"Ack, thanks" is NOT an acceptable response. The pilots are looking for guidance and advice since we have the big picture. Prioritize and work your way through it. Where to divert to should depend on what the weather is like at various places, where they are holding in relation to the destination, who else is diverting to what cities, what kind of protection exists for the pax, etc.
Don't be afraid to say, "I'm not taking over your desk and your flights until you fix them." When I started I followed a guy who would do that and after 3 days of 4 - 5 diversions because of piss poor planning, I refused to take his desk on day 4. We had fewer problems after that.
That's what your FAM rides are about; it's not social hour. As you work, write down questions you have about the systems. If crews ask you about ACARS or FMS issues, write them down and keep a log book of things to ask crews about while you do your observation. Ask the crews to point out things to you on their walk around.
Sounds like a day we had last Jan. CLT ran out of de-icing fluid. I sincerely hope someone got fired for that one. Cancelled 302 out of 350 flights that day. Thankfully I was at home enjoying watching the chaos on my comfy couch. :laff:
