ADX Flight Planning and Coordination 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When a dispatcher releases a flight under 14 CFR Part 121, authority over the flight is held by:
- Both the dispatcher and the pilot-in-command jointly (Correct answer)
- The dispatcher alone until wheels-up
- The pilot-in-command alone from the moment of release
- The airline's Director of Operations exclusively
Correct answer: Both the dispatcher and the pilot-in-command jointly
Under Part 121, operational control is shared jointly between the aircraft dispatcher and the pilot-in-command throughout the flight.
Question 2: A dispatcher is constructing an IFR flight plan. The true airspeed is 430 knots, the wind is 270° at 60 knots, and the intended track is 360°. What is the approximate headwind component?
- 0 knots — the wind is directly crosswind (Correct answer)
- 60 knots headwind
- 30 knots headwind
- 60 knots tailwind
Correct answer: 0 knots — the wind is directly crosswind
A 270° wind on a 360° track is a pure crosswind (90° off the track), producing zero headwind or tailwind component.
Question 3: An aircraft dispatcher must be certificated and hold which FAA certificate?
- Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate (Correct answer)
- Airline Transport Pilot Certificate
- Flight Engineer Certificate
- Commercial Pilot Certificate
Correct answer: Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate
FAR Part 65 requires individuals exercising dispatcher authority under Part 121 to hold an FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate.
Question 4: A dispatcher receives word that the destination airport has just lost its ILS and only a VOR approach is now available. The aircraft is airborne. The dispatcher should FIRST:
- Assess whether the current weather at the destination meets the VOR approach minimums and contact the crew (Correct answer)
- Immediately divert the aircraft to the filed alternate
- Issue a new dispatch release for the alternate airport
- Wait until the aircraft is within 1 hour of destination before acting
Correct answer: Assess whether the current weather at the destination meets the VOR approach minimums and contact the crew
The dispatcher must first evaluate whether minimums are still met and communicate with the crew so a joint decision can be made.
Question 5: Flight plan route coding 'DCT' between two waypoints on an international flight plan means:
- Direct routing — no intermediate waypoints between the two fixes (Correct answer)
- Descent clearance transition
- Departure control transfer
- Disregard current track
Correct answer: Direct routing — no intermediate waypoints between the two fixes
In ICAO flight plan format, 'DCT' indicates a direct segment with no intermediate waypoints between the listed fixes.
Question 6: A Part 121 dispatcher is planning a flight to an airport below minimums. Under what condition may this flight legally depart?
- If a suitable alternate is filed and the destination is expected to be above minimums at ETA (Correct answer)
- Only if the destination is forecast to be above minimums at the time of departure
- It may never depart if destination is currently below minimums
- If the captain personally approves the dispatch release
Correct answer: If a suitable alternate is filed and the destination is expected to be above minimums at ETA
A flight may depart to a destination that is currently below minimums provided a proper alternate is filed and conditions are forecast to improve by ETA.
Question 7: Which weather product provides the dispatcher with winds-aloft forecasts specifically useful for fuel planning on a domestic US flight?
- FB (Winds and Temperatures Aloft Forecast) (Correct answer)
- METARs
- Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAF)
- Pilot Reports (PIREPs)
Correct answer: FB (Winds and Temperatures Aloft Forecast)
The Winds and Temperatures Aloft Forecast (FB) provides forecast wind direction, speed, and temperature at various flight levels used for fuel planning.
ADX Flight Planning and Coordination 3
When a dispatcher releases a flight under 14 CFR Part 121, authority over the flight is held by: