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LogisticsISCO 4323

Aircraft dispatcher

An aircraft dispatcher is a person who authorises, regulates and coordinates an operator's commercial flights under aviation regulations and company procedures.

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Rate 5 of the 20 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

operate radio equipment

calculate aircraft weight

apply company policies

perform multiple tasks at the same time

use meteorological information

About aircraft dispatcher

The aircraft dispatcher prepares a flight together with the captain. Weather along the route and at the airports is analysed, along with runway conditions, airspace restrictions and the availability of alternates, and then the flight plan is prepared and the aircraft's mass and balance calculated together with its fuel reserve. The flight is released in line with aviation regulations and company procedures.

While a flight is airborne the dispatcher stays in contact. Flight information is distributed inside the company, the aircraft's position is followed, changes in weather and in conditions at the destination are passed to the crew, and a solution is prepared when a flight has to be delayed, diverted or cancelled. Records are kept throughout: logs of flights, delays, cancellations and changes to a plan.

The dispatcher handles several tasks at once, meets deadlines, uses different communication channels, works with flight crews and with ground handling, and acts responsibly and in line with company policy. In some countries the role requires a licence issued by the civil aviation authority.

Key Work Functions

Core areas of responsibility for a aircraft dispatcher.

1

Flight Authorization and Clearance

  • Review and approve flight plans submitted by pilots before departure
  • Check aircraft weight and balance calculations against payload data
  • Issue flight dispatch releases documenting all clearances and conditions
  • Coordinate with air traffic control to obtain final takeoff clearance
2

Weather Monitoring and Analysis

  • Continuously monitor meteorological data and weather patterns along flight routes
  • Assess impact of severe weather on flight safety and operations
  • Advise pilots on weather conditions and recommend alternate routing when necessary
  • Issue notices to airmen (NOTAMs) regarding weather and hazards
3

Real-Time Flight Operations Management

  • Monitor flight progress and maintain communication with flight crews throughout flight duration
  • Make time-critical decisions regarding flight delays, diversions, or cancellations
  • Coordinate with dispatch team to manage fleet routing and resource allocation
  • Maintain detailed flight logs and records of all decisions and incidents
4

Emergency Response Coordination

  • Provide immediate support and guidance in emergency situations such as medical incidents or mechanical failures
  • Coordinate with emergency services and ensure proper emergency landing procedures
  • Document and report all emergency incidents to regulatory authorities
5

Regulatory Compliance and Documentation

  • Ensure all flight operations comply with governmental regulations and company policies
  • Apply airport standards and international aviation regulations to all decisions
  • Maintain accurate aeronautical data and ensure information accuracy for all flight planning

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (20)

operate radio equipmentoperate radio equipmentSet up and operate radio devices and accessories, such as broadcast consoles, amplifiers, and microphones. Understand the basics of radio operator language and, when necessary, provide instruction in ...calculate aircraft weightcalculate aircraft weightCalculate total aircraft weight, taking into account luggage, cargo, passengers, crew and fuel. Compose weight and balance documentation.apply company policiesapply company policiesApply the principles and rules that govern the activities and processes of an organisation.perform multiple tasks at the same timeperform multiple tasks at the same timeExecute multiple tasks at the same time, being aware of key priorities.use meteorological informationuse meteorological informationUse and interpret meteorological information for operations dependent on climatic conditions. Use this information to provide advise on safe operations in relation to weather conditions.act reliablyact reliablyProceed in a way that one can be relied on or depended on.use ICT systemsuse ICT systemsSelect and use ICT systems for a variety of complex tasks in order to meet a variety of needs.use different communication channelsuse different communication channelsMake use of various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the purpose of constructing and sharing ideas or information.work in an aviation teamwork in an aviation teamWork confidently in a group in general aviation services, in which each individual operates in their own area of responsibility to reach a common goal, such as a good customer interaction, air safety,...make time-critical decisionsmake time-critical decisionsPursue optimal time-critical decision making within the organisation.meet deadlinesmeet deadlinesEnsure operative processes are finished at a previously agreed-upon time.apply airport standards and regulationsapply airport standards and regulationsKnow and apply the accepted standards and regulations for European airports. Apply knowledge to enforce airport rules, regulations, and the Airport Safety Plan.prepare notices to airmen for pilotsprepare notices to airmen for pilotsPrepare and file regular NOTAM briefings in the information system used by pilots; calculate the best possible way to use the available airspace; provide information on the potential hazards that may ...assist pilot in execution of emergency landingassist pilot in execution of emergency landingAssist aircraft pilot during emergency situations and emergency landing procedures.prepare flight dispatch releaseprepare flight dispatch releasePrepare and sign the dispatch release, an official document providing authorisation for the flight to depart.tolerate stresstolerate stressMaintain a temperate mental state and effective performance under pressure or adverse circumstances.consider weather conditions in flight decisionsconsider weather conditions in flight decisionsDelay or cancel flights if unsafe weather conditions might endanger the safety of aircraft, passengers or crew.disseminate flight informationdisseminate flight informationCompose and disseminate flight information to others within the company. This is the source of information provided to the travelling public.ensure accuracy of aeronautical dataensure accuracy of aeronautical dataEnsure the accuracy of published aeronautical information, e.g. landing charts and radio navigational aids.air traffic control operationsair traffic control operationsThe procedures for organising air traffic, preventing collisions and ensuring smooth operations during flights, and the tasks performed by air traffic controllers, including Interaction and effective ...

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Frequently asked questions

What does an aircraft dispatcher do?

Aircraft dispatchers authorise, regulate, and control commercial airline flights according to governmental and company regulations. They expedite and ensure flight flow by preparing logs of flights, delays, cancellations, and changes in schedules or flight plans.

What skills does an aircraft dispatcher need?

An aircraft dispatcher needs 20 essential skills, including operate radio equipment, calculate aircraft weight, apply company policies, perform multiple tasks at the same time, use meteorological information.

Will AI replace aircraft dispatcher jobs?

The AI disruption score for aircraft dispatcher is 76/100 (very high risk). Skills most exposed to automation: calculate aircraft weight, disseminate flight information, prepare notices to airmen for pilots. Most resilient: tolerate stress, act reliably, assist pilot in execution of emergency landing.

AI Replacement Risk

76/ 100
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Quick Facts

SectorLogistics
ISCO GroupNumerical and material recording clerks
Essential Skills20

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