by aircraft from one airport to another airport:
• Operation management
• Air commerce
• Aircraft maintenance
• Personnel training
• Operation resource provision
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The inputs are:
– Aircraft acquisition
– Aircraft information
– Airport information
– ATC information
– Employees
– Operational supplies
– Payload information
– Resource information
– Safety data
– Topographical information
– Weather information
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Delta Air Lines Aircraft Information Manuals
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The execution of this activity is governed by a set of regulations

or constraints related to the government, the air carrier and its
environment:
– Air carrier business plan
– ATC instructions
– Government regulations and oversight
– Personnel qualification requirements
– International agreements
A set of resources are needed to support the execution of the

activity:
– Air carrier operation resources
– Airports and airport management
– ATC facilities
– Contractor support
– Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) support
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Part 121 Air Carrier Regulations
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Part 121 . . .
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Part 121 . . .
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Part 121 . . .
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Part 121 . . .
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Part 121 . . .
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Part 121 . . . . . .
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Part 121 . . .
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Part 121 . . .
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Manage Air Carrier Operations

This function directs, schedules, and coordinates the following
component activities of air carrier operations:
• Perform air transportation
• Perform aircraft maintenance
• Perform personnel training
• Provide air carrier operation resources
• Provide directives
• Define requirements and controls
• Establish performance standards for execution of activities
• Monitor compliance with company policies and procedures
• Monitor compliance with any required regulations
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Air Commerce
US 14 CFR Part 1
Air commerce means interstate, overseas, or foreign air commerce or

the transportation of mail by aircraft or any operation, or
navigation of aircraft within the limits of any Federal airway, or
any operation or navigation of aircraft which directly affects, or which
may endanger safety in, interstate, overseas, or foreign air commerce.
Air carrier means a person who undertakes directly by lease, or other

arrangement, to engage in air transportation.
Aircraft means a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in

the air.
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Aircraft Maintenance
Perform Aircraft Maintenance (CFR Part 1)
Maintenance means:
– Inspection
– Overhaul
– Repair
– Preservation
– replacement of parts
This function inspects and maintains aircraft to prevent deterioration of the inherent
safety and reliability levels of the equipment to ensure the aircraft is in safe and
efficient condition for flight services. This process includes aircraft evaluation and
scheduled/nonscheduled maintenance.
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Personnel Training
Perform Personnel Training
This function plans, designs, implements, and evaluates

an array of procedures, methods, and practices
to improve work force capabilities
to meet mission/workload requirements and
increase/maintain
individual employee
knowledge, skills, and abilities.
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Operation Resources
Provide Air Carrier Operation Resources

This function allocates and supplies:
– Aircraft
– Automation
– Budget
– Equipment
– Facilities
– Information
– Infrastructure
– Materials
– Parts
– Personnel
– Publications
– Tools
– and any other required resources
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The Aircraft Dispatcher
American Airlines SOC, DFW
Pilot
Air Traffic Controller
Dispatcher
The Safety PAD
Three Legged Stool
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What is a Dispatcher?
A certificated airman who has joint responsibility with the

pilot in command for the safety and operational control
of flights under his/her control.
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FAA Requirement to be Certificated . . .
Sec. 65.51 Certificate required (effective Apr 6, 2000)

(a) No person may act as an Aircraft Dispatcher (exercising
responsibility with the pilot in command in the operational control of
a flight) in connection with any civil aircraft in air commerce unless
that person has in his personal possession an Aircraft Dispatcher
certificate issued under this subpart.
Sec. 65.53 Eligibility requirements: General.

(a) To be eligible to take the Aircraft Dispatcher knowledge test, a person
must be at least 21 years of age.
(b) To be eligible for an Aircraft Dispatcher certificate, a person must--
(1) Be at least 23 years of age;
(2) Be able to read, speak, write, & understand English;
(3) Pass the required knowledge test prescribed by 65.55;
(4) Pass the required Practical test prescribed by 65.59; &
(5) Comply with the requirements of 65.57.
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...
Sec. 65.57 Experience requirements.
An applicant for an Aircraft Dispatcher certificate must present documentary

evidence satisfactory to the Examiner that he has the experience prescribed
in par (a) of this section or accomplished the training prescribed in par (b) of
this section as follows:
(a) A total of at least 2 years experience in
the 3 years before the date of application, in any 1 of, or combination of:
(1) In military aircraft ops as a--
(i) Pilot;
(ii) Flight navigator;
(iii) Meteorologist.
(2) In aircraft ops conducted under Part 121 as--
(i) An assistant in dispatching air carrier aircraft, under the direct supervision
of a certificated Dispatcher;
(ii) A pilot;
(iii) A flight engineer;
(iv) A meteorologist.
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...
(3) In aircraft ops as--

