Aircraft dispatcher duty time limitations: Domestic and flag operations

This regulation sets duty time limits for aircraft dispatchers at airlines operating domestic and flag (international) routes.

Key requirements:

• Dispatchers must start duty early enough to thoroughly review weather conditions before dispatching any aircraft
• They must remain on duty until each dispatched aircraft completes its flight, leaves their jurisdiction, or another qualified dispatcher relieves them
• Airlines cannot schedule dispatchers for more than 10 consecutive hours of duty
• If scheduled beyond 10 hours in a 24-hour period, dispatchers must receive at least 8 hours rest at or before the 10-hour mark
• Dispatchers must get at least 24 consecutive hours off duty during any 7-day period each month

Airlines may exceed these limits only for circumstances or emergencies beyond their control. For flag operations at duty stations outside the lower 48 states and DC, the FAA may authorize extended duty periods exceeding 10 hours if the dispatcher gets 8 hours off in each 24-hour period.

*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.*