In a move that could affect business aircraft operations that employ FAA-certified dispatchers, the FAA is proposing a new policy to fix what it sees as a flaw in dispatcher certification courses. The agency has released proposals for a new chapter of FAA Order 8900.1 and a new advisory circular (AC 65-XX) related to aircraft dispatcher certification courses.
According to the FAA, there is a need to establish “formal policy” related to the operation and oversight of FAA-approved aircraft dispatcher certification courses because the current lack of a policy “has led to a wide range of inconsistencies with respect to individual course approvals.”
The FAA claims that the new guidance will “clarify the requirements found in FAR Part 65, Subpart C” (certification of aircraft dispatchers). Currently, FAA-certified dispatchers are required only for Part 121 operations.
Comments on the proposals are due December 22. To date, there are 44 FAA-approved aircraft dispatcher certification courses in operation.
