A Flight Dispatcher’s Flight Planning Checklist

One aspect of a flight dispatcher’s duty includes the many forms and checklists that they are responsible for checking, maintaining, and proofing for errors. The flight dispatcher school, Sheffield School of Aeronautics, has created a mock flight dispatcher flight planning checklist that is much like the ones used in actual flight dispatching scenarios. We hope this check list helps potential flight dispatcher students get an idea of what they will be working with on a regular basis. The flight planning checklist will look something like the below example.

A. Required Information

1. Passenger names and baggage weights.
2. Date and time of flight.
3. Flight route and itinerary.
4. Pick up and drop off location for passengers.
5. Cargo: type, weight, volume, any hazardous materials.
6. Cost comparison done.

B. Environmental Factors

1. A.M. or P.M. flight.
2. Weather Conditions.
3. Terrain.

          a. High elevation.

          b. Mountains.

      4. Density Altitude.

C. Airport Factors

1. Runway length adequate.
2. Runway gravel vs. hard surface.
3. Runway load bearing weight.
4. Elevation.
5. Runway lights.
6. Fueling facilities.
7. Noise restrictions.

D. Aircraft Criteria

1. Approved.
2. Number of insured seats.
3. Payload.
4. Multi or single engine.
5. De-icing equipment.
6. Speed.
7. Fuel type & consumption.
8. High wing or low wing.
9. Any avionics requirement.

E. Pilot Criteria

1. Approved for specific flight.
2. Duty day limitation.
3. Flight hour limitations.

F. Dispatcher Responsibilities

1. Relay flight information to vendor, pilot, ramp manager, and overhead desk.
2. Determines means of flight following.
3. Relays flight following information to GACC, sending & receiving units.
4. Briefs flight manager.

G. Flight Manager Responsibilities

1. Ensures that all passengers are at initial departure location.
2. Briefs pilot and passengers on flight.
3. Informs dispatch of any changes in passengers or flight route.
4. Verifies that aircraft and pilot are agency’s approved.
5. Ensures that passengers receive a safety briefing from pilot.
6. Ensures pilot complies with flight following procedures.
7. Verifies flight invoice entries.
8. Completes and submits SAFECOM for any flight irregularities.