**Executive Summary**
This document outlines the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) concerning Flight Dispatcher training and approval in India, effective October 1st, 2016. It specifies the necessary qualifications, training programs, competency checks, and approval procedures for flight dispatchers, as well as the approval process for Flight Dispatch Instructors. The document establishes standards for initial, type, transition, recurrent, refresher, and differences training for flight dispatchers.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Eligibility Requirements for Flight Dispatcher Approval:**
* Applicant must be approved by DGCA.
* Minimum educational qualification is class 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics.
* Minimum age of 21 years.
* Demonstrated knowledge in subjects like air law, aircraft general knowledge, flight performance calculation, human performance, meteorology, navigation, operational procedures, principles of flight, and radio communication.
* Experience requirements include two years of service in specific aviation roles or completion of approved training and 90 days of supervised work experience.
* **Flight Dispatcher Training Program:**
* Training program must be documented in the Operations Manual Part D and approved by FSD, DGCA.
* Maximum training hours per day is 6 hours.
* Types of training include initial, type, transition, recurrent, refresher, and differences training.
* Pass percentage for all training is 70%.
* Training must include practical demonstration and cover differences between aircraft types operated by the operator.
* **Training Types and Durations:**
* Initial training is required for those without prior flight dispatch experience in the last 3 years.
* Type training is for aircraft model qualification.
* Transition training is for those changing operators.
* Recurrent training is annual with a minimum duration of 24 hours; extended recurrent training of 32 hours is required after 12-36 months of not performing flight dispatch duties.
* Refresher training of 2 days theoretical and 1 day OJT is needed for dispatchers not performing duties for up to 6 months.
* Differences training varies based on aircraft variants.
* **Training Facilities and Instructors:**
* Training facilities must be approved by DGCA.
* Classroom space requirements are specified.
* Trainee to instructor ratio is limited to 25:1.
* Specific modules and topics must be instructed by DGCA-approved instructors or authorized experts.
* **Competency Checks and Approvals:**
* Flight Dispatchers must undergo written, oral, and practical tests.
* Initial flight dispatcher approval fee is Rs 5000, renewal fee is Rs 2500.
* Flight Dispatch Instructor approval fee is Rs 3000, renewal fee is Rs 1500.
* DGCA may issue flight dispatcher approval for 5 years, which can be withdrawn if requirements are not met.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: Flight Dispatchers**
* **Impact:** Establishes clear requirements for training, qualifications, and competency checks needed to obtain and maintain flight dispatcher approval. This affects their career path and required continuous professional development.
* **Action Required:** Flight Dispatchers need to meet the educational, experience, and training requirements, pass the necessary examinations, and apply for approval from DGCA. Maintain records of training and performance.
**Stakeholder: Aircraft Operators**
* **Impact:** Mandates that operators only use DGCA-approved flight dispatchers. This requires operators to implement training programs, ensure their flight dispatchers meet the required standards, and provide adequate training facilities.
* **Action Required:** Ensure training programs are documented and approved by DGCA, that facilities meet the requirements. Use only DGCA-approved flight dispatchers. Maintain performance and training records, and provide certificate of satisfactory performance for renewal every 5 years.
**Stakeholder: Flight Dispatch Instructors**
* **Impact:** Defines the criteria and process for becoming and remaining a certified Flight Dispatch Instructor, including the need for specific training and demonstration of competency.
* **Action Required:** Undergo required training (Train The Trainer course), demonstrate competency through observations and examinations, and apply for approval from DGCA. For renewal of approval, submit an application with training details to FSD DGCA three months prior to the date of the expiry of the approval.
**Stakeholder: DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation)**
* **Impact:** This CAR provides a framework for DGCA to regulate and oversee the training, qualification, and approval of flight dispatchers, ensuring compliance with ICAO standards.
* **Action Required:** Review and update processes. Develop and administer examinations. Review submitted applications for Flight Dispatchers and Instructors, and issue approvals to qualified personnel. Monitor and enforce compliance with the CAR.
