Flight dispatcher job duties

Analyze and evaluate meteorological information to determine potential hazards to safety of flight and to select the most desirable and economic route of flight.

Authorize, regulate and control commercial airline flights according to government and company regulations to expedite and ensure safety of flight.

Compute 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.

Prepare flight plans containing information such as maximum allowable takeoff and landing weights, weather reports, field conditions, NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) and many other informational components required for the safe completion of flight.

Prepare and sign the dispatch release which is the legal document providing authorization for a flight to depart.

Delay or cancel flights if unsafe conditions threaten the safety of aircraft or passengers.

Monitor weather conditions, aircraft position reports, and aeronautical navigation charts to evaluate the progress of flight.

Update the pilot in command of significant changes to weather or flight plan and recommend flight plan alternates, such as changing course, altitude and, if required, enroute landings in the interest of safety and economy.

Originate and disseminate flight information to others in his/her company including stations and reservations. This is the source of information provided to the traveling public.

Participate in frequent and detailed recurrent training courses covering aircraft systems, company operations policy, meteorology and Federal Air Regulations as required by the FAA.