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VOLUME 13 FLIGHT STANDARDS DESIGNEES

CHAPTER 3 DESIGNATED AIRCRAFT DISPATCH EXAMINER

Section 4 The Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test

13-221 PROGRAM TRACKING AND REPORTING SUBSYSTEM (PTRS) ACTIVITY

CODES.

A. PTRS Activity Codes: 1513, 1524, 1555.

B. Information on PTRS Entries. Information regarding specific PTRS entries can be 

found in Volume 5, Chapter 5, Section 10, paragraph 5-1369.

13-222 APPLICABILITY. This section applies to examiners who administer the Aircraft 

Dispatcher Practical Test. For the purposes of this section, such an examiner may be a 

Designated Aircraft Dispatch Examiner (DADE) or an Aviation Safety Inspector-Aircraft 

Dispatcher (ASI-AD). The policies, procedures, and information contained in this section are 

applicable to both DADEs and ASI-ADs who administer the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test, 

except where noted. Information in this section also applies to FAA managing specialists with 

oversight responsibility of a DADE.

13-223 GENERAL.

A. No More Than Two Tests Per Day. An Examiner may not administer more than 

two practical tests per day (excluding retests).

B. Single Applicant. An examiner may not administer any portion of the Aircraft 

Dispatcher Practical Test to more than one applicant at a time.

C. Applicant Notes. Examiners must not permit applicants to have any notes or 

documents in the testing area other than those specifically listed in the Aircraft Dispatcher 

Practical Test Standards.

D. Observers. Generally, observers may not be present during the administration of the 

Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test.

1) At no time will another applicant for an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate observe, 

or be present in the same room or testing area during the administration of the Aircraft 

Dispatcher Practical Test.

2) At no time will any representative (employee, contract employee or affiliate) of 

an FAA-approved Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 65 dispatcher 

certification course operator (school) be permitted to observe, monitor, administer, or participate 

in any way during the administration of the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test.

3) An FAA managing specialist may always monitor a DADE administering the 

Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test.
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4) No other observers may monitor the test without permission from the FAA 

specialist, and agreement from the DADE and the applicant.

E. Time Limits. For scheduling purposes, an examiner should plan an average of 

2 hours for each portion of the test (knowledge and skill). The Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test 

Standards requirements are extensive. Therefore, examiners must ensure that they thoroughly

administer the test in accordance with the practical test standards (PTS). Examiners will take no 

less than 4 hours (combined) to administer the knowledge and skill portions of the test. An 

additional 2 hours may be allocated for applicants to complete administrative requirements such 

as filling out the appropriate application documentation. At no time should the test be longer than 

6 hours in duration. An applicant’s ability to complete any portion of the test in a reasonable 

amount of time must be part of the examiner’s evaluation criteria. Inability by an applicant to 

complete any portion of the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test in a timely manner may be an 

indication that the applicant lacks the ability to manage his or her workload. Workload 

management is a critical element of performing the duties of an aircraft dispatcher.

13-224 PREREQUISITES AND COORDINATION REQUIREMENTS.

A. Prerequisites. This task requires knowledge of 14 CFR parts 1, 61, 65, 91, 110, 119,

121, 183, and the policies set forth in this order.

B. Coordination. This task may require coordination between the managing FAA 

office, regional Flight Standards division (RFSD), and/or the Air Transportation Division 

(AFS-200).

13-225 REFERENCES, FORMS, AND JOB AIDS.

A. References (current editions):

 14 CFR parts 1, 61, 65, 91, 110, 119, 121, and 183.

 Title 49 of the United States Code (49 U.S.C.).

B. Forms:

 FAA Form 8000-36, PTRS Data Sheet.

 FAA Form 8060-4, Temporary Airman Certificate.

 FAA Form 8060-5, Notice of Disapproval of Application.

 FAA Form 8400-3, Application for an Airman Certificate and/or Rating.

 FAA Form 8710-6, Examiner Designation and Qualification Record.

C. Figures:

 Figure 13-18, FAA Form 8400-3 Sample Dispatch Release Worksheet.

 Figure 13-19, Sample Operational Flight Plan Form.

 Figure 13-20, Sample Flight Time Analysis.

 Figure 13-21, Sample Captain Briefing Form.

 Figure 13-22, FAA Form 8060-5, Notice of Disapproval of Application.

 Figure 13-22A, Sample Letter of Discontinuance.
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13-226 APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY. Prior to testing any applicant for an Aircraft Dispatcher 

Certificate an examiner must verify:

A. Age. To be eligible for an aircraft dispatcher certificate, a person must be at least 

23 years of age. To be eligible to take the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test, however, an 

applicant may be at least 21 years of age. This is because § 65.53, allows an applicant to be at 

least 21 years of age to be eligible to take the Aircraft Dispatcher Knowledge Test; § 65.55(b) 

requires an applicant to present documentary evidence satisfactory to the Administrator, of 

having passed that knowledge test within the preceding 24 calendar months. Therefore, an 

individual who passed the knowledge test at 21 years of age would be eligible for a dispatcher 

certificate upon reaching his or her 23rd birthday, by virtue of § 65.55(b). An applicant who is 

under the age of 23 is not entitled to an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate regardless of whether or 

not he or she successfully passes the Aircraft Dispatcher Knowledge and Practical Test. In the 

case of such an applicant, an examiner who is an ASI-AD, or the FAA managing specialist of a 

DADE will issue a Letter of Aeronautical Competency in lieu of a FAA Form 8060-4, 

Temporary Airman Certificate, to an applicant who is less that 23 years of age and has 

successfully passed the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test. A DADE may not issue a Letter of 

Aeronautical Competency. See subparagraph 13-230B for more information on applicants under 

the age of 23 and Letters of Aeronautical Competency. Additional information is also contained 

in Volume 5, Chapter 5, Section 10, subparagraph 5-1368B.

B. English Language Requirements. Before accepting an application and beginning 

the practical test, the examiner must evaluate the applicant’s ability to read, write, speak and 

understand the English language. Communication is another critical element of performing the 

duties of an aircraft dispatcher. The English language component of crew coordination and 

communication skills can never be in doubt for the satisfactory outcome of the test. The current 

edition of Advisory Circular (AC) 60-28, English Language Skill Standards Required by 14 CFR 

Parts 61, 63, and 65, provides guidance for airman applicants, designated examiners, and ASIs in 

determining English language skills required for airman certification. An examiner must 

administer the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test entirely in English. Examiners must not allow 

language interpreters to be present while the test is being administered. If an examiner is not 

satisfied with an applicant’s ability to read, write, and understand the English language, he or she 

may not administer the test. If the examiner is a DADE, he or she may contact the FAA 

managing specialist for assistance in establishing an applicant’s eligibility for an Aircraft 

Dispatcher Certificate based on whether or not the applicant can read, write, speak, and 

understand the English language.

C. Experience and Training Requirements. Section 65.67 contains the experience or 

training requirements an applicant must possess in order to qualify for an Aircraft Dispatcher 

Certificate.

1) An examiner may test any applicant who presents a Statement of Graduation from 

an FAA-approved part 65 aircraft dispatcher certification course in accordance with § 65.57(b).

2) An examiner may not test an applicant who has completed an FAA-approved 

aircraft dispatcher certification course that has provided for a substitution of previous experience 

or training in accordance with § 65.61(d), unless the basis for the credit and substitution criteria 

have been approved by the FAA as part of the aircraft dispatcher certification course.
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a) A DADE must obtain prior approval from the FAA managing specialist to 

testing such an applicant.

b) Examiners and FAA managing specialists must ensure that the total number of 

hours of instruction provided to the applicant is reflected in the Statement of Graduation issued 

by the aircraft dispatcher certification course operator. The basis for substitution must also be 

included in the Statement of Graduation. The minimum contents of a Statement of Graduation

can be found in Volume 5, Chapter 5, Section 10, subparagraph 5-1366E1)a)).

3) A DADE may not test an applicant who has obtained experience in accordance 

with § 65.57(a)(1),(2) or (3) unless specifically approved by FAA managing specialist prior to 

testing.

4) An examiner who is an ASI-AD may not test an applicant based on the experience

allowed by § 65.57(a)(4) without written approval from AFS-200.

5) A DADE may not test an applicant based on the experience allowed by 

§ 65.57(a)(4) without written permission from the FAA managing specialist who first obtain 

written approval from AFS-200.

6) Examiners must verify the applicant’s training and experience. Examiners and 

FAA managing specialists must refer to the guidance contained in Volume 5, Chapter 5, 

Section 10, paragraph 5-1366 for information regarding acceptable documentary evidence of an 

applicant’s experience and training.

D. Identification. Listed below are samples of minimum required identification 

documents. Once accepted, the appropriate information on these documents must be annotated 

on FAA Form 8400-3, Application for an Airman Certificate and/or Rating.

NOTE: Copies of documentation do not have to accompany the application 

package; they only need to be referenced in the appropriate block on the back of 

FAA Form 8400-3, Application for an Airman Certificate and/or Rating.