Key Entities Referenced
Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR): The overall regulatory document, specifically Section 7, Series 'M' Part II, Issue II, concerning Flight Crew Standards: Training & Licensing, and setting out the requirements for flight dispatcher training and approval.
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA): The primary regulator responsible for approving and overseeing flight dispatcher training and granting/withdrawing approvals.
Aircraft Rules 1937: The Rules under which this CAR is issued, specifically referencing Rule 29C and 133A.
Flight Dispatcher Training Programme: Defines the curriculum and requirements for training flight dispatchers, including initial, type, transition, recurrent, refresher, and differences training.
ICAO Annex 6: Referenced for specifying the duties and responsibilities of flight dispatchers
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF CIVIL AVIATION
TECHNICAL CENTRE, OPP SAFDURJUNG AIRPORT, NEW DELHI.
CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS
SECTION -7: FLIGHT CREW STANDARDS
TRAINING & LICENCING
SERIES 'M' PART II, ISSUE II
DATED: 01st OCT 2016 EFFECTIVE: 01st OCT 2016
File NO. AV 22024/11/2016-FSD
Sub: Flight Dispatcher Training and Approval
1. Introduction:
Flight Dispatchers (Flight Operations Officers) are involved in operational
control in accordance with the operator’s approved method of control and
supervision of flight operations. These personnel are required to be trained
and qualified in accordance with ICAO Annex 1 and their duties and
responsibilities are specified in ICAO Annex 6. This CAR is issued under
the Rule 29C and 133A of the Aircraft Rules 1937 to set out the
requirements to impart necessary training and qualification of flight
dispatchers and heir approval.
2. Requirements Of Issue Of Approval Flight Dispatchers:
2.1 General
No operator shall use any person nor shall any person serve as a flight
dispatcher unless that person has been approved by the DGCA to act
as Flight Dispatcher for the type of aircraft for the operator.
2.2 Educational Qualification
The applicant for Flight Dispatcher shall have passed class 10+2 or an
equivalent examination with Physics and Mathematics from a recognized
Board/University.
2.3 AgeCIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 7
SERIES ‘M’ PART II 01st OCT 2016
The applicant shall be not less than 21 years of age.
2.4 Knowledge
The applicant shall have demonstrated a level of knowledge appropriate to
the privileges granted to the holder of a flight dispatcher approval, in at least
the following subjects:
Air law
a) rules and regulations relevant to the holder of a flight dispatcher approval;
appropriate air traffic services practices and procedures;
Aircraft general knowledge
b) principles of operation of aeroplane engines, systems and instruments;
c) operating limitations of aeroplanes and engines
d) minimum equipment list;
Flight performance calculation, planning procedures and loading
e) effects of loading and mass distribution on aircraft performance and flight
characteristics; mass and balance calculations;
f) operational flight planning; fuel consumption and endurance calculations;
alternate aerodrome selection procedures; en-route cruise control; extended
range operation;
g) preparation and filing of air traffic services flight plans;
h) basic principles of computer-assisted planning systems;
Human performance
i) human performance relevant to dispatch duties, including principles of
threat and error management;
Note.— Guidance material to design training programmes on human
performance, including threat and error management, can be found in
the Human Factors Training Manual (Doc 9683).
Meteorology
j) aeronautical meteorology; the movement of pressure systems; the structure
of fronts, and the origin and characteristics of significant weather phenomena
which affect take-off, en-route and landing conditions;
2CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 7
SERIES ‘M’ PART II 01st OCT 2016
k) interpretation and application of aeronautical meteorological reports, charts
and forecasts; codes and abbreviations; use of, and procedures for obtaining,
meteorological information;
Navigation
l) principles of air navigation with particular reference to instrument flight;
Operational procedures
m) use of aeronautical documentation;
n) operational procedures for the carriage of freight and dangerous goods;
o) procedures relating to aircraft accidents and incidents; emergency flight
procedures;
p) procedures relating to unlawful interference and sabotage of aircraft;
Principles of flight
q) principles of flight relating to the appropriate category of aircraft; and
Radio communication
r) procedures for communicating with aircraft and relevant ground stations.