(i) An Air Traffic Controller; or
(ii) A Flight Service Station Specialist.
(4) In aircraft ops, performing other duties that the Examiner finds provides
equivalent experience.
(b) A statement of graduation issued or revalidated under 65.70 showing
that he has successfully completed an approved Aircraft Dispatcher course.
Sec. 65.59 Skill requirements.

An applicant for an Aircraft Dispatcher certificate must pass a practical test
given by an Examiner, with respect to any 1 type of large aircraft used in air
carrier ops. The practical test must be based on the Aircraft Dispatcher
Practical Test Standards on items in App A of this part.
Airline Ground Schools ( AGS)

Danny Mortensen
800-824-4170
www.agschools.com
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What does a dispatcher do?
American Airlines SOC, DFW

Issues Dispatch release to
authorize a flight
Monitors all phases of flight
Monitors weather
Delays, diverts or cancels flights if

safety jeopardized
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What do dispatchers do . . .
Dispatchers usually work for an airline
Airlines have a product – their schedule
Dispatchers attempt to operate that schedule
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Airline operational timeline
PRODUCTION
Crew
Fleet
Maintenance
Schedule
OPERATIONS
Other CONTROL
Cost Control
Crew Track
Customer Service
Maintenance
Fleet and Tactical
Business Strategy Production Plan Revenue
Marketing Plan Changes Safety
Schedule
Other
5 yrs + 5 yrs to 3 yrs 36 months to 72 hours……. 72 hours to right now
Operate Safely Minimize Costs Protect Revenue

Run the Schedule Manage Disruptions Schedule Recovery
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“Right now” from previous slide
Right now ---
This is where dispatcher BEGINS to function
Right now to about 24 hours from now…
Longest international flights running 16 hours or more
Preparation for flight release begins 3 or 4 hours prior to STD
STD is the Scheduled Departure Time
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Flight Release, Flight Monitoring
Dispatcher creates a “dispatch release”
Pilot in Command (PIC) and Dispatcher agree to the terms of the flight release
PIC and Dispatcher sign the release
Dispatcher monitors the progress of the flight to ensure that the terms of the
release are being honored
Dispatcher will advise the PIC of any changes to the terms or conditions; weather,
navaids, airspace constraints, threats, etc
PIC and Dispatcher must remain in agreement that the flight can operate and
continue to operate safely, otherwise an emergency condition exists
Dispatcher is the primary communication point for all in-flight emergencies
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Primary Duties of a Dispatcher
• Analyze route of flight
• Plan alternate airports, if required, for

– Departure
– Enroute
– Destination
• Determine fuel load
• Check MEL/CDL data for performance restrictions
• Check MEL/CDL data for route restrictions
• Check crew qualifications
• Assess ATC constraints
• Issue dispatch release
• Monitor the progress of each flight
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Scope
Approximately 28,000 air carrier flights daily (DOT 2010)
Each one must be initiated by a dispatcher (the dispatch release)

Initiate: to begin, set going, or originate
Each one must be conducted by a dispatcher

Conduct: to direct in action or course, to lead or guide, to manage
Each one flown by a pilot in command and a co-pilot
Each one provided with separation by air traffic control
65,000 pilots 15,000 controllers 1,000 dispatchers
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Dispatcher work station
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Dispatcher work station . . .
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NWA Operations Control - RIP
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NWA Systems Ops Control (SOC)
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Who a dispatcher works with . . .
Internal (Company) departments:
Air Cargo Specialist
Aircraft Coordinator
Airline Air Traffic Control Coordinator
Airport Customer Service Coordinator
Automation Support
Corporate Security
Flight Operations Representative
In-Flight Service Representative
Maintenance Coordinator
Meteorologist (Surface, Upper Air)
Navigation Database Analyst
Reservations Coordinator
System Reroute Crews Coordinator
Technical Analyst - Maintenance
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External agencies
Air Traffic Control
ATCSCC
ARTCC
Tracon
ATCT
Airport Management and Port Authorities
Aircraft and Engine Manufacturers
Vendors and Suppliers
Medical support facilities
Homeland Security – TSA
Law Enforcement Agencies, including Federal Air Marshals (FAM)
Immigration and Customs Enforcement – ICE
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Different dispatcher roles
Assistant Dispatcher
Dispatcher
• Domestic
• International
Chief dispatcher
Check dispatcher
ATC coordinator
Shift supervisor
• Also called Coordinator or Shift Manager at some airlines
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Boring list of FARs
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title14/14cfr121_main_02.tpl
121.107 dispatch centers

