NetJets - April 2025 Thread

[DeltaJulietTango]

@DeltaJulietTango This is the definition of flight following! You can dig through the 8900 to also find the FAA's ADI Guidance for what Flight following is, and how it is a requirement for both flight dispatchers and flight followers (121 Supp). Aside from that reference, the only difference between dispatchers and flight followers is who ultimately has operational control (which at most carriers, even a supplemental release is treated the same as a DOM/FLAG with the joint operational control occurring between the dispatcher and PIC and outlined in a GOM/FOM). The other main difference is you have a flight release (SUPP) versus a Dispatch Release (DOM/FLAG). Anything else does not fall under 121 guidance. As far as I know, NetJets is not a 121 carrier - they are 91 - therefore you really are just a flight planner. Your certificate would not (and should not) be on the line in the event of an incident/accident. Want further clarification? Reach out to FAA Legal and ask for an interpretation.

The CH4 reference just talks about a centralized dispatch/flight following facility. No other mention of operational control duties. You just need a certificate to work there and must furnish it if requested by the administrator.

As far as you statement of being at the bottom of the list for 15 years....that is far from the truth. I've been at my carrier for almost 14. I am far from the bottom of the list - within the top 50% and we have little to no turnover except for retirements. Major's offer a slew of benefits and better pay scales than most 91 operators since they have rock solid contracts that are only getting better every few years since they play catch-up with one another. The majority would indicate a major is the apex of one's career because they are so many other opportunities aside from line dispatching - ATC Coordinator, Sector Manager, Chiefs, Leadership. You cannot really get that at a P91. The folks I have known that come from NetJets, agree, they are not really dispatching since there is little to no flight following being done, which is 50% of the job. And that number came from an ADI...so I will take the FAA's word and figures over yours.

NetJets has 91 MSpecs and 135 OpSpecs...but you know many former NetJets dispatchers...so you'd know that, right?

NJUSA generally operates under the more restrictive 135 OpSpecs...and NetJets dispatchers exercise operational control.

The rest of your post is subjective...and your opinion mixed in with "i heard" and a reference to the 8900.

49 USC 44748 actually uses the word "air carrier"...not "121 air carrier"...and while I know that seems like it's splitting hairs...it's an important distinction...and when it is implemented in 14 CFR, it will require that dispatchers and flight followers with dispatch certificates be used at all air carriers...since that's the law.

 

[DeltaJulietTango]

NetJets has 91 MSpecs and 135 OpSpecs...but you know many former NetJets dispatchers...so you'd know that, right?

NJUSA generally operates under the more restrictive 135 OpSpecs...and NetJets dispatchers exercise operational control.

The rest of your post is subjective...and your opinion mixed in with "i heard" and a reference to the 8900.

49 USC 44748 actually uses the word "air carrier"...not "121 air carrier"...and while I know that seems like it's splitting hairs...it's an important distinction...and when it is implemented in 14 CFR, it will require that dispatchers and flight followers with dispatch certificates be used at all air carriers...since that's the law.

Incidentally...the point I'm making is this:

even though a certificated dispatcher isn't working at a 121 Domestic/Flag air carrier...they are still doing "real dispatching" or "real flight following" dependent upon the title.

 

[OttoPilot13]

Consider for a moment: not everyone wants to work at the bottom of a seniority list at a legacy carrier for 15 years. While you might consider this to be the apex of a career as a dispatcher, not everyone else does.

The conversation seems to have gone to: is dispatching at NetJets "real dispatching"...and I would hold that it is.

If you are only doing half of the job of a qualified and current dispatcher / flight follower, (building releases) than you are not getting quality work experience that will help if and when the time comes you want to move onto future endeavors. Whether that be a legacy carrier or otherwise.

 

[Cheryl_Tunt]

They do not entirely share all aspects of a 121 operation. The main function of dispatch there is preparing valid releases. Flight following functions are secondary, and shared with scheduling and owner services. Crews will normally talk with dispatch mid-flight for issues before calling the other two departments—especially on technical aspects. To say dispatch doesn’t flight follow is disingenuous. The difficulty with flight following comes from the number of flights assigned to prepare each hour, which range from 10-15--sometimes more during peak hours from late morning to afternoon--and average about 5 the rest of the time. Its obvious which shifts are more likely to effectively flight follow. But they all do. Scheduling won’t be keeping track if alternates drop below mins. CTF should in theory plan the easy flights so dispatchers have more time to handle the complicated ones. The problems with CTF are well elaborated here and elsewhere. However, the major worry about the dispatch department are with the recent hiring of new managers. 15-20 year dispatchers have been overlooked or are rejecting the role. Nearly all the managers until recently were there since the mid 90s, and those joining them just speaks volumes.

It is really hard to seriously take a new manager whose main experience was as a prep cook and failed electrician with less than 6 years in aviation, and less in dispatch, with no aeronautical education to speak of. Is it then surprising he behaves like Gordan Ramsay on a power trip, treating long tenured dispatchers like disposable line cooks? He views the dispatch department with the same seriousness of a burger flipping operation. This is a cancer that can fester if its tolerated. If this is an environment you're willing to tolerate until they get their senses back, then the great health benefits, retirement, and stability are definitely worth it. The upgrade to the new planning software could change things, so there’s much to look forward to. Overall, good, solid and reputable company adapting to rapid growth, so not everything will be perfect.