The dispatcher keeps all pertinent personnel informed as to the status of the flight and must be familiar with navigation facilities over airline routes and at airports, as well as with takeoff, cruising, and landing characteristics of all types of aircraft operated by the airline. Dispatchers are required to take periodic flights in the cockpit with the flight crew to observe routes, conditions, and airports. Most airlines offer FAA Licensed Airline Flight Dispatchers several weeks of paid orientation training. Upon completion of this training, graduates begin their new career as an FAA newly licensed and qualified Airline Flight Dispatcher. The Dispatcher works indoors, usually at the airport in the airline operations office.
Dispatchers use computers, calculators, weather charts and information, and loading charts.
A 40-hour week with shift work is normal. The Dispatcher frequently works under pressure, especially when the weather is bad. They must make rapid decisions concerning safety, flight regulations, and economy of operations. Working as a Dispatcher for a small airline may also carry additional duties such as meteorologist and scheduler coordinator. With recent changes by the FAA, an ever-increasing number of feeder airlines are now required to conduct operations utilizing Airline Flight Dispatchers.