FLIGHT FOLLOWER DUTIES
SRR: 14 CFR 121.125(a)(1) 121.125(a)(2)(i) 121.125(a)(2)(ii)
System Operations Control serves as a coordinating point in the Operational Control process that provides the PIC with all information necessary to conduct a safe flight. This is accomplished by the collection of all available information on which plans and decisions are based for the most efficient and
safe operational control of Company aircraft. The Flight Follower on duty is the person responsible for monitoring the operation of Company flights. He records all operationally pertinent data and
provides the PIC with information to facilitate decisions concerning the safety and scheduling of Company flights. The Flight Follower is responsible for:
• Obtaining the weather, present conditions, and future trends, which will affect the areas of the operation active during his duty period.
• Checking the System Operations Control Turnover Log and company manuals for current instructions and policies.
• Checking field conditions and NOTAMs for current conditions of en route and terminal facilities.
• Loads the required information to AERODATA for the required TLR.
• Discussing with the Flight Follower being relieved any operational plans for his shift.
• Review the MEL / CDL database in NavBlue and verify the database against Maintenance form 21A-MF-051.
- Maintenance Control will inform System Operations when an MEL / CDL has been added, removed or
modified. This notification will be both verbal and by handing a copy of Form 21A-MF-051.
- After the Flight Follower generates a CFP and before the CFP is forwarded to the flight crew or made
accessible on NavBlue briefing, he/ she will verify the aircraft specific listings of 21A-MF-051 against the
MEL / CDL listing on the CFP (Computer Flight Plan) Any discrepancies between form 21A-MF-051 and the MEL/CDL listings on the CFP has to be investigated and resolved prior to releasing the CFP.
• Requesting CFP for the flight(s) to be conducted during his shift. Verifying the CFPs accuracy and assuring all required information is attached.
• Verifying the proper fuel loads for the flights to be released during his shift, giving consideration to the relative cost of fuel at the various stations. He will also notify appropriate personnel/vendors concerning the fuel requirements. He will coordinate additional fuel uplift beyond the CFP level, if so agreed upon with the Captain of the flight.
• Verifying that the flights under his control have been planned within the applicable structural and performance limitations.
• Verify all flights planned within RVSM airspace meet the applicable aircraft authorization and approvals. Check aircraft status to ensure all required equipment for RVSM is functional. Obtain runway analysis data for offline charter flights.
• Recording flight releases for individual flights after ensuring that all pertinent information has been provided to the PIC and the release has been signed by the PIC.
• Monitoring the progress of flights during his shift.
• Keeping himself current and qualified in all aspects related to Company Flight Release Procedures, Release Flight Plan Procedures, Operations Specifications, the General Operations Manual (GOM), FARs and Company aircraft.
• Coordinate with the appropriate departments concerning the availability and positioning of crewmembers.
• Coordinate with Customer Representatives and Ground Service/Handling Representatives any last-minute changes in schedules, equipment, delays, cancellations of flights, etc.
• Coordinate with Maintenance Control as to the availability and maintenance status of all aircraft.
• Coordinate and obtain as appropriate; landing rights, overfly permits, ground support equipment, crew lodging & travel
arrangements and review operational curfews and handler requirements/coordination.
• Coordinate with stations as necessary in order to facilitate the safe “on-time” operation of flight.
• Obtain and log all required information in the Daily Log.
• Keep the Flight Tracking Report current.
• Issue pertinent information to stations involved about delays, change of equipment, re-routing, cancellations, etc.
• Notify by telephone the agency responsible for operating the facility of any irregularities of a ground or navigational facility reported by a flight through using the ATC facility telephone directory provided on the SOC computer server Notify by telephone the appropriate ATC agency when informed by a flight of any hazardous meteorological conditions encountered by using the ATC facility telephone directory provided on the SOC computer server.
• Evaluate airports for suitability including station facilities using the procedures outlined in this chapter and form 21AFF-05 as required.