121.395 aircraft dispatcher
121.415 training requirements
121.422 initial and transition ground training
121.463 aircraft dispatcher qualifications
121.465 duty time limitations
121.533 responsibility for operational control, domestic air carrier
121.557 emergencies
121.593 dispatching authority
121.599 familiarity with weather conditions (on the route to be flown)
121.601 dispatcher information to the pilot in command (all, additional, hazardous / before and during)
121.619 alternate for destination
121.627 continuing flight in unsafe conditions (reference back to 121.557)
121.639 fuel supply
121.647 factors for computing fuel required
121.663 responsibility for dispatch release
121.687 dispatch release (contents)
121.693 load manifest
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Back to that “dispatch release” thing . . .
§ 121.687 Dispatch release: Flag and domestic operations.
• (a) The dispatch release may be in any form but must contain at least the
following information concerning each flight:
– (1) Identification number of the aircraft.
– (2) Trip number.
– (3) Departure airport, intermediate stops, destination airports, and alternate airports.
– (4) A statement of the type of operation (e.g., IFR, VFR).
– (5) Minimum fuel supply.
– (6) For each flight dispatched as an ETOPS flight, the ETOPS diversion time for which
the flight is dispatched.
• (b) The dispatch release must contain, or have attached to it, weather reports,
available weather forecasts, or a combination thereof, for the destination
airport, intermediate stops, and alternate airports, that are the latest available at
the time the release is signed by the pilot in command and dispatcher. It may
include any additional available weather reports or forecasts that the pilot in
command or the aircraft dispatcher considers necessary or desirable.
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Dispatchers and Weather
Dispatcher
• Release and monitor
• Compute fuel required
• Provide information to the PIC, including hazardous weather
Single biggest disruption to air carrier operations is „weather‟
Dispatchers are the largest consumers of weather information in aviation
Dispatchers rely heavily on professional meteorologists to interpret and predict

risk due to weather
PIC responsible for the safety of the aircraft in flight
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Dispatcher Weather Training
Basic Weather Studies
The earth‟s motion and its effects on weather
Analysis of regional weather types, characteristics and

structures:
– Maritime
– Continental
– Polar
– Tropical
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AND….
Analysis of the following local weather types, characteristics, and structures or

combinations thereof:
• Coastal
• Mountainous
• Island
• Plains
The following characteristics of the atmosphere:

• Layers
• Composition
• Global Wind Patterns
• Ozone
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And…
Pressure:
• Temperature Effects on Pressure
• Altimeters
• Pressure Gradient Force
• Pressure Pattern Flying Weather
Wind:
• Major Wind Systems and Coriolis Force
• Jetstreams and their Characteristics
• Local Wind
Clouds:
• Composition
• Formation
• Dissipation
• Types and Associated Precipitation
• Use of Cloud Knowledge in Forecasting
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And…
Fog:
• Causes, Formation, and Dissipation
• Types
Ice:
• Types
Stability/Instability:
• Temperature Lapse Rate, Convection.
• Adiabatic Processes
• Lifting Processes
• Divergence
• Convergence
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And…
Turbulence:
• Jetstream Associated
• Pressure Pattern Recognition
• Low Level Windshear
• Mountain Waves
• Thunderstorms
• Clear Air Turbulence
Airmasses:
• Classification and Characteristics
• Source Regions
• Use of Airmass Knowledge in Forecasting
Fronts:
• Structure and Characteristics, Both Vertical and Horizontal
• Frontal Types
• Frontal Weather Flying
Theory of Storm Systems:

• Thunderstorms
• Tornadoes
• Hurricanes and Typhoons
• Microbursts
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And…
Weather, Analysis, and Forecasts
Surface observations, by certified observer or automated observations
Terminal Forecasts
Significant En route Reports and Forecasts

• Pilot Reports
• Area Forecasts
• Sigmets
• Airmets
• Center Weather Advisories
• Weather Imagery
• Surface Analysis
• Weather Depiction
• Significant Weather Prognosis
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And…
Winds and Temperature Aloft

