Aircraft dispatcher information to pilot in command: Domestic and flag operations

This regulation defines what information aircraft dispatchers must provide to pilots in command for domestic and flag operations (scheduled airlines flying within the US or internationally).

Before flight, dispatchers must give pilots:

• Current reports on airport conditions and navigation facility problems that could affect safety
• All available weather reports and forecasts, including adverse phenomena like turbulence, thunderstorms, and wind shear for the route and destination airports

During flight, dispatchers must continue providing updates on meteorological conditions (including the same adverse weather phenomena) and any facility or service irregularities that may affect safety.

This creates a continuous flow of safety-critical information from the dispatcher's operations center to the cockpit. The dispatcher acts as the pilot's eyes and ears on the ground, monitoring conditions along the route while the crew focuses on flying. This shared responsibility is fundamental to airline operations—the dispatcher and pilot jointly ensure the flight can be conducted safely given current and forecast conditions.

*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.*