Flight Follower

Overview

At Eastern Airlines curiosity and excitement for growth go a long way. In fact, Eastern Airlines was launched by seekers, adventurers and above all fliers. Our rich legacy and pioneering spirit are still evident in our team today. Our open-hearted attitude, respect for the people we fly and our attention to detail is what sets Eastern Airlines apart from its competitors. Natural curiosity and hunger for wonder are behaviors that make our employees successful. This summary provides a listing of the knowledge, skills and abilities that are critical components of the Flight Follower.

Position Summary

The Flight Follower supports the Director of Operations in the exercise of operational control, ensuring that all flights are planned, released, monitored, and concluded in a safe and efficient manner. Acting as the DO's designee, the Flight Follower is authorized to perform designated operational control functions in accordance with Company policy, the Company's Operations Specifications (OpSpecs), and applicable federal aviation regulations. The Flight Follower works within the System Operations Control (SOC) center, maintaining continuous communication with Flight Crewmembers, Maintenance Control, Ground Operations, and other Company departments to ensure the safe and efficient conduct of every flight.

Duties and Responsibilities

Company Flight Followers are responsible for the following duties and functions, as delegated by the DO:

• Utilize all available resources to make decisions that maintain the highest level of safety.
• Prepare and disseminate the flight release.
• Provide required weather information for departure, enroute, destination, and alternate(s) to Flight Crewmembers (FCMs).
• Provide flight planning performance calculations for departure, enroute, destination, and alternate(s) to FCMs.
• Release the aircraft when agreed upon by the DO or delegated Flight Follower and the Pilot in Command (PIC).
• Cancel or amend the flight release if, in the opinion of the PIC or Flight Follower, the flight cannot operate or continue to operate safely as planned or released.
• File the Air Traffic Control (ATC) flight plan prior to departure.
• Monitor ATC delays.
• Create operational efficiency during irregularities caused by weather, Crewmembers, maintenance, or other situations beyond the Company's control.
• Monitor flights, record departure and arrival times, and keep the Flight Following system current.
• Coordinate with Maintenance Control to ensure all scheduled and unscheduled maintenance is accomplished.
• Communicate with Maintenance Control when irregular operations prevent an aircraft from reaching its intended destination.
• Coordinate with Ground Operations.
• Coordinate passenger accommodations for regular and irregular operations.
• Request additional assistance as appropriate during periods of excessive workload.
• Communicate times of severe operational impact or other irregular operations to the DO.
• Maintain familiarity with the use and intent of the MEL for assigned aircraft.
• Initiate emergency procedures and notifications when necessary.
• Exercise operational control functions when delegated by the DO.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Company.
• Ensure end-of-shift turnovers are completed.
• Maintain a professional atmosphere within the SOC and report incidents as necessary.

Qualifications

The Flight Follower must have the following qualifications:

• Must be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
• Possess a valid Dispatcher, Airman's, or ATP Certificate, and
• Successful completion of the Company Flight Follower Training Program.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Understanding of airline operations
• Ability to pass 10-year background check and pre-employment drug screening
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with emphasis on quality, tone, detail, and accuracy
• Ability to prioritize and quickly adapt to changing environments/priorities
• Must be self-motivated, possess positive attitude, and able to proactively identify and prevent potential operational disruptions
• PC proficient in Microsoft Office products and general internet applications.
• Ability to work any shift including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Equipment Operated

Standard office equipment, including PC, copier, fax machine, printer

Work Environment

Typical office environment, adequately heated and cooled