1) U.S. citizens must provide one form of valid photo identification. Examples 

include:

 Passport,

 Driver’s license,

 Government issued identification card, and/or

 Identification issued by employer.

2) Non-U.S. citizens must provide two forms of valid photo identification. Examples 

include a valid passport/visa.

NOTE: An applicant presenting a foreign passport must provide another form of 

identification containing the applicant’s signature and at least a matching physical 

description.
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3) For a naturalized citizen, provide two forms of valid photo identification. 

Examples include:

 Valid passport, including either one of the following items:

 Certificate of Naturalization. Do not copy this document.

 Certificate of Citizenship. Do not copy this document.

E. Application. The applicant must provide the examiner with the following prior to 

testing:

1) A completed FAA Form 8400-3, Application for an Airman Certificate and/or 

Rating, with an instructor’s recommendation entered in Section 7.

2) An original embossed Aircraft Dispatcher Airman Knowledge Test Report 

showing satisfactory test results.

3) A Statement of Graduation issued or revalidated (in accordance with § 65.70(b)) 

showing that the applicant has successfully completed an FAA-approved aircraft dispatcher 

certification course. (Not required if the applicant has not attended or successfully completed an 

FAA-approved part 65 aircraft dispatcher certification course.)

4) Documentary evidence in accordance with Volume 5, Chapter 5, Section 10, 

subparagraph 5-1366E4) and, if the applicant has experience, in accordance with § 65.57(a).

13-227 AIRCRAFT DISPATCHER PRACTICAL TEST STANDARDS. The FAA requires 

examiners to administer all Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Tests in accordance with the Aircraft 

Dispatcher Practical Test Standards. While using the PTS, the examiner must evaluate the 

applicant’s knowledge and skill in sufficient depth to determine that the standards of 

performance listed for all “TASKs” are met by the applicant.

A. Introduction. The “INTRODUCTION” section of the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical 

Test Standards contains general guidance, information, and examiner responsibilities. Examiners 

must review the “INTRODUCTION” section thoroughly and adhere to instructions contained 

therein.

B. Areas of Operation. “AREAs OF OPERATION” are phases of the practical test 

arranged in a logical sequence within the standard. They begin with “FLIGHT 

PLANNING/DISPATCH RELEASE” and end with “ABNORMAL AND EMERGENCY 

PROCEDURES.” The examiner, however, may conduct the practical test in any sequence that 

will result in a complete and efficient test.

C. Task. “TASKs” are titles of knowledge areas or procedures appropriate to an AREA 

OF OPERATION.

D. Plan of Action (POA). The examiner will develop a written POA for each Aircraft 

Dispatcher Practical Test he or she administers. The POA shall include all required TASKs in 

each AREA OF OPERATION. If the elements in one TASK have already been evaluated in 

another TASK, they need not be repeated. An examiner may change the sequence or combine 

TASKs with similar objectives to conserve time. An examiner only need evaluate each element 
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once if it has been sufficiently evaluated within a particular TASK. Examiners are expected to 

follow the POA; therefore, they must construct it in manner that flows and is flexible enough to 

account for variables and unexpected situations, should they arise. A POA must be 

comprehensive enough to ensure evaluation of all selected TASKs.

NOTE: Although the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test Standards allows for 

utilization of different POAs, examiners should always administer tests in a 

manner that best illustrates a logical working flow of aircraft dispatcher duties and 

responsibilities as they would be at an air carrier. It is of the utmost importance 

that the examiner captures a logical workflow through the use of realistic 

scenarios in order to be able to evaluate the applicant’s ability to perform the 

duties of an aircraft dispatcher with a high degree of safety.

E. Knowledge. The knowledge portion of the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test, which 

is typically known as the oral portion, is conducted to determine whether the applicant has 

acquired adequate practical knowledge.

1) Examiners should base questions on the TASKs outlined in the PTS and phrase 

them in clear and concise terms. Examiners will test to the greatest extent practicable, the 

applicant’s correlative abilities, rather than rote memorization of facts, throughout the practical 

test.

2) Examiners may conduct the oral portion of the test as a separate phase or combine 

it with the skill portion of the test. One way to evaluate the applicant’s progress is to determine 

the number of correct answers during the knowledge portion of the test. Failure to achieve 

70 percent in any of the following areas during the oral test must be considered to be a failure of 

the entire test:

 Flight Planning/Dispatch Release,

 Preflight, Takeoff, Departure,

 En Route Procedures,

 Arrival, Approach, and Landing Procedures,

 Post Flight Procedures, and/or

 Abnormal and Emergency Procedures.

