Commercial Fixed Wing
Workload; Communication Breakdown
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR
General None Reported / Taken
Procedure; Staffing
I called dispatch for two issues- takeoff performance was not within 10 degrees of current temperature; and I needed new numbers sent. Further I had concerns since the weather was hard IMC. I believe I did not have an alternate listed; as one was not required. However; weather was poor and there were some concerning NOTAMs. The NOTAMs were not for my time of arrival; however; I have experienced in the past that the NOTAM should have been notated in local time and was not accurately reported in local time; or that the NOTAM began earlier than reported; or that it wasn't removed when it no longer applied. If this were the case; I would have had an issue getting into the airport; due to current weather and potential runway/equipment outages. I did not want to be stuck on an IFR day around mountainous terrain with a lack of fuel and a lack of options. I requested that the Dispatcher look into the time and ensure me of my open runway. The Dispatcher began to get combative; noting regulations that I am well aware of. It was obvious this Dispatcher refused to ensure all available information; so I requested to speak with a Supervisor. My Dispatcher asked if I would talk to a senior Dispatcher. I stated no; I wanted a Supervisor. The Dispatcher handed me over to a senior Dispatcher; who had no issues passing me over to the Supervisor I originally requested. The Supervisor ensured me of the open runway/working equipment. Once again; I just wanted to ensure I wasn't departing the gate with a lack of fuel and a lack of options because the weather was dicey. Had someone made a mistake with the time of the NOTAM; or if it had been implemented earlier than projected; I would have not have had a runway to land on in ZZZ; because my required landing distance exceeded available landing distance on the other runway. People make mistakes. I wanted to ensure no mistake was made with that NOTAM. Had a mistake been made; I would have not been able to land at my destination airport; I would have been around the mountains in weather; and I would not have had fuel for an alternate airport or even an alternate airport just because it wasn't legally required. I was calling to speak with my Dispatcher because people make mistakes and I did not want to be in the air with no plan; no options; and no extra fuel. It's frustrating that Dispatch is stretched so thin they don't have time to address your concerns. It's further frustrating they refuse to pass you along to Supervisors. Even more frustrating that they refuse the foresight of the pilots who realize developing conditions may lead to worse than forecast; and that even though it may be all legal on paper; it may not be prudent enough. Pride has no place in securing the safety of the flight and passengers.
Air Carrier Captain reported issues with a published NOTAM and with a Dispatcher's response.