Southwest Airlines Aircraft Dispatcher Interview: ETOPS, Flight Release Changes, MEL, Communications

Get an inside look at Southwest Airlines ETOPS operations as I interview a dispatcher working ETOPS flights to Hawaii at Network Operations Control. In this interview, we discuss ETOPS dispatch procedures, pen & ink dispatch release changes, MELs, flight communications, and more!
(Please note: While Southwest was kind enough to allow me inside their Network Operations Control (NOC), I was not allowed to film at the dispatch desk. However, I was able to interview Doug while he worked his dispatch desk and assigned flights. That is the reason that this particular video is mostly audio only with plenty of facts and information displayed in text form!)
Special thanks to Southwest Airlines and aircraft dispatcher Doug for allowing me to share this video interview with you!
Visit my website at www.theaviationvault.com to learn much more about aircraft dispatchers, airlines, and dispatch history!
Always remember that Laura, when you get right down to it, is just a pilot and a dispatcher. She is explaining facts from the source materials but may be incorrect or out of date. You should always follow your primary guidance (Aircraft manuals, government regulations, etc.) before listening to anything from this KZbin channel. These videos are intended for educational purposes only.

[@norcal_jetsetter8082]

Thanks, Laura and Doug!

[@LauraLaster747]

We had a lot of fun making it! (I know it being only audio is not my usual style, but I felt the content was important to get even if I could not do video for most of it.)

[@generic-oldwhiteguy]

Awesome. Thanks.

[@LauraLaster747]

I am so glad you enjoyed it! I learned a lot while making that video as well.

[@justusphillips9059]

Dream job, dream company. One day!

[@LauraLaster747]

This is a dream company for many people! (When visiting, it's easy to see why!)

[@longtail7770]

Can u make some more videos about Flight Dispatcher tips?

[@LauraLaster747]

I will add that to the list and talk with more dispatchers for tips! Thank you for the suggestion!

[@longtail7770]

@@LauraLaster747 Thanks a lot for Your answer, Laura! I ll wait soon

[@LauraLaster747]

@@longtail7770I love to make more videos with tips!

[@oumuamuamakemake3360]

Thank you for the video! Just curious to know is there a dark mode available on dispatcher’s monitors to reduce eye strain?

[@LauraLaster747]

Most of the software used is VERY customizable! So I am pretty sure that yes, they can switch monitor modes to help with eye strain.

[@gkwns747ify]

At 7:07, this flight is a scheduled flight for over 5 hours, he doesn't have to have an alternate for PHX. Can you please explain me with more details? Does that mean he already picks up SFO as a ETOPS alternate so he doesn't have to have another alternate or if SFO, which is ETOPS alternate is still within an hour from PHX, he doesn't have to choose another alternate?

[@LauraLaster747]

Great question - so sorry for the delay in replying (I was on vacation!) The requirements of 121.621 say that for a Flag flight (as this one is) an alternate is always required if the flight is scheduled for more than 6 hours. Since this one was scheduled shorter than 6 hours, the dispatcher checked the weather and determined an alternate was not required (again when compared with 121.621). I hope that helps.

[@gkwns747ify]

@@LauraLaster747 thanks for your answers. Currently dispatching trips operating under 125. I see there are some differences between 121 and 125. Thanks!

[@LauraLaster747]

@@gkwns747ify I hope this helped you in the understanding! I know *nothing* about 125 ops!

[@LauraLaster747]

@@gkwns747ify and sorry it took me forever to reply!

[@gkwns747ify]

@@LauraLaster747 oh yeah 100% if I understand correctly that it is applied a flag regulation due to overwater ops to Hawaii as same as Alaska.

[@Ian-pz1fd]

2:55... "So this was originating in the U.S. and you are going to Hawaii" Umm.... Hawaii is in the U.S.

[@LauraLaster747]

Hello! Thanks for watching! I understand the confusion...we were speaking "loosely" of the Flag rules which for 14 CFR 121 operators define the "continental US" or lower 48 states as a Flag operation when going to Hawaii or Alaska, even though these states ARE most definitely part of the US. Sorry for the confusion!

[@Ian-pz1fd]

I wasn't confused.

[@LauraLaster747]

@@Ian-pz1fd okay, great!

[@sce2aux464]

AMEND1 ADDED MELXXXXXXX YYYYZ DX - SENT UPDATED RELEASE

[@LauraLaster747]

I am assuming this is the message for just sending a brand new release (instead of a "pen and ink" change?) So apparently, at SWA, they really still do "pen and ink" changes on the printed out dispatch release because they do not have electronic means to transmit new releases...they still use the station printers.