F. Skill. The skill portion of the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test, will include the 

preparation of a flight plan, load manifest, take off data information, and dispatch release for a 

flight between designated points selected by the examiner. During the skill phase of the test, the 

following actions by an applicant will result in a failure of the entire test:

 Failure to appropriately apply minimum equipment list (MEL)/ Configuration 

Deviation List (CDL) item,

 Violation of the CFRs in a test scenario,

 Failure to properly interpret weather data,

 Failure to observe or exceeding an Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) limitation, 

and/or

 Failure to comply with operations specifications (OpSpecs).
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G. Special Emphasis Areas. The Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test Standards list 

several “Special Emphasis Areas.” Examiners must place special emphasis upon areas that are 

most critical to dispatching and flight safety. Among these are:

 Positive Operational Control,

 Aircraft Performance and Driftdown,

 Weather Requirements for Departure/Destination and if Applicable, Alternates,

 Hazardous Weather Awareness, Recognition and Avoidance,

 Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM),

 Risk Management Procedures (RMP),

 Dispatcher Resource Management (DRM),

 Company and TSA Security Procedures, and 

 Other areas deemed appropriate to any phase of the practical test.

NOTE: Although these areas may not be specifically addressed under each 

“TASK,” they are essential to dispatching and flight safety and must be evaluated 

during the practical test.

H. Reference Materials. Where appropriate, the applicant should be allowed to use 

printed reference material commonly available to an aircraft dispatcher while working at an air 

carrier. Reference materials may only include those items specifically listed in the Aircraft 

Dispatcher Practical Test Standards. Examiners must not permit applicants to have any personal 

notes or documents in the testing area at any time during the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test.

13-228 ADMINISTER THE AIRCRAFT DISPATCHER PRACTICAL TEST.

A. Prior Notification – DADEs Only. A DADE must notify the FAA managing 

specialist at least 48 hours prior to scheduling any Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test in order to 

provide the specialist with an opportunity to conduct oversight of the DADE. The FAA 

managing specialist may instruct the DADE to provide more than 48 hours notice.

B. Test Scenarios. The examiner should have at least three flight plan test scenarios 

developed which use actual operational data to simulate irregular operations and non-normal 

situations. Developing multiple scenarios allows the examiner to choose which scenario he or 

she will use for a particular test, and it prevents test applicants from successfully sharing test 

information with each other or with a course operator. The FAA managing specialist should 

review the test scenarios periodically and advise a DADE when the scenarios need to be revised 

or updated. Examiners will update the scenarios as necessary at least once a year and will 

provide at least the following items to the applicant:

 Weather, to include Aviation Routine Weather Reports (METAR), Terminal Area 

Forecasts (TAF), Winds Aloft, appropriate charts, and Pilot Weather Reports 

(PIREP);

 Notices to Airmen (NOTAM);

 Flight leg (city pair);

 Weight and Balance (W&B) Form for the appropriate aircraft;

 Dispatch Release Work Sheet (see Figure 13-18);

 Flight Plan Form (see Figure 13-19); and
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 Captain Briefing Forms (see Figure 13-21).

NOTE: Refer to the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test Standards for student 

supply requirements.

C. Testing Environment. The examiner must ensure that the testing environment meets 

similar requirements to those contained in § 65.65 and is private, free from distractions, and 

provides the applicant with sufficient space to complete the skill portion of the Aircraft 

Dispatcher Practical Test.

D. Tracking. A DADE must keep a record of the practical test he or she has 

administered. To satisfy this requirement a DADE may keep a copy of each FAA Form 8400-3,

Application for an Airman Certificate and/or Rating, or he or she may use another means to track 

each test such as the one illustrated in Figure 13-13 located in Volume 13, Chapter 3, Section 1.

13-229 EVALUATION OF THE APPLICANT. The examiner is responsible for determining 

that the applicant demonstrates acceptable knowledge and skill for each “TASK” within the PTS.

An examiner must test, to the greatest extent practicable, the applicant’s correlative abilities 

rather than rote memorization of facts throughout the practical test. If an examiner determines

that a TASK is incomplete or the outcome is uncertain, he or she may require the applicant to 

repeat that TASK or portions of it. An examiner must not provide instruction to the applicant or 

allow the applicant to practice for the purposes of successfully completing any TASK. 

Examiners must inform applicants of the level of performance expected before beginning the 

test.

