ADX Safety and Compliance 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under 14 CFR Part 121, what is the maximum duty period for a dispatcher in a 24-hour period?
- 8 hours
- 10 hours
- 12 hours (Correct answer)
- 16 hours
Correct answer: 12 hours
14 CFR 121.465 limits an aircraft dispatcher's duty period to no more than 10 consecutive hours, but regulations allow up to 12 hours under certain conditions.
Question 2: Which regulation requires an air carrier to have an approved Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate program?
- 14 CFR Part 61
- 14 CFR Part 65
- 14 CFR Part 121 (Correct answer)
- 14 CFR Part 135
Correct answer: 14 CFR Part 121
14 CFR Part 121 governs domestic and international air carrier operations, including requirements for certificated dispatchers on all Part 121 flights.
Question 3: What action must a dispatcher take upon receiving a Pilot Report (PIREP) of severe turbulence along a dispatched route?
- Log the PIREP and continue monitoring
- Immediately notify the flight crew and evaluate rerouting or altitude change (Correct answer)
- Report to ATC and await their instructions
- Cancel the dispatch release automatically
Correct answer: Immediately notify the flight crew and evaluate rerouting or altitude change
The dispatcher must promptly relay significant PIREPs to affected flight crews and reassess the safety of continuing on the current route and altitude.
Question 4: In the context of ADX compliance, what is the purpose of an Operations Specification (OpSpec)?
- To list all aircraft owned by the carrier
- To define specific authorizations and limitations granted to an air carrier by the FAA (Correct answer)
- To document crew scheduling for each flight
- To record maintenance history of each aircraft
Correct answer: To define specific authorizations and limitations granted to an air carrier by the FAA
Operations Specifications (OpSpecs) are FAA-approved documents that define what an air carrier is authorized to do, including routes, procedures, and limitations.
Question 5: A dispatcher discovers a flight has departed with an inoperative item not listed on the MEL. What should the dispatcher do first?
- Wait to see if the crew reports any issues
- Immediately notify the crew and company operations for possible return or diversion (Correct answer)
- File a report after the flight lands
- Contact maintenance for repair at the destination
Correct answer: Immediately notify the crew and company operations for possible return or diversion
An MEL violation is a compliance issue requiring immediate coordination with the flight crew and operations to determine the safest course of action.
Question 6: What does 'operational control' mean under 14 CFR Part 121?
- ATC authority over aircraft routing
- The exercise of authority over initiating, conducting, or terminating a flight (Correct answer)
- Ground crew responsibility for loading cargo
- Airport authority over gate assignments
Correct answer: The exercise of authority over initiating, conducting, or terminating a flight
Under 14 CFR 121.533, operational control is the authority to initiate, conduct, or terminate a flight, shared between the PIC and the dispatcher.
Question 7: Which of the following is an example of a proactive safety measure in dispatcher operations?
- Filing an accident report after an incident occurs
- Reviewing weather trends and issuing advisories before a flight departs (Correct answer)
- Waiting for ATC to report traffic conflicts
- Documenting delays after they happen
Correct answer: Reviewing weather trends and issuing advisories before a flight departs
Proactive safety involves anticipating hazards and taking action before they affect flights, such as issuing pre-departure weather advisories.
ADX Safety and Compliance 3
Under 14 CFR Part 121, what is the maximum duty period for a dispatcher in a 24-hour period?