Flight planner

A flight planner usually works for an airline or airport and is also known as a flight dispatcher. They must carefully plan all flight paths for a number of flights, taking into account wind speed, storms, aircraft performance and loading, and other conditions. Some dispatchers provide a flight following service and advise pilots if conditions or paths change. They would usually work in the operations or control center of the airline.

Often (especially in larger Airlines) a Dispatcher will be assisted by a Load Planner. Load Planners have the same licence as a Flight Dispatcher. They must carefully plan the loading of the aircraft and do the weight and balance calculations for the aircraft. In some cargo aircraft they have to visually inspect the loading, making sure it has been done in accordance with their instructions. When a Load Planner is on board the airplane as a member of the crew, he or she will be in charge of planning, loading, and offloading the cargo for the duration of the flight, and is known as Loadmaster.

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