13-230 SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS. When an applicant has successfully completed the 

Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test, examiners and the FAA managing specialist will accomplish 

the following, according to the applicant’s age.

A. Applicants 23 Years of Age or Older. Successful applicants who are 23 years or 

older are entitled to a Temporary Airman Certificate (FAA Form 8060-4). Examiners will 

complete the following steps:

1) Prepare the FAA Form 8400-3, Application for an Airman Certificate and/or 

Rating, in accordance with Volume 5, Chapter 5, Section 10, subparagraph 5-1368A1). In 

addition:

a) Only complete the “Practical Test Aircraft Dispatcher” block of Section 8, 

“Evaluation Record.” Do not complete the “Oral” block of Section 8. For the purposes of the 

Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test and Form 8400-3, Application for an Airman Certificate 

and/or Rating, the “oral” phase is embedded in the overall practical test.

b) Record the results of the practical test in Section 10, “Practical Test Report”

and document the subject areas with an “S” for satisfactory.

c) A DADE will check the “examiner” block of Section 8 and enter his or her 

signature in the appropriate block.
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d) An ASI-AD who as administered the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test will 

check the “inspector” block of Section 8 and enter his or her signature in the appropriate block

e) A DADE must also enter his or her designation and Aircraft Dispatcher 

Certificate number.

f) Enter the date the test was completed in the “Evaluation Record.”

g) FAA-managing specialists will complete Section 9, “Inspector’s Record.”

2) Issue the Temporary Airman Certificate (FAA Form 8060-4), in accordance with 

the guidance contained in Volume 5, Chapter 5, Section 10, subparagraph 5-1368A. A DADE 

may only issue a Temporary Airman Certificate and sign Block X as a representative of the 

Administrator if his or her FAA letter of authority (LOA) specifically permits it.

3) Obtain contact information from applicant at the time of issuance of the 

Temporary Airman Certificate. The examiner will request a telephone number (or email or other 

means to contact the applicant) where the applicant may be reached during the next 120 days in 

the event of application problems. The examiner can record the contact information in the 

“Remarks” section of FAA Form 8400-3, Application for an Airman Certificate and/or Rating.

4) Forward the Application Package. Examiners and FAA managing specialists must 

follow the guidance contained in Volume 5, Chapter 5, Section 10, subparagraph 5-1368A3), 

which provides details on how to forward the application package. DADEs must forward all 

application documents to the certificate-holding district office (CHDO) within 7 calendar-days of 

administering the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test.

5) Document the activity in the Program Tracking and Reporting System (PTRS).

a) DADEs will manually complete an FAA Form 8000-36, PTRS Data Sheet, if 

directed by the FAA managing specialist.

b) ASI-ADs who administer the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test and FAA 

managing specialists will follow the instructions contained in Volume 5, Chapter 5, Section 10, 

subparagraph 5-1368A.

B. Applicants Under the Age of 23. An applicant under the age of 23 years may take 

the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test. The examiner must advise the applicant that if he or she is

successful and passes the test, he or she will not receive the temporary certificate until his or her 

23rd birthday. Successful applicants who are under the age of 23 will be provided with a Letter 

of Aeronautical Competency. A sample Letter of Aeronautical Competency can be found in 

Volume 5, Chapter 5, Section 10, Figure 5-139.

1) If the examiner is an ASI-AD, that individual will issue the Letter of Aeronautical 

Competency and complete PTRS Activity Code 1513 

“CERT/AIRM/DISP/LTR COMPTENCY.”

2) If the examiner is a DADE, he or she will direct the applicant to go to the CHDO 

to have the Letter of Aeronautical Competency issued by the FAA managing specialist. If 
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circumstances exist that prevent the applicant from going to the CHDO, the DADE will advise 

the applicant that the Letter of Aeronautical Competency will be mailed to the address provided 

on the FAA Form 8400-3, Application for an Airman Certificate and/or Rating. In addition, the 

DADE will provide the FAA managing specialist with a statement that the applicant is less than 

23 years of age, along with the application package of the applicant.

3) Forward the Application Package. Examiners and FAA managing specialists must 

follow the guidance contained in Volume 5, Chapter 5, Section 10, subparagraph 5-1368B, 

which provides details on how to forward the application package of an applicant who is less 

than 23 years of age. DADEs must forward all application documents to the CHDO within 7 

calendar-days of administering the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test.

