FAA flight dispatcher pay schemes and benefits in HK

[AiRBuS_380]

Hi guys,

i am wondering if any of the friendly people here can give me some advise on the salary range of flight dispatchers (FAA license) as well as the thier benefits offered by the airlines in HK?

thank you.

Best Regards

[mcdude]

In HK despatchers not used or required by rules. At CX (KA too?)our "despatchers" are trained in-house and offer a similar service to a despatcher, perhaps a bit more "hands-off". No licence required by them, just HK Permanent ID Card, and likely fluent Canto skills. They're mostly a good team (except, like me, when stressed out...)

Cheers

[4 driver]

HK Dispatchers definately don't decide how much fuel will go on the aircraft. I believe this is the procedure in the U.S.
Perhaps the American Captains can ask for more fuel than the licensed dispatcher decides....not sure what the reality is.

[AtoBsafely]

There are variations on the company structure, but the one I have experience with is "Co-authority". The licenced dispatcher assesses the weather, load etc and produces a flight plan with alternate and fuel required. The captain crosschecks, and if he is not happy they "discuss" it. They MUST agree before the flight can depart.

The dispatch licence is something like a frozen ATPL with extras, so the dispatcher understands what goes on in the aircraft. In reality, both pilot and dispatcher have safety as the highest priority so the more conservative viewpoint wins. It adds an extra level of protection to the operation, and is a leap forward from the "Captain knows all" method.

[icemansuper]

Re: McDude:
How about the payscheme in CX? I know the starting pay is quite low with 0 experience (sub 10K level?) But what about when experience starts to build up?

[4 driver]

AtoB;
So does the dispatcher take half the responsibility if the aircraft runs out of fuel?
Calling co-authority a leap forward is questionable.
One reason we demand a decent salary and benefits is because we are responsible for a us$200 million dollar piece of equipment and 400 lives.
I don't think someone with a frozen ATPL has the same knowledge or experience.

[AtoBsafely]

4 Driver,

Yes! He might be the only one alive to face the board of inquiry, but legally he is as responsible as the captain.

It is a leap forward for that exact reason. Even after you are on your way, he is responsible for ensuring that your alternates stay legal and that you have the fuel and information needed to get the job done safely. It is like having another crew member, who just happens to be on the ground with access to all the information available there.

The piloting background they have before they get into dispatch doesn't qualify them to fly the jet, but it gives them the perspective that pure theory can't. Their experience comes from handling the flights - if he dispatches 20 flights a month to New York for example, wouldn't you think he would have a better idea of the delays and alternates than you if it was your first time there in a year or two.

I am not belittling the dispatchers in Hong Kong, but they are not required to and do not provide the same standard of care.

I have worked under both systems, and I believe the co-authority model makes a safer operation.