Flight Operations Dispatcher Course

Lesson 1 • Aviation Regulatory Framework Overview

Introduces the regulatory bodies and rule sets that govern dispatch operations. Connects compliance requirements to the dispatcher's daily tasks.

Lesson 2 • The Dispatcher's Role and Authority

Defines the dispatcher's joint operational control authority alongside the pilot-in-command. Establishes the legal and operational basis for dispatch decisions.

Lesson 3 • Dispatcher Ethics and Decision-Making

Covers professional standards, ethical obligations, and safety culture in dispatch. Builds the mindset needed for sound operational judgment.

Lesson 1 • Fundamentals of Atmospheric Science

Covers pressure, temperature, humidity, and atmospheric layers that affect flight. Provides the physical basis for understanding weather phenomena.

Lesson 2 • Hazardous Weather Phenomena

Identifies thunderstorms, icing, turbulence, and low-visibility conditions that affect dispatch. Teaches avoidance strategies and triggers for alternate planning.

Lesson 3 • Weather Minimums and Alternate Planning

Applies regulatory weather minimums to departure, destination, and alternate selection. Incorporates forecast uncertainty into conservative dispatch decisions.

Lesson 4 • Aviation Weather Products and Reports

Teaches how to decode METARs, TAFs, PIREPs, and area forecasts. Connects each product to specific dispatch planning decisions.

Lesson 1 • Air Traffic Control Coordination

Describes ATC roles, clearance processes, and flow control programmes. Teaches dispatchers how to anticipate and respond to ATC-driven delays.

Lesson 2 • Route Planning and Optimisation

Uses navigation and airspace knowledge to choose efficient, compliant routes. Balances fuel economy, weather avoidance, and ATC constraints.

Lesson 3 • Navigation Fundamentals for Dispatchers

Covers coordinate systems, magnetic variation, and basic navigation calculations. Establishes the geographic literacy needed for route analysis.

Lesson 1 • Aircraft Systems Overview for Dispatchers

Surveys powerplant, hydraulic, electrical, and pressurisation systems that matter for dispatch. Focuses on system failures that affect operational decisions.

Lesson 2 • Weight, Balance, and Payload Planning

Explains centre-of-gravity limits, payload restrictions, and load planning principles. Ensures dispatchers can check aircraft loading compliance before release.

Lesson 3 • Applying the Minimum Equipment List

Teaches how to use the MEL to determine whether it is legal to dispatch with inoperative equipment. Connects MEL categories to operational and maintenance decisions.

Lesson 4 • Extended Operations and Special Approvals

Addresses ETOPS, polar, and other special operation requirements that affect dispatch. Teaches additional planning steps and contingency requirements.

Lesson 1 • Preparing the Flight Release Document

Covers the legal requirements and content standards for the dispatch release. Teaches how to complete and brief the release documents accurately.

Lesson 2 • Fuel Calculation Methods

Teaches manual and computerised fuel calculation techniques for various route types. Builds accuracy and cross-check habits for fuel planning.

Lesson 3 • Selecting Alternate Airports

Uses weather, performance, and fuel criteria to choose compliant alternate airports. Integrates alternate selection into the overall fuel plan.

Lesson 4 • Monitoring Fuel During Flight

Establishes dispatcher responsibilities for in-flight fuel monitoring and intervention. Connects en-route fuel checks to diversion and emergency decisions.

Lesson 1 • Computerised Flight Planning Systems

Introduces the architecture and data inputs of automated flight planning software. Develops skill in generating and validating computer-generated flight plans.

Lesson 2 • Reviewing the Operational Flight Plan

Teaches a systematic review of completed flight plans for accuracy and compliance. Develops a structured cross-check method before crew briefing.

Lesson 3 • Integrating Weather into the Flight Plan

Applies meteorological data to route selection, altitude optimisation, and fuel planning. Reinforces the connection between weather analysis and flight plan outputs.

Lesson 1 • Supporting In-Flight Emergencies

Defines dispatcher responsibilities during declared emergencies and distress situations. Teaches communication protocols and resource coordination with ATC and the company.

Lesson 2 • Planning and Executing Diversions

Covers real-time selection of diversion airports, fuel assessment, and crew coordination. Builds the dispatcher's ability to support in-flight diversion decisions quickly.

Lesson 3 • Network Recovery and Recontrol

Addresses strategies for restoring normal operations after widespread disruptions. Develops prioritisation and resource allocation skills for network recovery.

Lesson 4 • Classifying Irregular Operations

Defines categories of irregular operations from minor delays to full network disruptions. Establishes the decision triggers and escalation thresholds for each category.

Lesson 1 • Strategic Operational Planning

Covers proactive planning for seasonal operations, special events, and capacity constraints. Develops the dispatcher's ability to anticipate and mitigate systemic risks.

Lesson 2 • Risk Assessment in Dispatch Operations

Applies structured risk assessment models to dispatch decisions under uncertainty. Builds the analytical framework for evaluating compounding operational risks.

Lesson 3 • Crew Resource Management for Dispatchers

Adapts CRM principles to the dispatch environment for effective team communication. Strengthens assertiveness, briefing quality, and conflict resolution with flight crews.

Lesson 4 • Managing Workload Across Multiple Flights

Develops strategies for managing simultaneous flights across a complex network. Teaches prioritisation, task delegation, and situational awareness under high workload.