Course Overview

This course introduces participants to the operational processes involved in flight planning, monitoring and dispatch support. Students gain a working understanding of how flights are planned, tracked and supported from departure to arrival, including coordination with crew, air traffic control and other operational stakeholders.

Flight dispatch is one of the more specialised and highly regarded roles in airline operations. A flight dispatcher (also called a flight operations officer) shares responsibility with the pilot-in-command for the safe conduct of a flight — planning the route, checking weather and NOTAMs, calculating fuel and performance figures, and monitoring the flight from departure to arrival. It's a career that combines strong analytical skills with sound operational judgement, and it sits at the centre of how an airline runs safely and on time.

Regulatory Framework: RCAA & International Standards

In Rwanda, civil aviation activities — including personnel training standards for roles such as flight operations officers and dispatchers — fall under the oversight of the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA), which aligns its regulatory framework with ICAO's international standards and recommended practices.

This course gives students a strong operational foundation in flight dispatch and flight-following duties as practised in airline operations. Students aiming to pursue formal licensing — whether through the RCAA domestically or an internationally recognised pathway such as the U.S. FAA's Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate — will build a solid base of knowledge here, but should confirm current licensing requirements, examinations and eligibility directly with the relevant authority (RCAA or FAA), as these are set and administered independently of Megira Aviation Academy. Megira Aviation Academy provides training and issues its own Certificate of Completion; it does not issue government aviation licences.

Who Should Attend

Aviation students preparing for a career in flight operations
Freshers and first-time job seekers with no prior aviation experience
New flight operations and dispatch support staff
Airline employees moving into operations roles
Job seekers targeting flight dispatch and operations careers

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Describe the flight planning and dispatch process from start to finish
Apply weight, balance and fuel planning principles
Monitor flights and coordinate with crew and air traffic control
Respond appropriately to irregular operations and contingency situations

Course Modules

Introduction to flight operationsRole of the flight dispatcher Flight planningRoute planningAircraft performance fundamentals Weight and balanceFuel planningWeather information NOTAMsAeronautical informationAirport information Operational flight planFlight monitoringFlight following Flight watchAircraft turnaround coordinationFlight documentation Crew coordinationATC coordinationIrregular operations Diversion proceduresDelay managementEmergency and contingency procedures Flight operations communicationRadio telephonyOperational safety

Practical Training

Students take part in hands-on flight planning and monitoring exercises covering route planning, weather interpretation, flight following and irregular-operations scenarios, building practical operational decision-making skills.

Career Opportunities

Flight Dispatcher (Fresher / Trainee)
Flight Operations Officer
Flight Follower
Operations Coordinator

No prior aviation experience is required to start — this course is open to freshers, and builds the foundational knowledge airlines and ground handlers look for in entry-level operations staff.

Flight Dispatch & Flight Operations