Europe: Flight Dispatcher Requirements

An EASA notice of proposed rulemaking (NPA) updates and clarifies the minimum requirements, responsibilities, and qualifications for serving as a flight dispatcher. This position is mandated for all European-registered commercial aircraft operations, including business jet charters. In addition to defining duties, the NPA also proposes new requirements for the training of operational control personnel and establishing a standard minimum flight operations officer (FOO) qualification and advanced qualification for flight dispatchers. The proposed amendments are expected to standardize dispatcher training across EASA member states and to ensure a level playing field for a safety-critical category. Finally, this NPA proposes some amendments to provisions on fuel planning and management and all-weather operations. Comments on the NPA are due July 24, 2023.