What Does a flight Dispatcher/flight operation’s officer do?
When people think about air travel, most think that when they fly they are in the hands of their pilot. While this is true, a flight crew cannot fly without the help of a team of people on the ground. An aircraft dispatcher makes airline operations work and ensures that both pilots and their passengers are able to travel safely to their destination. Flight plans, safety guidelines, and weather patterns are all part of the work performed by a dispatcher, but many wonder what exactly a flight dispatcher does while on the job. If you are considering a field in aviation, then read on to see if a dispatcher is the right job for you.
Weather Monitoring
Almost every shift begins with a thorough check of the day’s weather and the reminder of the shift includes intermittent checks to see if the weather has changed at all. An aircraft dispatcher checks on the visibility at their departure airport as well as the conditions at the destination airport and possible alternate airports as well. An extensive knowledge of weather and forecasting is required in order to provide pilots with accurate information so that all flights make it to their destination safely and on time.
Flight Planning
While most airports have automated flight plans, an aircraft dispatcher is still required to override certain flight plan defaults if needed, and monitor all flights and suggest alternative actions, should the need arise. They need to be able to utilize complex computer systems that select the correct altitudes for flights according to flight calculations. Most flight dispatchers have as much – if not more – knowledge than pilots, allowing them to come up with flight plans that are the best choice for weather conditions, mechanical issues, or other problems that may arise. Flight plans are not always set in stone and a dispatcher has the authority required to do any of the following to a plan:
⦁ Divert
⦁ Cancel
⦁ Delay
⦁ Change
Together with the captain and all of the pertinent information needed, a dispatcher sees what needs to happen and gets it done.
Communications
The field of aviation cannot operate without good communication between the ground and the airplanes in the air. A flight dispatcher spends a good amount of time during a shift communicating back and forth between several pilots on the flights they are monitoring. Dispatchers have to tell their pilots navigation information and relay flight plan guidelines in order to ensure safe travels. Operational decisions often come straight from a dispatcher who has to let their pilots know of any safety hazards or changes that can come up without warning.
The reality of the job is that complete concentration is required throughout very long shifts, whether weather is poor or airplanes have mechanical issues. Without full attention, small issues can become big problems for a flight. Working behind the scenes to keep planes in the air and on schedule, the aircraft dispatcher, also considered a form of “pilot on the ground”, is one of the unsung heroes of the aviation world. The next time you are on a flight, remember that there is more than one person directing your place to its destination and ensuring that you get there on time.
The Benefits of Becoming an Aircraft Dispatcher
Aircraft dispatchers enjoy a number of benefits as a part of their career. As a “captain on the ground,” the aircraft dispatcher is in control of numerous flights and must pay great attention to detail to ensure the safe operation of all of these flights. This particular career is considered to be very challenging and exciting, and the position is one that is often highly coveted due to the responsibilities the career entails. While there are many benefits in the position itself, there are other benefits that aircraft dispatchers enjoy, which only makes employment in this field even more desirable.
After earning a position as an aircraft dispatcher, individuals in this field are able to enjoy the following benefits:
• Free or reduced travel rates
• Cockpit jumpseat authority
• Insurance (life, dental, health and disability)
• Paid or discounted holidays and vacations
• Retirement plans
• Stock options
• Savings and credit unions
• Discounts on hotels, cruise lines and rental cars
Of course, the true benefit of this career is the exciting and rewarding work that is done on a daily basis, but the other benefits are undeniably attractive. It is for this reason that pursuing training and certification for readiness in this field is a popular option, though the selection of a training school should be very carefully considered.
Do you love to be a flight dispatcher/flight operations officer?
If you do, then your search has come to an end!!!!
the trainning link between skymax and kenya aeronautical college gives students a chance to study both a certificate and a diploma in flight dispatch in a period of just 9months. the certificate obtained under skymax which is an approved trainning organisation[ KCAA.ATO.No.12] by the kenya civil aviation authority qualifies students to be in position to sit for their kenya civil Aviation Authority [KCAA] lincensing exams. The Diploma obtained under kenya aeronutical college which is a certified instituition by the ministry of science and technology to offer a diploma in flight dispatch qualifies our students to sit for the International Air transport Association[ IATA ]diploma exams in flight dispatch.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is the global trade association for the world’s airlines. Its mission is to lead and serve its members, as well as to represent their interests in a way that boosts the airport transport industry world wide.
skymax and kenya aeronautical college link prides in providing students with the greatest knowlegde capacity and the highest qualification in flight dispatch that one can get not only in kenya but also in the East African community
the study link between skymax flying school and kenya Aeronautical college avails students to a fully fleged aviation environment with great aviation bussiness facilities such as an Approved Aircraft Maintainance Organisation [AMO] and a flight dispatch office where some of the students do their internship from, a hanger where school aircrafts and other flight instruments are kept, a well stoked world class aviation library,a fleet of aircrafts that students do their flight dispatch practicals on and many more other attributes that make it a world class piloting and flight dispatch training school.
Intakes
⦁ Jan,
⦁ May
⦁ September
Study Programs
day program . from 8;30am to 3pm . monday to friday
evening program from 5;30pm to 7;30pm monday to friday
weekend program [saturday and sunday]
from 8am to 5pm
online program [8pm to 10pm everyday]
[ this program includes physical meeting with the instructors at the college facillities for two days in every month for the practical classes that would nessesitate physical presence]
For more information, visit our website; skymaxflyingschool.com or kac.co.ke or call /whatsapp +254708374257
aviation is real, dont be left out!!!
