What a flight dispatcher actually does on shift

A flight dispatcher or operations officer helps plan and monitor flights. Under some operational-control models, including certain US domestic and flag operations, a certificated dispatcher and the pilot in command share responsibility; the applicable role varies by jurisdiction and operator. Before departure, the team reviews weather, notices, aircraft status, payload and fuel, and prepares or checks the operational flight plan.

A dispatch release is an important operational document where the applicable system requires one. Material changes to weather, aircraft status or loading may require an amended plan or release under the operator's approved procedures.

Once airborne, the dispatcher keeps flight-following: monitoring weather en route, airport status and fuel, and supporting the crew with options when things change.

In Dispatch Deck OCC you practise exactly this loop on synthetic flights: plan, check, release, follow, and recover when the network is disrupted.