FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Practice Exam

Which document outlines the conditions for dispatching a flight?

1. Flight Plan

2. Dispatch Release

3. Load Manifest

4. Operational Control Document

The correct answer is: Dispatch Release

The Dispatch Release is the key document that outlines the conditions for dispatching a flight. It serves as an official record that details critical information necessary for the flight's operation, including the route, load, fuel requirements, and any significant weather issues that could affect the journey. This ensures that all parties involved in the flight, from the dispatcher to the flight crew, have a clear and shared understanding of the parameters under which the flight is authorized to operate. Additionally, the Dispatch Release must be signed by the pilot-in-command and the dispatcher, which indicates that both parties agree on the conditions for the flight. This document must be completed before the flight departs, confirming that all safety requirements and regulations have been met. Other documents, like the Flight Plan, provide information concerning the planned path of the flight, and the Load Manifest details the cargo and passenger load, but they do not encapsulate the comprehensive conditions necessary for the actual dispatch. The Operational Control Document provides overall operational guidelines but lacks the specificity that the Dispatch Release holds regarding individual flight conditions.