Airline Flight Dispatch and Release Checklist
This airline flight dispatch and release checklist ensures compliance with FAA 14 CFR Part 121 Subpart U (Dispatching and Flight Release Rules), FAA AC 121-2 (Airplane Dispatcher), aircraft MEL requirements, fuel planning regulations per FAA 121.647, and ICAO Doc 8168 instrument procedures. Designed for FAA-certificated aircraft dispatchers to verify all regulatory requirements before authorizing every flight release.
- Industry: Aviation
- Frequency: Per Event
- Estimated Time: 30-60 minutes
- Role: Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX)
- Total Items: 30
- Compliance: FAA 14 CFR Part 121 Subpart U Dispatching Rules, FAA AC 121-2 Aircraft Dispatcher Certification, FAA 14 CFR Part 121.601-635 Dispatch Requirements, FAA 14 CFR Part 121.647 Fuel Requirements, ICAO Doc 8168 Instrument Flight Procedures
Aircraft Airworthiness
MEL and maintenance status.
- MEL reviewed for all deferred items - legally dispatchable?
- Maintenance release current - aircraft airworthy?
- Fuel quantity meets dispatch requirement?
- All applicable Operations Specifications reviewed?
- Performance capabilities confirmed for route and conditions?
Meteorological Analysis
Weather review for complete route.
- Departure weather at or above minimums at ETD?
- Enroute weather reviewed (SIGMETs, turbulence, icing)?
- Destination weather at or above minimums at ETA?
- Alternate(s) weather at or above alternate minimums?
- PIREPs reviewed for route conditions?
NOTAMs and Airspace
NOTAM and airspace review.
- Departure airport NOTAMs reviewed?
- Destination airport NOTAMs reviewed?
- Alternate airport NOTAMs reviewed?
- Enroute NOTAMs (airspace, navaids) reviewed?
- All active TFRs along route reviewed?
Fuel Planning
Fuel requirements per FAA 121.647.
- Trip fuel calculated for actual winds and routing?
- Alternate fuel calculated to most distant alternate?
- 45-minute reserve at normal cruise included?
- Contingency fuel added for conditions/forecast uncertainty?
- Total required fuel verified on board?
Special Requirements
Regulatory special items.
- ETOPS/EDTO requirements met if applicable?
- Overflight permits and international requirements complete?
- Dangerous goods documentation and stowage verified?
- PBN/RNAV/RNP requirements met for planned procedures?
- RVSM equipment operational (if filing RVSM airspace)?
Flight Release
Joint dispatch release.
- Captain briefed on weather, NOTAMs, and special conditions?
- Dispatch release signed by both dispatcher and captain?
- Operational flight plan filed with ATC?
- Copy of release retained per company policy?
- Dispatch Notes
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Why Use This Airline Flight Dispatch and Release Checklist?
This airline flight dispatch and release checklist helps aviation teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for aircraft dispatcher (adx) professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: per event.
Ensures compliance with FAA 14 CFR Part 121 Subpart U Dispatching Rules, FAA AC 121-2 Aircraft Dispatcher Certification, FAA 14 CFR Part 121.601-635 Dispatch Requirements, FAA 14 CFR Part 121.647 Fuel Requirements, ICAO Doc 8168 Instrument Flight Procedures. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Airline Flight Dispatch and Release Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: Aircraft Airworthiness, Meteorological Analysis, NOTAMs and Airspace, Fuel Planning, Special Requirements, Flight Release. It is designed for aviation operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed per event. Each completion takes approximately 30-60 minutes.
Who should use this Airline Flight Dispatch and Release Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX) professionals in the aviation industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.