“Flight on dispatch course” generally refers to the flight path or route that an aircraft is planned to follow based on its dispatch release or flight dispatch planning. It entails the following:
- Dispatch Course Definition
This is the planned route or course given to the flight crew by the airline’s flight dispatchers before the flight departs. It includes waypoints, airways, altitudes, and any routing instructions that must be followed.
- Flight Dispatch
Flight dispatch is the process where dispatchers analyze weather, aircraft performance, route options, fuel requirements, and air traffic constraints to create an optimal flight plan.
- Flight on Dispatch Course Means
When a flight is said to be “on dispatch course,” it means the aircraft is flying along the exact route planned and approved by dispatchers as per the dispatch release. This ensures compliance with regulations, safety, efficiency, and fuel planning.
- Importance – Ensures the flight adheres to a safe and efficient route. Coordinates with Air Traffic Control (ATC) for clearance. Helps in fuel management and operational control. Facilitates compliance with legal and airline operating rules.
- Context in Operations – If the flight deviates from the dispatch course (due to weather or ATC instructions), it must be coordinated and documented properly. Flight crews receive the dispatch course information in the form of a flight plan or route clearance.
Duties of these personnel include;
1.Flight Dispatchers (or Flight Operations Officers)
- Flight Planning: They create the flight plan, including the route, altitude, speed, fuel requirements, and alternate airports. This plan takes into account weather, air traffic, aircraft performance, and regulatory requirements.
- Weather Analysis: They analyze weather conditions along the route and at destination/alternate airports to ensure the flight can proceed safely.
- Performance Calculations: They calculate fuel loads, takeoff and landing weights, and other performance metrics to ensure the aircraft operates efficiently and safely.
- Coordination: They coordinate with pilots, air traffic control, maintenance, and ground handling to ensure smooth flight operations.
- Flight Monitoring: Once the flight is underway, dispatchers monitor the progress, weather changes, and any operational issues. They communicate with the flight crew if adjustments or reroutes are necessary.
- Emergency Support: In case of emergencies, dispatchers assist in coordinating support, such as diverting to alternate airports or arranging ground services.
- Regulatory Compliance: They ensure all aspects of flight operations comply with aviation regulations and company policies.
2. Additional Roles
- Load Control Specialists: Some dispatch personnel may be involved in calculating and verifying aircraft loading and weight distribution.
- Operations Control Center Staff: Oversee the overall operation of a fleet, handling disruptions, delays, and rerouting.
Requirements needed:
1. Educational Background
- Minimum: High school diploma or equivalent (sometimes called Secondary School Certificate)
- Preferred: Some courses or employers prefer candidates with a college degree or diploma in aviation, aeronautics, or related fields, but this is not always mandatory.
2. Age Requirements
- Usually, you need to be at least 18 years old to enroll in a flight dispatch course.
3. Language Proficiency
- Good command of English is essential, as aviation communication, documentation, and training are conducted in English internationally.
- Some programs may require you to pass an English language proficiency test.
4. Medical Fitness
- While not always mandatory for course admission, you might need to pass a medical examination or meet health requirements to be certified as a flight dispatcher in your country.
5. Skills and Abilities
- Strong analytical and decision-making skills
- Good communication skills
- Ability to work under pressure
- Basic understanding of mathematics and physics
- Familiarity with computers and flight planning software is a plus
6. Regulatory Requirements (Country-Specific)
- Flight dispatch certifications are regulated by aviation authorities, like: FAA in the USA (Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate), EASA in Europe, DGCA in India, Other national civil aviation authorities
- After completing the course, you may need to pass an official licensing exam and meet experience requirements to become a licensed flight dispatcher.
Successful flight on dispatch personnel in kenya
In Kenya, several institutions offer training programs for aspiring flight dispatch personnel, preparing them for roles such as Flight Operations Officers (FOOs) or Flight Dispatchers. These programs are designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage and coordinate various aspects of aircraft operations, ensuring safety and efficiency.think.co.ke
Flight Dispatch Training Programs in Kenya
1. East African School of Aviation (EASA)
- Program: Diploma in Flight Operations / Dispatch (Fulltime)
- Duration: 12 months
- Fees: Approximately KSh 180,500 (USD 1,805)
- Location: Embakasi, Nairobi
- Language: English
- Intakes: January annually
- Contact: +254 716 164229, info@easa.ac.ke
- Website: easa.ac.keen.wikipedia.org+8easa.ac.ke+8kcaa.or.ke+8easa.ac.ke+2kenyaplex.com+2kcaa.or.ke+2en.wikipedia.org+1easa.ac.ke+1flitestaracademy.co.ke+1westriftaviation.co.ke+1
2. Flitestar Academy
- Program: Flight Operations and Dispatch
- Duration: 6 months
- Fees: KSh 174,000 (inclusive of registration, tuition, and student kit)
- Requirements: Minimum age of 17 years; KCSE mean grade C+ with C+ in English, Mathematics, and Physics/Chemistry
- Location: Wilson Airport, Nairobi
- Contact: +254 735 708 997
- Website: flitestaracademy.co.kekcaa.or.ke+14flitestaracademy.co.ke+14think.co.ke+14tiktok.comkenyaplex.com+6capitalconnectaviation.com+6flitestaracademy.co.ke+6
3. Think Aviation Training
- Program: Flight Operations & Dispatch Training (FOO) Initial
- Duration: Ongoing intakes with flexible scheduling
- Location: Nairobi
- Contact: +254 733 483 483, info@think.co.ke
4. Capital Connect Aviation
- Program: Flight Dispatch Course
- Duration: 6 months (Ab initio); 2 months (Refresher)
- Fees: KSh 150,000 (Ab initio); KSh 60,000 (Refresher)
- Location: Wilson Airport, Nairobi
- Contact: +254 721 261 471
- Website: capitalconnectaviation.comcorporate.kenya-airways.com+4kenyaplex.com+4think.co.ke+4en.wikipedia.org+3capitalconnectaviation.com+3kenyaplex.com+3
5. Mannara Institute of Aviation
- Program: Diploma in International Flight Dispatch
- Details: Offers comprehensive training in flight dispatch operations
📝 Certification and Licensing in Kenya
To become a certified Flight Operations Officer (FOO) or Flight Dispatcher in Kenya, candidates must meet the following requirements set by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA):
- Age: At least 21 years old
- Training: Complete a training program at an Approved Training Organization (ATO)
- Language Proficiency: Demonstrate proficiency in English
- Knowledge Test: Pass a knowledge test (valid for 18 months)
- Experience: At least two years of service in related roles, including flight crew, meteorology, air traffic control, or as an assistant in dispatching
- Supervised Experience: Serve under the supervision of a licensed FOO for at least 90 days within the six months preceding the application
Notable Kenyan Aviation Professionals
- Luke Ondimu: A seasoned Flight Dispatcher Officer with extensive experience in flight operations.
- Collins Munai: A professional in Flight Operations, contributing significantly to the aviation industry.ke.linkedin.com
