What is Flight Dispatch?

The pilot flies the aircraft, the air-traffic controller provides separation of aircraft, and the flight dispatcher manages the aircraft's movement.  Together, these professionals form the air safety P.A.D. - Pilot, Air-traffic Controller, and Flight Dispatcher.  It is this P.A.D. that provides the foundation for air safety

Flight Dispatchers are required to have very comprehensive knowledge of various aviation disciplines such as weight and balance, the air-traffic control system, meteorology, Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR's), air navigation, and communications just to name a few.  The timely coordination and application of these disciplines by the dispatcher produce a safe, reliable, and economical flight operations system.

To effectively apply these aviation disciplines requires intensive training and dedication.  Prospective flight dispatchers go through a licensing process that is similar to that of the airplane pilot.  Several aviation schools around the country offer courses in flight dispatch.  Successful completion of a very rigorous written and oral examination by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) results in the candidate obtaining an "Aircraft Dispatcher License".

However, the training does not stop at this point.  Annually, like airline pilots, dispatchers are required to successfully complete a proficiency check on company operations and training on each type of aircraft he or she dispatches.

It is the dispatcher's and pilot's joint responsibility to ensure the safety of every flight.  The dispatcher authorizes the flight by creating and issuing a flight release and flight plan.  The flight release/plan specifically spells out safety parameters under which the flight is to be conducted.  These parameters include fuel quantity, route of flight, altitude, severe weather avoidance, type of aircraft, and an alternate airport selection if the destination has marginal weather conditions.  The pilot signifies his or her acceptance of the release by jointly signing the release with the dispatcher.

Every flight must be authorized by a licensed dispatcher.  If conditions of the original release change either en-route or on the ground, it is the responsibility of the dispatcher to consult with the captain and amend the flight release as applicable.  However, should conditions in some way affect the safety of the flight, the dispatcher has the legal authority to either delay, cancel, or re-route the flight.

This check and balance system between the dispatcher and pilot ensures that air safety is maintained from pre-flight planning to touchdown.  This safety vigilance is the heart of the flight dispatch system and is known to the dispatcher as maintaining positive operational control.

 Monitoring every flight requires the dispatcher to utilize state-of-the-art technology such as air-ground radio communications, weather radars, aircraft tracking systems, satellite telecommunications and powerful computer systems.

From issuing severe weather avoidance information to assisting flight crews with airborne emergencies, the flight dispatchers are the eyes and ears for every Airlines flight operations.

Northwest Airlines Flight Dispatch

The flight planning and monitoring of NWA's global system is done from two flight dispatch offices.  One is in Minneapolis, Minnesota employing 184 flight dispatchers and operations planners 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  The Minneapolis office controls the air route system in most of the Pacific, Europe, and North America.  The second flight dispatch office is in Tokyo, Japan and is staffed by 10 FAA licensed Japanese nationals.  The Tokyo office controls the air route system in Japan, Southeast Asia, and shares responsibility for some Pacific flights with the Minneapolis office.

Northwest Airlines has committed considerable human, financial, and technological resources to create what is considered throughout the airline community as a state-of-the-art industry-leading flight dispatch facility.  The Transport Workers Union (TWU) is justifiably proud of the joint labor/management commitment to provide you with the finest service in the industry.