2.5 Experience
The applicant shall have gained the following experience:
a) a total of two years of service in any one or in any combination of the
capacities specified in 1) to 3) inclusive, provided that in any combination of
experience the period serviced in any capacity shall be at least one year:
1) a flight crew member in air transportation; or
2) a meteorologist in an organization dispatching aircraft in air transportation;
or
3) an air traffic controller; or a technical supervisor of flight operations officer
or air transportation flight operation systems; or
b) have satisfactorily completed a course of approved training.
The applicant shall have served under the supervision of a flight dispatcher at
least 90 working days within the six months immediately preceding the
application.
3CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 7
SERIES ‘M’ PART II 01st OCT 2016
2.6 Skill
The applicant shall have demonstrated the ability to:
a) make an accurate and operationally acceptable weather analysis from a
series of daily weather maps and weather reports; provide an operationally
valid briefing on weather conditions prevailing in the general neighbourhood
of a specific air route; forecast weather trends pertinent to air transportation
with particular reference to destination and alternates;
b) determine the optimum flight path for a given segment, and create
accurate manual and/or computer generated flight plans;
c) provide operating supervision and all other assistance to a flight in actual or
simulated adverse weather conditions, as appropriate to the duties of the
holder of a flight dispatcher approval; and
d) recognize and manage threats and errors.
Note. — Guidance material on the application of threat and error
management is found in the Procedures for Air Navigation Services —
Training (Doc 9868, PANS-TRG), Chapter 3, Attachment C, and in Part II,
Chapter 2, of the Human Factors Training Manual (Doc 9683).
3. Flight Dispatcher Training Programme
3.1 The training programme for Flight Dispatchers will be documented in
Operations Manual Part D and approved by FSD, DGCA and shall comprise
of the following curriculum. The maximum training hours per day shall be 6
hours.
a) Initial training
1) Basic Knowledge
2) Applied Practical training
b) Type training
c) Transition training
d) Recurrent training
e) Refresher training
f) Differences training
Note: For assessment purposes, the pass percentage for all training
shall be 70%.
3.2 Each training curriculum shall include practical demonstration as applicable.
3.3 Each training curriculum shall cover the differences between aircraft of the
same type operated by the airline/operator to ensure that the Flight
Dispatchers are adequately trained to perform their assigned duties on
different aircraft being operated.
4CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 7
SERIES ‘M’ PART II 01st OCT 2016
4. Initial Training
Initial training shall consist of basic knowledge training and applied practical
training. Initial training is required for the persons who have not been
previously approved/carried out flight dispatch duties during the preceding 3
years. The goal of initial training is to ensure that each trainee acquires the
competencies, knowledge and skills required to perform the duties and
responsibilities related to a flight dispatcher. The training shall be conducted
as per Appendix 1.
5. Type training
Type training is required to gain qualification on the aircraft model and its
variants that the flight dispatcher will be assigned on and will be part of initial
training except for addition of aircraft type to the flight dispatcher approval
wherein as a minimum Module 7 and 9 of initial training basic knowledge
(Appendix 1) will be conducted.
6. Transition training
Training for flight dispatchers who are qualified on the aircraft type, but from a
different operator. This will consist of operator indoctrination course with
minimum duration 32 hours covering the operations manual and human
factors (DRM/CRM). Additionally, minimum 3 days on-job-training (OJT)
under an approved flight dispatcher will be conducted followed by one
observation flight prior to application for flight dispatcher approval with the
new operator.
7. Recurrent training
Recurrent training is conducted annually to ensure the maintenance of
competencies, knowledge and skills through a series of theoretical training,
hands-on exercises, simulated exercises, written exam, etc. relevant to each
aircraft type on which the flight dispatcher will be assigned duties.
