Gate 41Flight dispatcher / operations controller
Meet Elena Petrova, an illustrative character. Plans the flight: route, fuel, weather, alternates and weights. In some countries, shares legal responsibility with the captain; elsewhere similar teams support pilots.
Before the flight
Studies weather, restrictions and aircraft status and prepares the flight plan and fuel recommendation.
During the flight
Monitors the flight, sends updates and helps the crew if conditions change.
After the flight
Reviews the flight and closes the paperwork.
Works closely with
Constantly in touch with the captain, ATC, maintenance and ground teams.
Good to know
- A dispatcher may follow dozens of flights at once.
- They rarely meet passengers, but their work shapes your journey.
Related questions
- Why does takeoff feel so fast?
- What happens inside the control tower?
- How do airport screens work?
- Who runs an airport?
- How much fuel does a flight carry?
- Why does the plane need to be balanced?
An illustrative composite character. Roles, titles and procedures differ between airlines, airports and countries.