Tropopause Chart
Composite Moisture Stability Chart
Surface Weather Prognostic Chart
Radar Meteorology
Satellite Meteorology
Other charts as applicable
Meteorological Information Data Collection Systems

Data Collection, Analysis, and Forecast Facilities
Service Outlets Providing Aviation Weather Products
Weather Related Aircraft Hazards:

Crosswinds and Gusts
Contaminated Runways
Restrictions to Surface Visibility
Turbulence and Windshear
Icing
Thunderstorms and Microburst
Volcanic Ash
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Why so much emphasis on weather . . .
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Must be over-water equipped . . .
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Note to self about plowing water . . .
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Weather increases risk . . .
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Nice day, gusty crosswind . . .
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Shared Weather Information
PIC and Dispatcher have access to the same weather information, more or
less, until the cockpit door is closed
From that point on, the PIC has eyeballs, radar and radio/ACARS for further
updates
Dispatcher role is to monitor weather and provide useful updates in a safe and
timely manner so that the flight can operate, or continue to operate as
planned
PIC provides updates through Pilot Reports (PIREPS) which are entered into
the system
PIC will often provide report directly to dispatch, which may not be entered into
the system, but will be shared with other company flights
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Limitations
The Dispatcher has the ability to send significant weather changes / updates
to the cockpit in text form
Graphical weather displays and their two-way transmission on high on the list
of desired technological advances
Yes, the passenger in the back can have better access to weather data than
the PIC while the aircraft is en route
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Weather information in cockpit
The PIC does not need to know ALL the weather
Weather information required in the cockpit changes depending on the actual weather
phenomena and the stage of flight:
Departure
En route
Arrival
Pilots want information on anything that impacts the decision to operate
It is all about risk assessment and risk management
High risk weather types include:

• Area Convective Activity
• Icing
• Turbulence
• Volcanic Ash
• Wind Shear
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Air Carrier reaction to high risk weather
Air carrier goal is to operate the system
System is comprised of individual flights
Each flight requires a specific decision to operate
Some risk is acceptable – it can be VERY subjective
If the origin weather is unacceptable: delay
If the origin and destination are suitable, but en route weather is or is

potentially unacceptable: reroute
If the flight is en route and the destination weather renders it unacceptable:

hold for improvement, or divert
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It is really quite simple . . .
There are only two things you can do

with an aircraft in the air:
Keep going where you were going, or
Go somewhere else.
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. . . Time for a break?
63
Dispatch workload distribution
2200 2300 0000 0100 0200 0300 0400 0500 0600 0700 0800 0900 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 1700 1800 1900 2000 2100 2200
AM
PM
Midnight AM Midnight
PM
AM
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Routine day for dispatcher
Arrive early
Brief self on weather in the „sector‟
Check shift turnover log for any significant information

• Major weather events
• Company policy bulletins
• ATC issues
Discuss status of current operation with dispatcher being relieved
Note any off-nominal items in progress and expected

• MEL
• CDL
• etc
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“Typical” sector
66
Routine day
Accept the shift
Plan workload
Stay current on developments
Release flights
Apply Performance Restrictions
Monitor active flights
Manage any off-nominal events
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Traffic displays – situational awareness
68
Traffic and overlays
69
US Commercial traffic
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Monkey wrenches in a dispatcher‟s day
Weather
• Turbc
• LCV – Low Ceiling and Visibility
• Diversions
Technical issues
• Aircraft
• Navaids
• NOTAMS
ATC issues
• Ground stops
• Ground Delay Programs
• Reroutes
Stupid Human Tricks

• Passengers are high on the list
• Everybody is guilty at some time in a career…
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Deviation vs. Reroute
Dispatcher is responsible for providing weather and other information for „the route to
be flown‟ (Part 121)
If a flight deviates from the planned route, then the PIC and Dispatcher are no longer in
agreement
What is a deviation?
We do not expect the PIC to consult with the Dispatcher unless (general guidelines)
– Route changes by more than 100 nm, or
– Altitude changes by +/- 4,000 feet, or more, or
– Flight plan time changes by +/- 15 minutes
Dispatchers consider these to be „Reroutes‟
Reroutes require authorization, due to regulations
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Definitely a Reroute!
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Regulatory Requirements
Several FAA Administrative Law findings have held that the PIC must get
concurrence from his or her dispatcher before accepting a reroute
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Decision making concerns
Pilot
• Safety
• Crew and Passenger Comfort
• Economics
ATC
• Safe Separation of Known Traffic
Dispatcher
• Safety
• On Time
• Crew and Passenger Comfort and Convenience
• Economics
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Dispatch Resources
Worldwide Communications capability

