FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATM)Regulations (14 CFR 117/121/61)Medium
While en route, a Part 121 dispatcher determines that destination weather has dropped below approach minimums and wants to redirect the flight to a planned alternate. Under 14 CFR 121.687, what must occur before the dispatch release may be amended?
- AThe dispatcher may unilaterally amend the release and simply notify the PIC afterward
- BThe pilot in command must concur with the amendment before it becomes effective
- CATC must issue formal approval before any release amendment is valid
- DThe release cannot be amended in flight; the flight must continue to the original destination
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The pilot in command must concur with the amendment before it becomes effective
14 CFR 121.687 requires that an en route amendment to a dispatch release be agreed to by both the dispatcher and the pilot in command, reflecting the shared operational control concept fundamental to Part 121 dispatch operations.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Operational control is shared; unilateral dispatcher action without PIC concurrence is not compliant
- C. ATC clears traffic but does not control amendment of a dispatch release
- D. En route amendments are permitted and routinely used when conditions change
Dispatch Release Amendment (121.687)
An en route dispatch release amendment requires mutual concurrence between the pilot in command and the dispatcher.
- Reflects shared operational control under Part 121
- Applies to en route changes such as alternate diversions
- Both parties must agree before the amendment is effective
Memory trick: Two signatures, one release—dispatcher and captain must shake hands.