Recurrent training validity is 12 months. If carried out in 3 months preceding
the expiry, the subsequent validity will be 12 months from the original expiry.
The minimum duration of recurrent training shall be 24 hours.
An operator shall ensure that each flight dispatcher who has not carried out
any flight dispatch duties from 12 up to 36 months completes extended
recurrent training with minimum duration 32 hours. Additionally, minimum 3
days on-job-training (OJT) under an approved flight dispatcher will be
conducted followed by one observation flight prior to exercising privileges of
the approval.
8. Refresher training
5CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 7
SERIES ‘M’ PART II 01st OCT 2016
An operator shall ensure that each flight dispatcher who has not carried out
any flight dispatch duties for up to 6 months and still remains within the period
of validity of the previous Initial/Type/Recurrent Training completes refresher
training with minimum duration of 2 days theoretical training, one day OJT
under an approved flight dispatcher prior to exercising privileges of the
approval. For a gap between 6 to 12 months, recurrent training will be carried
out.
9. Differences training
The duration of differences training shall depend upon degree of differences
between the different variants of aircraft of the same type used by the
operator. Differences training for variants of a particular type of aircraft may
be included in initial, transition, and recurrent training for the aircraft.
10. Training facilities
10.1 Facilities and equipment for classroom-based training
10.1.1 General.
Whenever the operator utilizes training facilities an approval shall be obtained
for the facility, equipment and the personnel utilized for training/ maintenance
from the DGCA, before commencing the training. Training may include the
use of, video presentations; computer based training, e-learning and other
types of training.
10.1.2 Classroom facilities
The space for each adult in a classroom will be from 1.4m2 to 6.7m2. Each
trainee’s workspace should include space to house trainee’s work surface,
any additional equipment, the chair, space for chair pushback and
maneuverability.
10.1.3 The learning environment.
It will be ensured that temperature should be comfortable, ventilation should
be adequate, lighting should adequate and training equipment should be
adequate.
10.1.4 Use of instructional aids.
Instructional aids may include the use of computer-based-training (CBT), e-
learning in which case, this should be supported by instructors.
10.2 Trainee to instructor ratio
The trainee to instructor ratio shall be limited to 25:1.
6CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 7
SERIES ‘M’ PART II 01st OCT 2016
10.3 Instructional personnel
Modules and topics concerning aircraft technical and performance shall be
conducted by DGCA approved ground instructors. Human factors
(CRM/DRM) shall be conducted by facilitators authorized by the post-holder
training. Topics concerning meteorology, legislation, ATM may be conducted
by subject matter experts (SMEs) authorized by the post-holder training.
Flight dispatch functions shall be instructed by DGCA approved Flight
Dispatch Instructors. OJT may be conducted under an approved flight
dispatcher authorized by the post-holder training.
10.4 Flight Dispatch Instructors
Flight dispatchers with experience of 3 years with an Indian operator or a
person who has held flight dispatch instructor approval with another Indian
operator, may be approved as flight dispatch instructor to impart training on
flight dispatch functions provided they have completed type/transition training
and other training as per Appendix 2. Approval shall be issued for 5 years.
Existing flight dispatch instructors as on date of issue of this CAR shall be
issued with letter of approval under this CAR without need for additional
training. Fees for initial approval shall be Rs 3000 and for renewal of flight
dispatcher instructor approval shall be Rs 1500.
11. Competency Check For Flight Dispatchers
To demonstrate his competency, a Flight Dispatcher should undergo following
tests/examinations:
11.1 Written test/Examination
Each Flight Dispatcher trainee after having undergone the prescribed initial
training (basic knowledge) shall appear in a written examination conducted by
DGCA (Central Examination Organization). The examination shall consist of:
a) General subjects,
b) Specific on type of aircraft.
11.2 Oral and Practical Test:
The applicant after successfully undergoing the basic knowledge training and
DGCA Flight Dispatcher examination shall carry out applied practical training
within six months immediately preceding the application for oral test. The
practical training should commence within 12 months from the date of the
declaration of result of the written examination.