• phone patch capability for
– medical
– technical
– passenger handling
– crew management
Current and forecasted weather
Maintenance support
Local and Federal security contacts
Direct communications with ATC facilities
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What does a dispatcher DO??
Flight planning
• safe
• efficient
• maintain the schedule
Weight limitations
• OEW or BOW
• ZFW
• MLW
• MTOW
– Runway limit
– Climb limit
Release the flight

• Weather
• NOTAMS
• ATC
• Fuel
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Weight Limits
DC9-30
• OEW 64,000
• Max fuel 24,600
• MZFW 87,000
• MLW 99,000
• MTOW 108,000
Planned Payload:
• 100 passengers 18,500

• 60 checked bags 1,800
• Freight and mail 3,700
• Total payload 24,000
Are we good to go?
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Weight limits
No.
OEW (64,000) + Payload (24,000) exceeds MZFW limit (87,000) by 1,000 lbs
So, limit the payload to 23,000
Flight plan leads to a flight release:

• Burn 13,000
• Reserve 4,000
• Alternate 2,200
• Contingency 1,900
• Total 21,100
Fuel 21,100 + Payload 23,000 lbs… are we legal?
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Weight limits
Airplane, plus payload, plus fuel
64,000 plus 23,000 plus 21,100 = 107,100
MTOW is 108,000, so we are good to go.
Note: depending on runway, environment and other factors
Airplane gets airborne, calls dispatch, says the gear won‟t retract.
WWDD – What Will Dispatch Do?
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Where are you . . .
“Where are you and how much fuel do you have on board?”
What is the significance of this question?
Two things you can do with an aircraft in flight… (slide 61)
1. Keep going where you were going – is this an option?
2. Go somewhere else – why, where, why again, and when?
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Gear down = increased fuel burn
The plane managed to reach Vienna's Schwechat
airport, where it glided towards the runway.
However, it touched down on the grass apron just

before the tarmac and hit some equipment before
coming to a halt to one side of the runway.
'Inexplicable'
The plane, chartered by German company Hapag-

Wednesday, 12 July, 2000, 22:40 GMT 23:40 UK Lloyd, was flying from Crete to Hannover.
Holiday flight crash lands
A company spokesman said the plane had simply
A holiday flight en route to Germany from Greece with run out of fuel for "inexplicable" reasons.
some 150 passengers and crew on board has been
forced to make a crash landing in Vienna after it ran But he added that the pilot of the plane was one of
out of fuel. their most experienced.
Twenty-six passengers were injured as the Airbus The plane had already suffered one technical problem
310 was evacuated using emergency slides. shortly after take-off from Crete, when the pilot was
unable to retract the landing gear and decided to
Hapag-Lloyd flight HF 3378 reported an emergency divert the flight to Munich.
20 km (13 miles) from Vienna, when it lost power in
both its engines while over neighbouring Hungary. None of the injured passengers was seriously hurt.
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Hannover? Munich? Vienna?
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Technical assistance
Technical assistance was available and consulted
Crew relied on fuel computation from Flight Management Computer
FMC assumed the aircraft was properly configured
Nobody on the ground did the math
Dispatch authority non-existent in Europe
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Mechanical failure . . .
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Don‟t say a ### thing to … dispatch
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Technical assistance
Technical assistance was available, but not consulted
Crew interaction very revealing – captain dictates, other complies and re-
affirms captain‟s decision
Procedures not followed
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WWDD?
What Would Dispatch Do?
Pilot calls and describes the problem
Dispatcher recommends a return to Springfield, where the weather was good, rather
than trying to continue to Carbondale, where the weather was bad, and which was
beyond the range of the battery life
Pilot in command is the final authority for the operation of the aircraft, and could
certainly refuse the recommendation, but that is somewhat doubtful, given that the
PIC initiated the call for assistance
If PIC refused, my next move would be to have the chief pilot on the radio with him to
discuss his future beyond the life of the battery, or
Contact ATC, declare an emergency, and request a return to Springfield