4) When the applicant reaches his or her 23rd birthday, he or she may present the 

original Letter of Aeronautical Competency, proof of age, and an updated FAA Form 8400-3, 

Application for an Airman Certificate and/or Rating, (practical test report, item 10c will be 

omitted), to any local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) for issuance of the temporary

certificate. A Letter of Aeronautical Competency does not expire. The ASI who issues the 

Temporary Airman Certificate will forward the application package to AFS-760 in accordance 

with Volume 5, Chapter 5, Section 10, subparagraph 5-1368B.

13-231 UNSUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS. If, in the judgment of the examiner, the applicant 

does not meet the standards of performance of any TASK performed, then he or she is 

considered to have failed the associated “AREA OF OPERATION” and therefore, has failed the 

entire Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test. The examiner or applicant may discontinue the test at 

any time the failure of an AREA OF OPERATION makes the applicant ineligible for the 

certificate sought. If the test is discontinued, the examiner may only credit the applicant for those 

AREAs OF OPERATION and the associated “TASKs” he or she has performed satisfactorily. If

the applicant becomes ineligible for the certificate sought due to his or her failure of an AREA 

OF OPERATION, the examiner may only continue the test with the consent of the applicant. 

Continuation of the test does not constitute a retest. If an applicant has failed an AREA OF 

OPERATION, he or she has failed the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test in its entirety, and will 

have to be retested on a later date in accordance with § 65.19.

A. Record the Results. Record the results of the practical test on the back of FAA 

Form 8400-3, Application for an Airman Certificate and/or Rating, documenting the subject 

areas with a “U” for unsatisfactory. In addition, list the specific failed areas from the PTS in the 

“Remarks” section of FAA Form 8400-3, in the “Remarks” section of the PTRS Data Sheet, and 

on FAA Form 8060-5, Notice of Disapproval of Application. Enter the date of test completion in 

the “Evaluation Record” section along with a signature and designation number. The examiner 

will instruct the applicant to retain the written test results and the written Statement of 

Graduation.

NOTE: If the unsuccessful applicant has satisfactorily completed any subject 

areas the examiner may note shoe with an “S” for satisfactory.

B. Prepare the Notice of Disapproval of Application (FAA Form 8060-5). The 

examiner will complete FAA Form 8060-5 (see Figure 13-22) in duplicate and give the original 

to the applicant.
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C. Forward the Application Package. Examiners and FAA managing specialists must 

follow the guidance contained in Volume 5, Chapter 5, Section 10, paragraph 5-1370C, which 

provides details on how to forward the application package. DADEs must forward all application 

documents to the CHDO within 7 calendar-days of administering the Aircraft Dispatcher 

Practical Test.

13-232 RETEST AFTER FAILURE.

A. Application. Each applicant must complete and sign FAA Form 8400-3, Application 

for an Airman Certificate and/or Rating, in accordance with § 65.19. An applicant for a written, 

oral, or practical test for a certificate and rating, or for an additional rating under this part, may

apply for retesting:

1) 30 days after the date the applicant failed the test, or

2) Before the 30 days have expired, if the applicant presents a signed statement from 

an airman holding the certificate and rating sought by the applicant certifying that the airman has 

given the applicant additional instruction in each of the subjects failed, and that the airman 

considers the applicant ready for retesting.

B. Airman Knowledge Test. Each applicant for a retest must present an original,

embossed, Airman Knowledge Test Report showing satisfactory test results.

C. Statement of Graduation (If Applicable). Each applicant for a retest must present a 

copy of a Statement of Graduation if he or she has successfully completed an FAA-approved, 

part 65 dispatcher training course.

D. Original Copy of the Notice of Disapproval of Application (FAA Form 8060-5).

FAA Form 8060-5 will contain a list of the subjects failed by the applicant. This list will have 

been entered by the original testing examiner. An examiner administering a retest may give the 

applicant credit for those AREAs OF OPERATION and TASKs completed satisfactorily on the 

previous practical examination(s) if the retest occurs within 60 calendar-days of the original test. 

If the retest occurs more than 60 calendar-days after the original test, the entire Aircraft 

Dispatcher Practical Test must be retaken. The 90 day limit after graduation (with extension if 

approved) still controls the eligibility period to take the practical test.

