Flight dispatcher

Dispatchers also provide a flight following service and advise pilots if conditions change.

[1] Dispatchers usually share responsibility for the exercise of operational control, which gives them authority to divert, delay or cancel a flight.

Legal requirements known as "14 CFR part 121" govern dispatch release in the United States.

Shared responsibility adds a layer of checks and balances to aircraft operation and greatly improves safety.

Joint Aviation Authorities (JAR) OPS 1 did mandate the use of an operational control system with flight dispatchers/joint responsibility/flight watch.

For airlines operating under 14 CFR PART 135, dispatching duties and responsibilities are actually designated to "flight followers."

The FAA has mandated the use of flight dispatchers/joint responsibility/flight watch since the "Civil Aeronautic Act" was passed in 1938.

Because of the constantly changing nature of airline operations, flight dispatchers experience a high level of stress in the workplace, as they balance operational constraints and pressures with the overriding safety mandate of the job.

In some cargo aircraft, they have to visually inspect the loading, making sure it has been done in accordance with their instructions.