One of the aspects of being an aircraft dispatcher that is most relevant is the fact that many times, you will need to oversee flights that eventually get canceled. There are many reasons why this should be a concern for someone that is working towards obtaining a tier FAA dispatcher license. Aircraft dispatchers play a crucial role in canceled flights as they are responsible for planning, coordinating, and monitoring flight operations, including making decisions related to flight cancellations. When a flight is canceled, aircraft dispatchers work closely with other members of the airline team to ensure that passengers are informed of the cancellation and that alternative arrangements are made, such as booking passengers on another flight or providing accommodations and transportation as necessary. But, why do flights get canceled? Our aircraft dispatch school examines the reasons why below.
Most Common Reasons for Flight Cancellation
Why do flights get canceled, and what are the most common reasons why. If you are working towards getting your aircraft dispatcher license, you are going to need to learn what the most common reasons for flight cancellations are. Some of the most common ones are listed below:
- Weather
- Mechanical problems
- Staffing shortages
- Air traffic control issues
- Security issues
Those that are involved in FAA flight planning make an effort to minimize cancellations, but sometimes they are necessary to ensure the safety of the passengers and crew.
Reasons for Canceled Flights That Aircraft Dispatchers Oversee
An FAA aircraft dispatcher oversees many aspects of a flight. When he or she notices that there are some things awry, it could lead to them, unfortunately, canceling a flight. Some of the most common things that an aircraft dispatcher oversees are the following:
- Flight planning – An aircraft dispatcher creates detailed flight plans that include information such as the route of the flight, the altitude and airspeed of the aircraft, and the amount of fuel required for the flight.
- Weather monitoring – An aircraft dispatcher monitors weather patterns and forecasts to ensure safe flights.
- Coordinating with flight crews – aircraft dispatcher works closely with flight crews to ensure that they have all the information they need to operate the flight safely.
- Communication with air traffic control – These two parties work closely together to ensure a safe flight.
- Monitoring flight progress – During the flight, an aircraft dispatcher monitors the progress of the flight and communicates with the flight crew.
- Making operational decisions – An aircraft dispatcher makes important operational decisions related to flight operations, such as diverting a flight.
- Ensuring compliance with regulations – An aircraft dispatcher ensures that all flight operations comply with relevant regulations and procedures.
If an FAA aircraft dispatcher realizes that there is something wrong with any of these aspects of a flight program, they will be inclined to cancel the flight.
Weather Flight Cancellations
Why do flights get canceled? Perhaps one of the most common reasons why flights get canceled is because of inclement weather. When weather conditions such as thunderstorms, heavy rain, snow, ice, or fog are severe enough to pose a risk to the safety of passengers and crew, aircraft dispatchers may cancel flights to ensure their safety. As mentioned above, this is an aspect of a flight dispatcher’s job description that they pay the most attention to.
More About Sheffield School of Aeronautics
Sheffield School of Aeronautics is an aircraft dispatcher school that is dedicated to helping our students achieve their dream careers. Our full suite of courses was designed to allow our students to create their own effective FAA flight plans. Contact us today to learn more about getting your FAA license and more about all of the aircraft dispatcher license requirements.