E. Time Requirement for Retest. In addition to the requirements set forth in § 65.19, 

an applicant for a retest must:

1) Complete the retest within the validity period of a Statement of Graduation issued 

in accordance with § 65.70(b),

2) Complete the retest within 24 months of having passed the Aircraft Dispatcher 

Knowledge Test in accordance with § 65.55(b), and

3) If an applicant has qualified to take the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test through 

the experience outlined in § 65.57 (a), he or she must successfully complete a retest within 

60 calendar-days of the original test, or repeat the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test in its 

entirety.
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F. Scheduling. If an applicant must be retested, a DADE will notify the FAA managing

specialist. If the CHDO has more than one authorized DADE it is recommended that another 

DADE administer the retest if possible. Utilizing a different examiner for a retest can be a means 

of ensuring quality control. A qualified ASI-AD may also administer the retest. In the event that 

a DADE must administer a retest to the same applicant he/she has previously tested, that DADE 

will notify the FAA specialist when the retest is scheduled at least 48 hours in advance or as 

advised by the FAA specialist.

G. Areas to Retest. The examiner should credit the applicant for those “AREAs OF 

OPERATION” and the associated “TASKs” that have been performed satisfactorily. However, 

an examiner may choose to retest an applicant on any and all AREAs OF OPERATION and/or 

TASKs the examiner sees fit if he/she has reason to doubt the applicant’s competence in an 

AREA or TASK that was performed satisfactorily during the previous test.

H. Verify Forms. The examiner will confirm FAA Form 8400-3, Application for an 

Airman Certificate and/or Rating, is correctly filled out with an instructor’s recommendation 

sign-off by a certificated aircraft dispatcher. In addition, the examiner will confirm the written 

Statement of Graduation is still valid.

I. Forward the Application Package. The examiner and FAA managing specialist will 

forward the application package in accordance with the guidance contained in Volume 5, 

Chapter 5, Section 10, subparagraphs 5-1368B2), 5-1368A3), and 5-1371E.

13-233 LETTER OF DISCONTINUANCE.

A. Termination of A Practical Test. An examiner will issue a Letter of Discontinuance 

when reasons other than unsatisfactory performance lead to the termination of a practical test. 

Some examples of reasons for discontinuing a test include:

 Power Failure,

 Family emergency, or

 Inclement Weather.

B. Completing a Letter of Discontinuance. When an examiner discontinues the test, he 

or she will return the original Airman Knowledge Test Report and Statement of Graduation (if 

applicable) to the applicant. The examiner will then prepare, sign, and issue the Letter of 

Discontinuance to the applicant. The examiner will identify in the letter, the “AREAs OF 

OPERATION” and their associated “TASKs” of the practical test that the applicant successfully 

completed. The examiner will instruct the applicant to present the Letter of Discontinuance to the 

examiner when he or she resumes the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test. At no time will an 

examiner issue a Letter of Discontinuance in lieu of Notice of Disapproval of Application, if it 

appears an applicant may fail any portion of the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test. A Letter of 

Discontinuance must be made part of an applicant’s certification file and a DADE’s designated 

examiner file. See Figure 13-22A for an example of a Letter of Discontinuance.
DATE DRAFT 8900.1 CHG DADE2

13

Figure 13-18. Sample Dispatch Release Worksheet

Dispatch Release Worksheet

FLT A/C TYPE DATE

The most restrictive of the following weights is the maximum takeoff weight (MTOW):

A. + = 

Maximum Landing Weight En Route Fuel Burn Structural Landing Weight

OR

+ = 

Landing Climb Limit Weight En Route Fuel Burn Performance Limited Landing Weight

Flaps Temp ° C

B. + = 

Maximum Zero Fuel Weight En Route Fuel Burn Structural Zero Fuel Weight

C. Maximum Structural Takeoff Weight 

D. Takeoff Runway Analysis Weight 

Rwy Temp °C Flaps Performance Limited Takeoff Weight

E. Maximum En Route Takeoff Weight 

Method 1 Takeoff Weight

Note: Method 1 not limiting if Method 2 Authorized

Or Driftdown Alternates (Method 2)

FROM TO Driftdown Airport

F. Minimum Equipment List (MEL) Restrictions 
DATE DRAFT 8900.1 CHG DADE2

14

Figure 13-19. Sample Operational Flight Plan Form

Typically, a sheet is given to the applicant with only the origin, destination, and estimated time 

of departure provided, and the applicant provides the following information:

 Name/Date,

 Aircraft Type,

 Maximum Take Off Weight (MTOW),

 Maximum Landing Weight (MLW),

 Maximum Zero Fuel Weight (MZFW),

 Basic Operating Weight (BOW),

 Max fuel (pounds/gallons),

 Max altitude,

 Alternate, if required, and

 Air traffic control (ATC) routing.

The general instructions to the applicant are:

 Plan maximum allowable payload based on weather and runway conditions;

 Plan nearest suitable alternate or alternates, if required for departure and arrival 

airports; and

 Prepare a weather briefing for the pilot in command.

