ac_dispatcher said:
I will try with sincerity.
Simply put it means we share the responsibility for the safe operation of the flight and must agree on the relevant decisions.
It does NOT mean that I "control" you or that you control me (which is what you appear to be saying). We work together based on the concept that "two heads are better than one." (A concept that is not always correct).
There are lots of blacks-and-whites in the rule books. In the real world things are mostly gray. It just happens that a dispatcher's world has a much more limited scope than a pilot's world. That's just reality and has nothing to do with superiority. This should not be a struggle to see who will be "king of the hill".
In the example of fuel load that you chose to select, your scope is limited to agreement on minimum fuel. If I feel I need more fuel, for whatever reason, it is not logical for you to deny it merely because it does match your min fuel calculations or your computer generated flight plan. I know what my maximum weights are and will not exceed them. Of course I will "tell" you that I'm taking on more fuel and most probably why but I won't be asking for your permission. If you attempt to refuse it merely because it doesn't match your idea of what you think I need, that's nonsense. If it turns out that the fuel I think I should have would exceed weight limits, then I will off-load cargo or passengers to get the fuel I need and remain within the limits. That is not your decision nor is it your authority. Your "authority" is limited to "agreeing" that I don't leave with less than the minimum, which it is our joint responsibility to see that I have.
Another example you gave relates to MEL items (or CDL). Again, you have no real "authority" in this area. You have a responsibility to include those known items so that I am informed of what you know but, it is both my responsibility and my authority to reject the aircraft if I don't feel it should be operated today with that MEL item. That is so regardless of whether or not you think its OK or you don't. I do not require or need your "approval" to make that decision, nor will I ask for it.
In the event of a diversion, as another example, when you see what you feel is a need for me to divert, you inform me. If I agree, I will divert to the location that you recommend. If I don't feel I can agree with your recommendation, I won't be arguing with you, I'll just inform you where we are going and when we expect to get there. When I see a need to divert, I will chose the location and inform you of my intent. If you agree, fine. If you do not agree, you recommend a different alternate. I might go along with that or I might not. If I don't, the aircraft will go to the destination of my choice, regardless of your "authority" or "agreement". You will be informed of the decision I have made, after which you may do whatever you think best.
If you are a "good" dispatcher you're worth your weight in gold. I will recognize that in short order and you will be thanked for your much needed assistance. At the same time you must understand that I will never relinquish command of the aircraft to any dispatcher, or for that matter to any CP or DO. Your scope does not include the authority to overrule my decisions. If and when the CP or the DO decides to overrule my decisions as captain, if the aircraft is on the ground, they will be invited to exercise the privilege of their own certificate and assume command. I will exit stage left. If the aircraft is already in flight, they can punt and we'll deal with it when I get back to base. If they want to discuss it (on the ground) and convince me, I will listen respectfully but the decision will be mine alone. There is no case that I can think of in which your "rules" automaticall surpercede my rules. In most cases our "rules" (regs.) are the same.
As a dispatcher, while the aircraft is on the ground, the only "enforcement" available to you is denial of a release. That is the limit of your authority, period. Think long and hard as to the reasons for which you make that decision. The fact that you don't think I need more fuel, ain't good enough. You're more than welcome to ask me why I want more and if its me personally, you won't have to ask because I'll tell you. If you respond with "NO", I guarantee you that the extra fuel will be on board before that airplane departs with me in the cockpit. You're welcome to call the CP if you wish but that will change absolutely nothing. Professionals do not make such decisions arbitrarily. If you got an answer of "Because I wan't it" that's immature, but there's probably another side to that story.
As I tried to tell you in the previous post, this is not a game. I respect your position, I think it's necessary, and I will always treat you like the professional you are supposed to be until you prove that you aren't. The instant you attempt to take command of the flight your switch will be moved to the OFF position. If you deny a release arbitrarily then you'll have to deal with the outcome as you see fit.
These are all extreme situations and they will not occur unless one of us is exercising his a$$hole factor on that day. I expect you to take pride in your work and to do a good job. I don't mind if you're assertive as long as your give the same respect that you expect in return. However, your "authority" ends where mine begins, and that's the aircraft's entrance door. Respect is not something that either one of us is "entitled" to, it must be earned. You begin by respecting yourself and follow up by treating others as you would like to be treated.
You give me the impression that you're a relatively "new" dispatcher recently out of school. If that is the case, I understand your concerns even if I'm not happy about how you write them down. If that is not the case and you are seasoned, then I do think you're on a power trip that you can't possibly win.
Now all that long winded explanation is the CRM/DRM. Unfortunately in the real world, I seldom have the time to go over all of that. In the final analysis you must come to understand that, in the real world, no respectable airline is going to undermine the authority of its Captains in favor of the authority of its Dispatchers. IF you decide to force push to shove you may win one or two battles but, you will lose the war.
I hope that meets your approval and we can each avoid the emphasis on our respective "authority" or lack thereof. That's better CRM/DRM than a contest.
Your willingness to discuss the issues is much appreciated.
