Aircraft Flight Dispatchers are FAA licensed and certified airmen. All Part 121 airlines are required to have licensed Aircraft Dispatchers. To obtain an Aircraft Dispatchers Certificate, a student must pass two extensive examinations--one written, and one oral/practical.

The Aircraft Dispatcher is equally responsible along with the Captain to insure that each flight under his/her control is planned and operated safely and in accordance with all applicable Federal Aviation Regulations. The Dispatcher is responsible for pre-planning, in-flight monitoring, including the forwarding of pertinent weather information, and assuring that each flight reaches its final destination in a safe and timely manner. The dispatcher has been described as the "Captain on the ground." Both the Captain and the Dispatcher must sign a dispatch release before a flight can legally operate.

The first and foremost responsibility of the Aircraft Dispatcher is SAFETY. This is accomplished through coordination with and agreement of the Captain of each flight under his/her control. Next on the Dispatcher's list of responsibilities is the efficiency of the operation, passenger comfort and convenience, the maintence of the airliner's schedule, and accomodation of payload. Preplanning of the operation is the first step in the process used to ensure these responsibilities are met. The Dispatcher must be constantly aware of the changing conditions which effect the operation. He/she must be prepared to react to these changing conditions and modify the plan in an appropriate way to maintain safety. Once the planned flight is under way, the Dispatcher is required to maintain viligance over that operation to be sure it remains safe and within the bounds of regulation and company policy.

Safety paragraph reprinted with permission of ADF.