Would this be legal?
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Could be a bad day . . .
89
Crisis Center
Discuss the threat
Conference in the „experts‟
Discuss the value of the threat
Discuss options
Reach conclusion
Have some food brought in ….
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How about Chinese . . .
91
Other value of dispatch . . .
Dispatchers attempt to operate the schedule
• Safely
• On time
Delays occur
• Weather
• Technical
• Air Traffic Management
Dispatchers can reduce delay
92
Cost of Delay
Direct Costs
In 2008, 129 million system delay minutes are estimated by ATA to have
driven nearly $10 billion in direct aircraft operating costs for
scheduled U.S. passenger airlines.
($9.556 billion for 129 million minutes = $74.08 per minute average)
[Note: Yet-to-be-published analysis by various academic entities suggest

that the costs to operators may have been closer to $17 billion, after
factoring the cost of "block creep."]
This means that delay or ‘block creep’ is 70% more expensive than
routine block time.
$17 billion for 129 million minutes =
$131.78 per minute average
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Dispatcher Pay and Cost of Delay
Top of scale US Air Carrier Dispatcher pay = $ 100,000

Works about 200 shifts = $ 500 per shift
Delay cost = $ 131.78 per minute
If a dispatcher saves about 4 minutes of delay, per shift,

Then dispatch pays for itself.
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Almost got my name right . . .
3,000,000 minutes
$132 a minute….
$396,000,000 saved!
Aviation term for this type

of award is
______________
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Conclusion
In today‟s environment, the aircraft dispatcher has the most information

available regarding the safe operation of the flight.
Future Net Centric capabilities will change this dynamic so that all members of
the Safety Triad will be able to make decisions based on shared
information.
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Dispatcher Professional Organization
www.dispatcher.org
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Dispatcher, according to ADF
A licensed airman certificated by the Federal Aviation Administration
Jointly responsible with the Pilot in command for the safety of flight
Exercises operational control over flights under his/her authority
Authorizes, regulates and controls commercial flights according to government and company
regulations to expedite and ensure safety of flight
Also responsible for passenger service and the economies of operation
Analyzes and evaluates meteorological information to identify potential safety hazards
Selects the most desirable route of flight, and considers the economies of operation
Computes the amount of fuel required for the safe completion of flight according to aircraft type,
distance of flight, maintenance limitations, weather conditions and minimum fuel requirements
prescribed by regulations and company policy
Prepares flight plans containing necessary information, including
• Maximum allowable takeoff and landing weights
• Weather reports
• Field conditions
• NOTAMS
• Any additional information s/he considers necessary
Prepares and signs the dispatch release, which is the legal document authorizing the flight
98
Dispatcher, according to ADF . . .
Delays or cancels flights if unsafe conditions exist
Monitors weather, aircraft position reports, aeronautical navigation charts and electronic
displays to ensure safe progress of flights
Updates the pilot in command of significant changes to weather, flight plan, navaids, traffic and
threats to ensure safe progress of flights
Recommends flight plan alternatives, such as changing course, altitude and, if required,
instigating en route landing in the interest of safety (and economy)
Originates and disseminates flight information to other company personnel, including station
and reservations. This is the source of information that is provided to the travelling public.
Has undergone extensive training and earned an Aircraft Dispatcher‟s certificate, having
passed both an extensive oral exam and the comprehensive Dispatch test, administered by
the FAA. These tests are equivalent to the same Air Transport Pilot (ATP) written and oral
exams that an airline captain must successfully complete.
Participates in regular recurrent training courses covering aircraft systems, company operations
policy, meteorology, Federal Air Regulations, air traffic management procedures,
emergency procedures, and other topics, as required by FAA.
Subject to an annual desk check by company supervisory dispatcher
Subject to random drug and alcohol testing
99
Ops control and dispatch, Delta Air Lines
This is how Delta Air Lines operates nearly 700 aircraft and their
business aviation flights from one central location in Atlanta
Typical of all major airlines in the US
Concept has spread around the world
Dispatch authority not regulated outside US and Canada
Operations
10
0
Control
Center
10
Delta
Key OCC Today
Attributes
1
Built in 1993 and remodeled to make room for Northwest Airlines

Over 375 people, representing 18 departments, make up the OCC staff.
Personnel on duty: Mornings – 160; Afternoons 100; Midnights 50.
There is a fully-
functional backup
site in the event
something should
occur requiring
evacuation of this
facility.
10
Delta Operations
Operations Control
Control Center Center 2
Strategy and Coordination

