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Other denominations

Flight dispatcher; Console operator; Flight planner

Description

This person is responsible for creating the flight plan, alongside the pilots. Takes into account several factors, such as the weather conditions along the route and at the destination, the fuel required, etc. At the same time, this must meet all of the requirements in terms of safety, schedule and costs. Serves as a link between the pilot and the airport staff.

Tasks

  • Create the flight plan.
    In a first phase, prepare the "flight pre-plan", decide the route considering company schedules, destinations and costs. This pre-plan is subject to changes.
    Analyse weather conditions of the flight during the route and at destination point, wind direction, alternative destinations, altitude, the fuel needed, the number of passengers, the load and the air traffic.
    Decide to change the route during adverse weather conditions. First of all, security must be taken into account, then the efficiency of the operation, the comfort of the passengers, crew schedules, etc.
    In some cases, the flight may have to be cancelled if there is not a valid alternative route (or if the weather at the airport makes taekoff dangerous).
    Ensure that air travel regulations are complied with at all times.
  • File the "Load Sheet", which sets out the plane's specific parameters, such as its exact weight and fuel required, which are calculated according to the number of passengers, the load carried and the flight plan.
  • Review the NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) on any published aeronautic information that could affect or alter the flight.
  • Observe restricted areas, danger areas and airlines' airspace rights, to ensure that the flight is assigned the right route.
  • Maintain contact with flight coordinator, providing all of the necessary information about the flight so that the aforementioned can perform his or her duties.
  • Once the craft is en route, continue to monitor all operations, assessing the flight's progress. In the event of an incident, determine alternative routes.
  • Keep the pilot informed about the status of the flight (meteorological conditions, etc.)
  • Periodically fly in the cabin in order to observe the flight routes, as well as the airports.
  • File the flight plan with the Air Traffic Controller.
  • Coordinate possible diversion options in the event of the flight path needing altering, together with the Air Traffic Controller.
  • Request the flight slot and sends the information to the flight crew.
  • Ensure that the flight plan is registered in line with local regulations.

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Centre per al desenvolupament professional Porta22

Barcelona Treball (Porta22)
Llacuna, 156-162, 08018 Barcelona
bcn.cat/treball

900533175
Monday to Friday from 9 to 18 h

Generalitat de Catalunya
Unió Europea FEDER
Unió Europea FSE