Complete the following for the flight:

 Flight Time Analysis 

 Operational flight plan.

NOTE: The examiner must evaluate the applicant on his or her knowledge of the 

contents of the flight plan and how each performance value, (e.g., the airplane 

flight manual or company manual equivalent determines en route fuel burn) was 

determined 

 Dispatch Release.

 ATC Flight Plan.

 Weight and Balance (W&B) calculation.

 Retrieve all weather information and graphics from current weather (or the 

Designated Aircraft Dispatch Examiner (DADE) may provide weather and 

Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) information).
DATE DRAFT 8900.1 CHG DADE2

15

Figure 13-19. Sample Operational Flight Plan Form (Continued)

Complete the following information for the aircraft you plan to use for your Aircraft 

Dispatcher Practical Test:

AIRCRAFT TYPE: _________

MTOW ______________________________

MLW _______________________________

MZFW ______________________________

EOW _______________________________

MAX FUEL __________ gallons/__________ pounds

MAX ALT ________________

ORIGIN* DESTINATION* ALTERNATE IF REQUIRED9+

_________ __________ __________

ETD* ETA

_________ __________

* - Examiner completed fields

ATC ROUTING

INSTRUCTIONS and TASKINGS

1. Retrieve all weather and NOTAM information for the flight.

2. Plan the maximum allowable payload for the flight for the appropriate weather conditions.

3. Plan the nearest suitable alternate if required.

4. Flight Plan Time/Fuel Analysis or Computer Flight Plan.

5. ATC Flight Plan.

6. Company Dispatch Release Form.

7. W&B Load Manifest.

8. Weather Briefing.

NOTE: Consider all regulatory requirements for the flight. Noncompliance with 

14 CFR during the exercise will result in failure of the Aircraft Dispatcher 

Practical Test.
DATE DRAFT 8900.1 CHG DADE2

16

Figure 13-20. Sample Flight Time Analysis 
DATE DRAFT 8900.1 CHG DADE2

17

Figure 13-21. Sample Captain Briefing Form

Dispatch/Release Date:

Release Flight IFR A/C # EOW PZFW 

DEP / DST / ALTN ETE

(Origin) (ETD UTC) (Destination) (ETA UTC) (Alternate) (Estimated Time En Route)

MTOW / RWY TEMP ° C FLAPS

Taxi Fuel

Estimated En Route Fuel Burn 

Estimated Alternate Fuel Burn

FAR Fuel Reserve

Contingency Fuel

Hold Fuel

MINIMUM FUEL

ATC Routing

MEL ITEMS

Remarks 

Dispatcher

(Print Name) Signature

(Print Name) Signature
DATE DRAFT 8900.1 CHG DADE2

18

Figure 13-22 FAA Form 8060-5. Notice of Disapproval of Application

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION – FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

NOTICE OF DISAPPROVAL OF APPLICATION

NOTE

PRESENT THIS FORM

UPON APPLICATION

FOR REEXAMINATION

NAME AND ADDRESS OF APPLICANT CERTIFICATE OR RATING 

SOUGHT

On the date shown, you failed the examination indicted below:

FLIGHT ORAL PRACTICAL

AIRCRAFT USED (Make and Model) FLT. TIME RECORDED IN LOGBOOK

PILOT-IN-COMM. 

OR SOLO

INSTRUMENT DUAL

UPON REAPPLICATION YOU WILL BE REEXAMINED IN THE FOLLOWING:

I have personally tested this applica nt and deem his or her performance unsatisfactory for the issuance of the 

certificate or rating sought.

DATE OF EXAMINATION SIGNATURE OF EXAMINER OR INSPECTOR DESIGNATION OR

OFFICE NO.

FAA Form 8060 - 5 (4 - 82)
DATE DRAFT 8900.1 CHG DADE2

19

Figure 13-22A.Sample Letter of Discontinuance.

Dear ,

On this date, , you successfully completed a portion of the practical test 

indicated below:

Aircraft Dispatcher

You have completed the following areas of the practical test standards (PTS) satisfactorily.

(List completed Areas of Operations and other associated tasks from the PTS.)

Reasons for discontinuance of the practical test:

If application is made by (enter 60 days from date of test), this letter indicates the completion of 

the following portions of the practical test:

After (expiration date), you must complete the ENTIRE TEST. This letter does not extend the 

expiration date for your knowledge test results or the oral evaluation date.

Sincerely,

Designation Number:

DADE

RESERVED. Paragraphs 13-234 through 13-250.