The Flight Dispatchers shall undergo an oral/practical test to demonstrate
their proficiency to a Board at FSD, DGCA consisting of minimum two Flight
Operations Inspectors, which shall include the post-holder training or his
nominee who shall be a Flight Dispatcher on type with managerial
responsibility and position or a Flight Dispatch Instructor.
7CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 7
SERIES ‘M’ PART II 01st OCT 2016
12. Issue, Withdrawal and Renewal of Flight Dispatcher Approval
On successful completion of requirements as laid down in this CAR, FSD,
DGCA may issue a person flight dispatcher approval for a period of 5 years.
DGCA may withdraw this approval if the requirements are no longer met or
the flight dispatcher fails to meet standards on the basis of which approval
was issued. The operator shall ensure that certificate by post-holder training
indicating satisfactory performance of the flight dispatcher for the previous 5
years along with recurrent training records for the last 2 years are submitted
to FSD at least 3 months prior to expiry of approval following which renewal of
approval may be issued by DGCA. Fees for initial approval shall be Rs 5000
and for renewal of flight dispatcher approval shall be Rs 2500.
Director General of Civil Aviation
Appendix 1
INITIAL TRAINING
8CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 7
SERIES ‘M’ PART II 01st OCT 2016
Phase One – Basic Knowledge
Module Subject Matter Trainees Trainees
without with
previous previous
aviation aviation
experience experience
(duration in (duration in
hours) hours)
1. Civil air law and regulation 30 18
2. Aviation indoctrination 12 6
3. Aircraft mass (weight) and performance 27 15
4. Navigation 24 12
5. Air traffic management 39 21
6. Meteorology 42 21
7. Mass (weight) and balance control 27 15
8. Transport of dangerous goods by air 9 9
9. Flight planning 18 9
10. Flight monitoring 16 16
11. Communication – Radio 18 6
12. Human factors 15 15
13. Security (emergencies and abnormal 8 6
situations)
Phase Two – Applied Practical Training
Module Subject Matter Duration
1 Applied practical flight operations 25 hours
2. Simulator LOFT observation and synthetic flight training 4 hours
3. Flight dispatch functions (OJT) 13 weeks
4. Route familiarization 1 week
Note: Refer ICAO Doc 7192 Training Manual Flight Operations Officer/Flight
Dispatchers Part D3.
Appendix 2
FLIGHT DISPACTHER INSTRUCTOR
9CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 7
SERIES ‘M’ PART II 01st OCT 2016
Topics
The person shall go through a Train The Trainer course (duration
40 hours). This is not applicable for a person already holding a
valid flight dispatcher instructor approval as on date of issue of this
CAR, however recurrent train the trainer course will be carried out
every 2 years for all FD instructors.
Observes one flight dispatch (FD) classroom batch and conducts
one flight dispatch classroom batch under supervision followed by;
Oral examination on the aircraft type to be conducted by an FOI.
If satisfactory, then an approval shall be accorded for the period of
5 years. For existing FD Instructors under CAR, Section 7, Series
M, Part II, the validity of existing approvals shall be 5 years from
date of issue of this CAR, Section 7, Series M, Part II (Issue II)
Flight
followed by renewal process as per eligibility requirements of this
Dispatcher
CAR.
Instructor
If the performance is unsatisfactory, the instructor shall be
assessed again after 1 month. The operator shall make the request
for the same.
In case of repeated failure, the instructor may be assessed after 3
months. The operator shall maintain the record of all the classes
(including its performance) while requesting for the review.
For renewal of instructor approval, an application may be made to
the FSD DGCA 3 months prior to expiry of the previous validity with
details of training conducted on a quarterly basis for preceding 1
year.
For renewal of approval, a viva by FOI will be conducted and on
successful evaluation, the approval shall be renewed for 5 years
from the date of previous validity.
10