The oral/practical exam will cover (but is not limited to) the following subjects and is "open book."
PHASE I: Assignment of a simulated dispatch exercise.
You will act as the dispatcher, planning a manual flight plan to "launch" your simulated flight. The examiner will serve in the capacity of a pilot-in-command, asking questions, as necessary, to assure that you understand Dispatcher responsibilities, and test you on your specific computations for the flight. You will plan the flight between specific points of departure and destination and plan for the alternates, as required by weather criteria and the operating certificate. Aircraft type, payload and configuration are based on the B737-300.
We provide synthetic weather for your test.
Plan on a full passenger complement and baggage to the maximum allowed, without exceeding any aircraft or operating limitations. Consider the most efficient method of getting from point "A" to point "B", using the least amount of fuel (consistent with the weather) while maintaining a constant vigil against breaking any of the established company procedures or FAA regulations.
You will complete a domestic flight plan form, weight and balance (graph, computer-generated, or long-hand), and compute appropriate aircraft performance data, etc. Route planning and flight navigation is based on Jeppesen data. We provide nav charts for the entire flight, including all the SIDS, STARS, High and Low Altitude charts, and approach charts for all applicable stations.
Operations Specifications: Provided by AGS.
PHASE II: The oral test involves the following and is Open Book.
AIRCRAFT: You will be asked payload capacities, exits, emergency equipment; aircraft systems including communications and navigation equipment; crew/passenger oxygen use; aircraft limitations; performance charts, cruising techniques, endurance with engine failure enroute, fuel, take-off distances and speeds. etc.
ALTIMETERS AND AIRSPEED INDICATIONS: Know types of altimeter-setting terms: "QNH, QFE, QNE"; atmospheric changes, various altitudes and airspeed definitions; flight level "rules of the road".
WEATHER ANALYSIS: Your weather "package" will include: METARs; TAFs; Area Forecasts (FA); Winds Aloft (FD); Weather Depiction Charts; Surface Weather Maps; Radar Summary Charts; Significant Weather Prognostic Charts; Constant Pressure Charts; Inflight Advisories (Sigmets, Airmets, etc.); NOTAMs; PIREPs and RAREPs. You must be able to interpret each of the above and be able to field questions on any of the symbology on the charts using reference materials provided in class.
AERONAUTICAL INFORMATION MANUAL: Know all types of Navigation Aids; Airport Air Navigation Lighting and Marking Aids; Airpace Restrictions and definitions of all Controlled Airspace; Departures, Enroute, Arrival and Instrument Approach Procedures; and Classifications of Special Use Airspace. An intimate knowledge of this manual is essential.
DISPATCH AND ASSISTANCE: Know routes; types of airports authorized; takeoff and landing minimums; responsibilities between Dispatcher and Pilot (Operational Control); authority to delegate responsibility; enroute unsafe conditions and expected actions; and reports/paperwork.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES: Know who can declare an emergency; reports required; actions expected during emergencies; search and rescue; transponder codes and hijacking procedures.
FEES: The FAA Examiner Fee is $375.00