Duty Director Sector Managers
Customers Flight Fleet Crew

Airport Customer Flight Control Maintenance Crew Tracking
Service Load Control Control Center Duty Pilot
Reservations Air Logistics AOG/AGP In-Flight Service
Operations Radio Engineering
Revenue Air Navigation Fleet
Management Coordinators
Engineering
Operating Environment
Meteorology ATC Security
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Briefing room / Emergency Command Center 3
Used for daily briefings to

communicate the status of the
airline and allow for all
participants to share
information.
Can be se up in 30 minutes to
become the Emergency
Command Center (ECC).
10
Flight Control / Domestic Ops 4
Provides dispatching and operational control over all domestic daily

flight operations in accordance with FARs and Company policy.
10
ATC Coordination 5
ATC Managers
Senior Dispatcher
Shuttle
Providing a single Delta voice in Air
Traffic Control (ATC) activities, the
ATC desks perform the process of
ATC coordination and initiative
management.
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Meteorology 6
Meteorology
Responsible to prepare and

disseminate surface, wind
turbulence, and thunderstorm
forecasts while monitoring the
environment in which Delta flight
operations occur.
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OCC Bridge at Delta 7
OCC Bridge
Duty Director Sector Managers
Fleet Coordinators
Customer Service Air Logistics
Duty Pilot In-Flight Service
Security
Maintenance Manager
Passenger Revenue Management
Reservations
Cross-functional OCC team

that manages the strategic and
tactical decisions related to the
safe, secure, reliable use of the
corporate assets and resources
for the highest level of service
to our Customers and
efficiency for the corporation.
10
Fleet Coordinators 8
Fleet Coordinators
Manages the positioning of all

aircraft in Delta‟s fleets to
ensure the requirements and
restrictions of flight schedule
are met and to allow for
compliance of all maintenance
requirements and restrictions.
10
Communications 9
Communications Center
Worldwide communications 24 hours per

day for Delta flights and other airlines.
Radio operators are responsible for air-
ground communications concerning flight
movement and safety.
11
Load Control 0
Load Control Center
Provide payload and fuel distribution

services, and produce final departure
documents for all Delta flights. Resolve
weight and balance issues to ensure
regulatory compliance, optimize payload
and maintain on time integrity.
11
Crew Tracking 1
Crew Tracking
Tracking Delta pilot and

flight attendant crews to
ensure affected flight(s)
operate in a timely manner Crew Accommodations:
and that each crew responsible for ensuring that
member maintains hotel and transportation needs
legalities. of layover crews are met.
11
International Dispatch 2
Provides
dispatching
and
operational
control over
all the
international
daily flight
operations in
accordance
with Federal
Aviation
Regulations
and Delta
company
policy.
11
Maintenance Control 3
Single point of contact

for all maintenance
assistance for Delta‟s
operating fleet.
Responsible for near
term maintenance
planning aspects to
ensure viability and
efficiency of the aircraft
layover program.
Curtis Wright Travel Air 6-B
11
Irregular Operations 4
Severe weather (thunderstorms, Air Traffic Control Issues &

crosswinds) Airport/Facility Outages
Winter weather events Incidents/accidents
Natural disasters (hurricanes, Turbulence

earthquakes, floods, volcanoes) System outages
Man-made disasters (terrorism, Mechanical problems

power outages, labor disputes)
Emergencies
DOT 3 Hour Tarmac Rule
Unruly Passengers
Threats / Unusual Behavior
11
The Recent Eruption of Eyjafjallajokull in Iceland 5
17,000 – 21,000 of the usual 28,000 daily flights that operate

through European airspace were cancelled for several days in a
row. Delta cancelled 70-90 flights per day during the eruption. No
flight activity in all of Northern Europe in the picture on the right.
11
Trans-Atlantic Route Structure 6
11
Volcanic Ash Forecast 7
11
August 2003 Blackout 8
Airports including Detroit, Cleveland, and all of the major New York City
airports were closed or on severely limited operations during the blackout.
11
2001 Seattle Area Earthquake 9
These pictures show damage to the runway at Seattle‟s Boeing Field and
the Control Tower at Seattle-Tacoma International airport.
12
Hurricanes 0
Airports will normally close ahead of a hurricane. However, dispatchers alter routes
for aircraft operating across the storm‟s path. Dispatchers must also monitor the
impacts hurricanes have on communications and air traffic control facilities.
12
1981 PATCO Strike 1
Dispatchers must be aware of labor issues which can have an

