Aircraft dispatcher qualifications

This regulation sets qualification requirements for aircraft dispatchers at airlines operating under Part 121 domestic or flag operations.

Dispatchers must complete initial training for each airplane group, though those already trained on one type in a group need only transition training for another type in that group. They must also complete at least 5 hours observing actual flight operations from the cockpit (or forward passenger seat with headset), which can be reduced to 2.5 hours by substituting extra takeoffs and landings. New aircraft types get a 90-day grace period.

To maintain qualification, dispatchers must complete 5 hours of observation in each airplane group within the preceding 12 months. This can be satisfied through simulator observation, though without the hour-reduction option available for actual flight observation.

Dispatchers must also be familiar with essential procedures for their assigned operational segments, though they can dispatch through other segments after coordinating with qualified dispatchers for those areas.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*