FAA Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX)Regulations (Part 121)Medium
A Part 121 domestic flight is being planned. Under 14 CFR 121.533, who is jointly responsible with the aircraft dispatcher for the operational control of that flight?
- AThe Director of Operations
- BAir Traffic Control
- CThe chief pilot
- DThe pilot in command
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The pilot in command
14 CFR 121.533 establishes that for domestic and flag operations, the certificate holder is responsible for operational control, but the pilot in command and the aircraft dispatcher are jointly responsible for the preflight planning, delay, and dispatch of a flight in compliance with applicable regulations and the operations manual.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The DO oversees the operation but is not the party jointly named with the dispatcher.
- B. ATC controls traffic separation, not operational control of the flight.
- C. The chief pilot has managerial duties but is not the joint party in this regulation.
Joint Operational Control (121.533)
Regulation establishing that the PIC and aircraft dispatcher share joint responsibility for preflight planning, delay, and dispatch of domestic and flag flights.
- Applies to domestic and flag operations
- PIC and dispatcher must both agree flight can be safely conducted
- Certificate holder retains overall operational control responsibility
Memory trick: Two signatures, one safe flight: PIC + Dispatcher