FAA-S-8081-10A U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration
AIRCRAFT DISPATCHER Practical Test Standards JUNE 1995
FLIGHT STANDARDS SERVICE Washington, DC 20591
AIRCRAFT DISPATCHER Practical Test Standards 1995
FLIGHT STANDARDS SERVICE Washington, DC 20591
FAA-S-8081-10A NOTE Material in FAA-S-8081-10A, Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test Standards, becomes effective June 1, 1995. All previous editions of this book become obsolete as of this date.
FAA-S-8081-10A
FOREWORD The Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test Standards (PTS) book has been published by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish the standards for the aircraft dispatcher practical test. FAA inspectors and designated examiners shall conduct practical tests in compliance with these standards. Instructors and applicants should find these standards helpful in practical test preparation.
William J. White Deputy Director, Flight Standards Service
FAA-S-8081-10A ii
FAA-S-8081-10Ai
FOREWORD The Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test Standards (PTS) book has been published by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish the standards for the aircraft dispatcher practical test. FAA inspectors and designated examiners shall conduct practical tests in compliance with these standards. Instructors and applicants should find these standards helpful in practical test preparation.
William J. White Deputy Director, Flight Standards Service
FAA-S-8081-10Ai
INTRODUCTION The Flight Standards Service of the FAA has developed this practical test book as a standard to be used by FAA inspectors and designated examiners when conducting the aircraft dispatcher practical test.
Instructors are expected to use this book when preparing applicants for the practical test.
This publication sets forth the practical test requirements for the aircraft dispatcher certificate.
Information considered directive in nature is described in this practical test standard in terms such as “shall” and “must,” and means that the actions are mandatory. Guidance information is described in terms such as “will,” “should,” or “may,” and indicate actions that are desirable, permissive, or not mandatory and provide for flexibility.
The FAA gratefully acknowledges the valuable assistance provided by organizations and individuals who have contributed their time and talent in the development of the practical test standards.
This publication may be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.
Comments regarding this publication should be sent to:
U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration Flight Standards Service Operations Support Branch, AFS-630 P.O. Box 25082 Oklahoma City, OK 73125
PRACTICAL TEST STANDARD CONCEPT Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR's) specify the areas in which knowledge and skill must be demonstrated by the applicant before the issuance of an aircraft dispatcher certificate. The FAR's provide the flexibility to permit the FAA to publish practical test standards containing specific TASKS in which competency must be demonstrated by the applicant before the issuance of an aircraft dispatcher certificate. The FAA will revise this book whenever it is determined that changes are needed in the interest of safety. Adherence to provisions of the FAR’s and the practical test standards is mandatory for the evaluation of aircraft dispatcher applicants.
FAA-S-8081-10A ii EXAMINER1 RESPONSIBILITY The examiner who conducts the practical test is responsible for determining that the applicant meets the standards outlined in the Objective of each TASK within the appropriate practical test standard.
The examiner shall meet this responsibility by accomplishing an action that is appropriate for each TASK. For each TASK that involves “knowledge only” elements, the examiner shall orally quiz the applicant on those elements. For each TASK that involves both “knowledge and skill” elements, the examiner shall orally quiz the applicant regarding knowledge elements and ask the applicant to perform the required skill elements. The examiner shall determine that the applicant's knowledge and skill meet the Objective in all required TASKS. Oral questioning may be used at any time during the practical test.
NOTE: Where appropriate, the applicant should be allowed to use reference material.
CREW RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (CRM) CRM “… refers to the effective use of ALL available resources; human resources, hardware, and information.” Human resources “... includes all other groups routinely working with the cockpit crew (or pilot) who are involved in decisions that are required to operate a flight safely. These groups include, but are not limited to: dispatchers, cabin crewmembers, maintenance personnel, and air traffic controllers.” CRM is not a single TASK. CRM is a set of skill competencies which must be evident in all TASKS in this PTS. CRM competencies, grouped into three clusters of observable behavior are:
1. COMMUNICATIONS PROCESSES AND DECISIONS
a. Briefing
b. Inquiry/Advocacy/Assertiveness
c. Self-Critique
d. Communication with available personnel resources
e. Decision making 1 The word “examiner” is used throughout this standard to denote either the FAA inspector or FAA designated examiner who conducts the official practical test.