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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Flight Coordinator

💰 $55,000 - $85,000

AviationOperationsLogisticsAirline Operations

🎯 Role Definition

As a Flight Coordinator, you are the central nervous system of our flight operations. Stationed in the heart of the Operations Control Center (OCC), you are entrusted with the critical responsibility of planning, authorizing, and monitoring every flight from takeoff to touchdown. This role demands a sharp, analytical mind and a calm demeanor under pressure, as you will be the primary point of contact for our flight crews, providing them with essential, real-time information to ensure the highest levels of safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. You will be a master of logistics, a weather expert, and a decisive problem-solver, orchestrating complex international and domestic trips while ensuring a seamless experience for our clients and crew.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Aviation University Graduate (Aeronautical Science, Aviation Management)
  • FAA Certified Aircraft Dispatcher
  • Experienced Ground Operations Agent or Crew Scheduler

Advancement To:

  • Senior or Lead Flight Coordinator
  • Operations Control Center (OCC) Supervisor/Manager
  • Director of Operations

Lateral Moves:

  • Crew Scheduler or Crew Planner
  • Maintenance Controller
  • Safety or Compliance Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Plan and execute domestic and international flights in strict accordance with FAA regulations (Part 135/121/91) and company policies, ensuring all operational requirements are met.
  • Prepare and disseminate comprehensive flight releases and briefing packages for flight crews, including detailed flight plans, weather analysis, NOTAMs, and performance calculations.
  • Conduct real-time flight following and monitoring of all active flights, maintaining constant situational awareness of weather, air traffic control, and operational conditions.
  • Calculate and verify aircraft weight and balance, ensuring the aircraft is loaded safely and within all certified limitations for every phase of flight.
  • Proactively analyze and interpret complex meteorological data, including METARs, TAFs, and upper-level charts, to make informed decisions on flight routing and safety.
  • Arrange and coordinate all necessary ground handling services, including FBO selection, fuel uplifts, catering, ground transportation, and customs/immigration arrangements.
  • Secure international permits, overflight clearances, landing slots (PPR), and visas, ensuring all documentation is in order for global operations.
  • Serve as the primary communication link between flight crews, maintenance, crew scheduling, and client services to ensure a seamless operational flow.
  • Initiate and execute immediate response procedures for irregular operations such as diversions, mechanical issues, medical emergencies, or significant delays.
  • Revise and re-plan flights en-route as required due to changing weather, ATC reroutes, or other unforeseen circumstances, providing updated plans to the flight crew.
  • Ensure all flight and duty time limitations for crew members are meticulously tracked and adhered to, preventing any regulatory violations.
  • Maintain precise and accurate records of all flight activities, communications, and decisions within the flight management system.
  • Proactively identify potential operational risks and develop effective mitigation strategies to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
  • Provide exceptional customer service by communicating flight status updates and coordinating logistics directly with aircraft owners or charter clients.
  • Perform detailed performance feasibility studies for potential trips, advising the sales team on aircraft capabilities and operational constraints.
  • Manage and optimize aircraft scheduling to maximize efficiency and availability while accommodating maintenance requirements and crew legality.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist in the development and refinement of departmental standard operating procedures (SOPs) and checklists.
  • Participate in internal and external audits, including those conducted by the FAA, to ensure continuous compliance and operational excellence.
  • Support the training and mentoring of junior Flight Coordinators and new hires within the Operations Control Center.
  • Contribute to special projects related to operational efficiency, software implementation, or route analysis as directed by management.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • FAA Aircraft Dispatcher License: Highly preferred or required for most Part 121/135 operations.
  • Flight Planning Software Proficiency: Expertise in systems like Jeppesen JetPlanner, ForeFlight, Universal Weather & Aviation (UVair), or similar platforms.
  • Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), particularly Parts 91, 121, and/or 135.
  • Weather Analysis: Ability to read, interpret, and make decisions based on complex weather products (METARs, TAFs, SIGMETs, prognostic charts).
  • International Operations: Experience with global flight planning, including oceanic tracks (NAT-HLA), ETOPS, and obtaining foreign permits.
  • Weight & Balance Calculation: Manual and software-based proficiency in performing accurate aircraft weight and balance computations.
  • Performance & Feasibility Analysis: Skill in determining aircraft performance capabilities for specific runways, weather conditions, and trip profiles.

Soft Skills

  • Critical Decision-Making: Ability to make sound, rapid decisions in high-stress, time-sensitive situations.
  • Exceptional Communication: Clear, concise, and professional verbal and written communication skills for coordinating with diverse teams.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough approach to planning, data entry, and compliance verification to prevent errors.
  • Problem-Solving: Proactive and resourceful in identifying issues and implementing effective solutions during irregular operations.
  • Multitasking: Proven ability to manage multiple flights, communication channels, and competing priorities simultaneously in a dynamic environment.
  • Composure Under Pressure: A calm and focused demeanor when faced with emergencies or unexpected operational challenges.
  • Team Collaboration: Strong ability to work effectively within a close-knit operations team to achieve common goals.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution.
  • FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Aviation Management
  • Aeronautical Science
  • Air Traffic Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 2-5+ years of experience in an aviation operations role, such as flight following, dispatch, or flight coordination.

Preferred:

  • Direct experience in a Part 135 charter or Part 121 airline Operations Control Center (OCC).
  • Verifiable experience planning and coordinating complex international flights.
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