Mock Test for Aircraft Dispatcher Licensing – Q&A
with In-Depth Rationale
1. What is the primary legal document governing Aircraft Dispatcher
responsibilities in the U.S.?
A. ICAO Annex 6
B. FAA AIM
C. 14 CFR Part 121
D. 14 CFR Part 65
Rationale: Part 121 defines operational control and outlines
dispatcher joint responsibility with the PIC.
2. Operational control in a 121 operation is shared between the pilot
in command and the:
A. Director of Safety
B. Aircraft Dispatcher
C. Station Manager
D. Loadmaster
Rationale: Dispatchers jointly share responsibility for preflight
planning and operational decisions with the PIC.
3. What weather source is legally approved for dispatching an IFR
flight?
A. Social media weather reports
B. TV weather forecast
C. NWS/NOAA-approved sources
,D. Pilot’s personal weather app
Rationale: Dispatchers must use approved meteorological sources
such as NWS or contracted equivalents.
4. When is an alternate airport required for an IFR dispatch?
A. Always
B. Only when over water
C. When 1-2-3 rule is not met
D. Whenever PIC requests one
Rationale: If within ±1 hour of ETA, weather is < 2000 ft ceiling or < 3
SM visibility, an alternate is required.
5. What document contains MEL information for dispatch relief?
A. FAR 91.103
B. ATIS
C. Minimum Equipment List (MEL)
D. Weight and balance manual
Rationale: The MEL lists systems that may be inoperative but still
allow legal dispatch.
6. Equal Time Point (ETP) is primarily used for:
A. Runway selection
B. Flight duty regulation
C. Fuel planning in extended-range or oceanic operations
D. Descent profiles
Rationale: ETP determines the midpoint between diversion airports
based on wind and distance.
, 7. What is the standard temperature lapse rate in the ISA model?
A. 2°C per 1000 ft
B. 2°C per 1000 ft (actually 1.98°C)
C. 3°C per 1000 ft
D. 1°C per 1000 ft
Rationale: ISA uses a standard lapse rate of approximately 1.98°C per
1000 ft.
8. What type of fog forms when warm moist air moves over a cold
surface?
A. Steam fog
B. Upslope fog
C. Advection fog
D. Radiation fog
Rationale: Advection fog is caused by horizontal movement of warm
moist air over cooler ground or water.
9. What chart depicts thunderstorm hazards and convective activity?
A. Sectional chart
B. Surface analysis chart
C. Convective SIGMET
D. METAR
Rationale: Convective SIGMETs warn of severe thunderstorms, hail,
tornadoes, and embedded convection.
10. The purpose of a dispatch release is to:
with In-Depth Rationale
1. What is the primary legal document governing Aircraft Dispatcher
responsibilities in the U.S.?
A. ICAO Annex 6
B. FAA AIM
C. 14 CFR Part 121
D. 14 CFR Part 65
Rationale: Part 121 defines operational control and outlines
dispatcher joint responsibility with the PIC.
2. Operational control in a 121 operation is shared between the pilot
in command and the:
A. Director of Safety
B. Aircraft Dispatcher
C. Station Manager
D. Loadmaster
Rationale: Dispatchers jointly share responsibility for preflight
planning and operational decisions with the PIC.
3. What weather source is legally approved for dispatching an IFR
flight?
A. Social media weather reports
B. TV weather forecast
C. NWS/NOAA-approved sources
,D. Pilot’s personal weather app
Rationale: Dispatchers must use approved meteorological sources
such as NWS or contracted equivalents.
4. When is an alternate airport required for an IFR dispatch?
A. Always
B. Only when over water
C. When 1-2-3 rule is not met
D. Whenever PIC requests one
Rationale: If within ±1 hour of ETA, weather is < 2000 ft ceiling or < 3
SM visibility, an alternate is required.
5. What document contains MEL information for dispatch relief?
A. FAR 91.103
B. ATIS
C. Minimum Equipment List (MEL)
D. Weight and balance manual
Rationale: The MEL lists systems that may be inoperative but still
allow legal dispatch.
6. Equal Time Point (ETP) is primarily used for:
A. Runway selection
B. Flight duty regulation
C. Fuel planning in extended-range or oceanic operations
D. Descent profiles
Rationale: ETP determines the midpoint between diversion airports
based on wind and distance.
, 7. What is the standard temperature lapse rate in the ISA model?
A. 2°C per 1000 ft
B. 2°C per 1000 ft (actually 1.98°C)
C. 3°C per 1000 ft
D. 1°C per 1000 ft
Rationale: ISA uses a standard lapse rate of approximately 1.98°C per
1000 ft.
8. What type of fog forms when warm moist air moves over a cold
surface?
A. Steam fog
B. Upslope fog
C. Advection fog
D. Radiation fog
Rationale: Advection fog is caused by horizontal movement of warm
moist air over cooler ground or water.
9. What chart depicts thunderstorm hazards and convective activity?
A. Sectional chart
B. Surface analysis chart
C. Convective SIGMET
D. METAR
Rationale: Convective SIGMETs warn of severe thunderstorms, hail,
tornadoes, and embedded convection.
10. The purpose of a dispatch release is to: