This branch provides flight planning and filing services to transient and assigned aviators. The physical
arrangement of facilities, to some degree, influences the organization of the dispatch branch.
(1) Branch chief. The flight dispatch chief coordinates branch activities under the supervision of
the operations officer and supervises and trains FOCs in their assigned duties. He provides flight
planning service, that is, current publications, maps and charts, NOTAM board, and current weight and
balance forms on each assigned aircraft. The branch chief also schedules FOCs for duty tours and
ensures adequate coverage during peak flying periods. Lastly, he ensures that the branch's SOP provides
for immediate notification of the operations officer in case of accident, impending emergency, or
OPSEC violation.
(2) Flight operations coordinator. This individual receives, reviews, and processes flight plans
for all flights and transmits flight plan data to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) FSS. If the
flight plan is filed according to instrument flight rules (IFR), the coordinator will transmit this data to the
FAA, ARTCC, and/or approach control serving the airfield. This person advises the local control tower
on proposed departures and arrivals and notifies the operations officer when an arrival flight is 30
minutes overdue. He keeps airfield services informed on the estimated time of arrival (ETA) and
estimated time of departure so aircraft can be met and fireguard provided. The FOC advises the
operations officer of arriving and departing very important persons (VIPs) so proper honors can be
extended. He disseminates severe weather warnings to individuals and/or organizations outlined in the
SOP and advises the operations officer of any OPSEC violations.
b. Dispatch and Communications Center. Figure 1-2 shows the location of the dispatch and
communication center in a typical flight operations area. Normally, the following services are provided
at this location:
(1) Flight information counter service maintenance for aviators and crew members providing
consultation and advisory assistance. This service includes providing flight information materials,
weather information, flight plan processing, ground transportation, fueling services, and aircraft
maintenance. This service includes providing flight information materials, weather information, flight
plan processing, ground transportation, fueling services, and aircraft maintenance. Individuals
requesting travel by DOD aircraft must meet the criteria established in DOD Directive 4515.13-R.
(2) A display providing information relating to overall safety procedures and their application to
airfield operations. The display should include emergency procedures to be taken in response to aircraft
accidents and airborne in-flight emergencies for transient and local aircraft using the airfield.
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