Developing a plan for the route through which an aircraft will fly is very important in aviation. Flight dispatchers have this all-important task to create a flight plan with which they will work by. Flight plans are created for each flight; no plan is automatically adapted for similar flights without checks. Flight dispatchers in training can learn and practice the development of flight plans using the a320 cbt.
How Flights plans are developed
The flight dispatcher teams up with the necessary professionals and creates the best plan they think will work for the flight based on available data. These include:
- Weather information: Weather conditions are strong factors that influence a flight plan. Flight dispatchers monitor weather forecasts to know what to expect and make decisions on their actions. The weather condition may even determine if the flight will go on or get suspended. Examples of weather factors are wind direction and speed, atmospheric temperature and pressure, and sometimes visibility.
- Available fuel: The volume of fuel needed for the flight is calculated and then the allowance is made for extra. No pilot wants an empty fuel tank before landing. Also, excess fuel may significantly increase the load the aircraft carries and so an accurate estimate must be made. Allowances must also be given for extra fuel in the event of an incident like delayed landing, or route changes.
- Shortest distance: It is normal practice for flight dispatchers to opt for the shortest distance between two points, but other factors may influence this decision.
- Air traffic control data: Air traffic control will provide data of other flights so that flight dispatchers can avoid their flight course. It is important to avoid air collisions.
- Flight parameters such as height, speed, loading capacity, and purpose of flight.
Flight planning training
Flight planning is a core part of a flight dispatcher’s training. Flight dispatchers will also undergo training in flight planning for various purposes.
Flight dispatchers have to be proficient in using computers to create flight plans because the entire process involves millions of calculations that must be accurate. That is why courses like the a320 cbt are crucial to their training. Most airlines have their FAA-approved flight dispatcher, but some others hire external flight dispatchers for the job.
Preparing for a career as a flight dispatcher may mean you will learn how to use the a320 cbt course. The career is exciting and rewarding.