impact on their flights. In some cases, the dispatchers must act to
mitigate the affects of these issues.
12
Winter Weather Events 2
12
Runway Excursion 3
Initiated
abort
12
Runway Excursion 4
12
Think Outside the Box! 5
12
Nothing is Impossible! 6
12
Terrorism 7
While powerless to stop acts of terrorism, the Aircraft Dispatcher

has a prominent role in handling acts of terrorism once they occur.
Delta‟s Worldwide Traffic
12
8
Delta‟s Flights over North America
12
9
13
Route Monitoring Tool 0
13
Severe Weather 1
13
Thank you 2
Thank you for the opportunity
Dispatch is the critical safety element in commercial aviation
Interesting history (to me) behind US Air Commerce and Dispatchers
No mention of history in your course curriculum …
So . . .
13
Homework! 3
Due on 10-25-2010
Write a short paper (500-800 words) on

the history of aviation in the United States.
I would be impressed if you include and explain the significance of

Congressional Acts in one or all of the following years:
1926 1934 1938 1958 1967
(Do not just cut and paste from eNotes!)
[email protected]
13
Extra Slides . . . 4
13
Sources of Weather Information 5
From 8400.10
Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Parts 91, 121 and 135
require certificate holders to use weather reports and forecasts from
specified sources. Pilots and other persons responsible for operational
control must have enough weather information to determine whether a
flight can be accomplished in compliance with 14 CFR. Weather
information systems must provide all weather information required by 14
CFR
Part 121 requires operators conducting operations within the 48 contiguous

states to use reports prepared by the NWS or Sources approved by the
NWS
Recent FAA audit revealed a large number of airlines using unapproved

sources for operational decisions (internet)
Innovation outpaces regulation
13
ATL Diversion Scenario 6
13
More Severe Weather 7
This picture was taken the day after downtown Atlanta was struck by a tornado.
13
Cool slide . . . 8

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Air Carrier Operations and Dispatch

George Mason University

The inputs are:

The execution of this activity is governed by a set of regulations

A set of resources are needed to support the execution of the

Manage Air Carrier Operations

Air commerce means interstate, overseas, or foreign air commerce or

Air carrier means a person who undertakes directly by lease, or other

Aircraft means a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in

This function plans, designs, implements, and evaluates

Provide Air Carrier Operation Resources

American Airlines SOC, DFW

The Safety PAD

Three Legged Stool

A certificated airman who has joint responsibility with the

Sec. 65.51 Certificate required (effective Apr 6, 2000)

Sec. 65.53 Eligibility requirements: General.

Sec. 65.57 Experience requirements.

An applicant for an Aircraft Dispatcher certificate must present documentary

(3) In aircraft ops as--

Sec. 65.59 Skill requirements.

Airline Ground Schools ( AGS)

American Airlines SOC, DFW

Monitors all phases of flight

Delays, diverts or cancels flights if

Dispatchers usually work for an airline

Airlines have a product – their schedule

Dispatchers attempt to operate that schedule

5 yrs + 5 yrs to 3 yrs 36 months to 72 hours……. 72 hours to right now

Operate Safely Minimize Costs Protect Revenue

Right now ---

This is where dispatcher BEGINS to function

Right now to about 24 hours from now…

Longest international flights running 16 hours or more

Preparation for flight release begins 3 or 4 hours prior to STD

STD is the Scheduled Departure Time

PIC and Dispatcher sign the release

Dispatcher is the primary communication point for all in-flight emergencies

• Plan alternate airports, if required, for

• Determine fuel load

• Check MEL/CDL data for performance restrictions

• Check MEL/CDL data for route restrictions

• Check crew qualifications

• Assess ATC constraints

• Issue dispatch release

• Monitor the progress of each flight

Approximately 28,000 air carrier flights daily (DOT 2010)

Each one must be initiated by a dispatcher (the dispatch release)

Each one must be conducted by a dispatcher

Each one flown by a pilot in command and a co-pilot

Each one provided with separation by air traffic control

65,000 pilots 15,000 controllers 1,000 dispatchers

Airport Management and Port Authorities

Aircraft and Engine Manufacturers

Vendors and Suppliers

Medical support facilities

Homeland Security – TSA

Law Enforcement Agencies, including Federal Air Marshals (FAM)