DADE DADE Flight Planning & Dispatch Release 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the maximum time a dispatcher may be on duty without a rest period under Part 121 domestic rules?
- 8 hours in any 24-hour period
- 10 hours in any 24-hour period
- 12 hours in any 24-hour period (Correct answer)
- 16 hours in any 24-hour period
Correct answer: 12 hours in any 24-hour period
Under Part 121, a dispatcher may not be on duty for more than 10 consecutive hours and no more than 10 hours in any 24-consecutive-hour period without appropriate rest.
Question 2: When computing takeoff weight for dispatch purposes, what does zero fuel weight (ZFW) represent?
- Maximum weight authorized for landing
- The aircraft weight with all payload but excluding usable fuel (Correct answer)
- Minimum weight required for structural integrity
- Weight of the aircraft plus fuel but no passengers
Correct answer: The aircraft weight with all payload but excluding usable fuel
Zero fuel weight is the total weight of the aircraft with all payload (passengers, cargo, crew) but excluding usable fuel.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of the Weight and Balance document prepared as part of the dispatch release?
- To calculate fuel burn rate during cruise
- To verify that the aircraft's loaded weight and center of gravity are within certified operating limits (Correct answer)
- To determine the number of passengers allowed to board
- To calculate the required landing distance
Correct answer: To verify that the aircraft's loaded weight and center of gravity are within certified operating limits
The weight and balance document verifies that the aircraft's gross weight and center of gravity are within the certified limits defined in the Aircraft Flight Manual.
Question 4: Under Part 121, what is required when a dispatcher is relieved during a flight watch?
- The pilot-in-command must be notified of the personnel change
- A complete briefing of the flight status must be provided to the relieving dispatcher (Correct answer)
- The FAA must be notified within 15 minutes
- The outgoing dispatcher must remain available by phone
Correct answer: A complete briefing of the flight status must be provided to the relieving dispatcher
When a dispatcher is relieved, a complete briefing of flight status, weather, and any pertinent information must be given to ensure continuity of flight watch.
Question 5: What does the term 'ETOPS' (Extended Operations) require from a dispatch perspective?
- Only GPS navigation capability
- Specific planning for en-route alternate airports within the ETOPS diversion time, plus enhanced maintenance and operational standards (Correct answer)
- Mandatory two dispatcher coverage during the flight
- Operations only in daylight VMC conditions
Correct answer: Specific planning for en-route alternate airports within the ETOPS diversion time, plus enhanced maintenance and operational standards
ETOPS dispatch requires planning for en-route alternates within the approved diversion time, specific fuel reserves, and compliance with enhanced maintenance and operational requirements.
Question 6: What type of airspace requires an ATC clearance before entry regardless of weather conditions?
- Class E airspace above 1,200 feet AGL
- Class A airspace above 18,000 feet MSL (Correct answer)
- Class G airspace in rural areas
- Class D airspace during part-time tower hours
Correct answer: Class A airspace above 18,000 feet MSL
Class A airspace (FL180 to FL600) requires an ATC clearance for all operations, with all flights conducted under IFR.
DADE DADE Flight Planning & Dispatch Release 2
What is the maximum time a dispatcher may be on duty without a rest period under Part 121 domestic rules?