A flight dispatcher (also known as an airline dispatcher, flight follower or flight operations officer) assists in planning flight paths, taking into account aircraft performance and loading, en-route winds, thunderstorm and turbulence forecasts, airspace restrictions, and airport conditions. Dispatchers also provide a flight following service and advise pilots if conditions change. They usually work in the operations centre of the airline. They examine the mechanics’ reports to make certain that the required maintenance has been completed.

Eligibility Requirements

An applicant for a flight operations officer license shall;

1. Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age;
2. Attend training in one of the Approved Training Organizations (ATO) proven by a certificate attachment
3. Demonstrate the ability to read, speak, write, and understand the English language in accordance with the language proficiency requirements.
4. Pass a knowledge test the results of which shall be valid for eighteen months after passing the examination.
5. Present documentary evidence satisfactory to the Authority that the applicant has the experience or training as follows;

   A total of two years’ service in any one or in any combination of the capacities specified below provided that in any combination of experience the period served in any capacity shall be at least one year;

   1. A flight crew member in commercial air transport; or
   2. A meteorologist in an organization dispatching aircraft in commercial air transport; or
   3. An air traffic controller or technical supervisor of flight operations officer or air transportation flight operations systems;
   4. At least one year as an assistant in the dispatching or aircraft used in commercial air transport; or
6. Has satisfactorily completed an approved course training in a flight operations.
7. An applicant shall have served under the supervision of a flight operations officer for at least ninety (90) days within the six (6) months immediately preceding the application.

Application Requirements

1. A properly completed Flight Dispatcher’s License Application Form.
2. A competency Certificate from an Air Operator certificated by the Authority certifying attendance at an approved course and successful completion of all the modules;
3. Certification from an Air Operator certificated by the Authority that the applicant has operated under the supervision of a Flight Operations Officer for at least ninety working days within the six months immediately preceding the date of application;
4. A knowledge test results slip;
5. Two (2) current passport size photographs (full face);
6. An ATO Certificate certifying that the applicant has satisfactorily completed a course of approved training;
7. Records substantiating the experience shown on the application Form.
8. Payment of the prescribed fees of Kshs 4,500.

Requirements for Renewal of the License

1. The applicant should complete the Flight Dispatcher’s License Application Form;
2. The applicant should show that he has satisfactorily met the professional competence requirements required under Regulation 122 of the Civil Aviation (Personnel Licensing) Regulations.
3. The applicant should present a certified record by an Air Operator certificated by the Authority to substantiate the required experience and
4. The applicant should pay the renewal prescribed fees of Kshs. 2,500.
5. The Flight Dispatch License on which the new renewal dates will be typed.

Validity

The Flight Dispatchers’ License is valid for 2 years from the date of application.