B757-200
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 350; Flight Crew Total 18500; Flight Crew Type 4000
Workload; Communication Breakdown; Training / Qualification
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Company Policy
We pushed back for an all night flight transcontinental flight; thunderstorms extensively over the Midwest. Prior to taxi; ATC rerouted us. We sent the reroute to Dispatch via ACARS. Shortly after departure I requested an updated Flight Plan and Fuel Plan from Dispatch; but for the entire 5 hour flight never received those items on what was a significant reroute. In flight planning I had spoken over the phone with the Dispatcher for our Sector XX and asked for information on if direct en route fixes would save time and gas (frequently late at night ATC offers such clearances); and was told 'I don't have time for that.' Two nights earlier I had asked for such operational information and received the same reply. Now; if we can no longer count on Dispatch to provide us with updated Flight Plan's; Fuel Plan; or operational information; what do we need Dispatch for? This isn't the only time in the past 8 months when I have needed help from Dispatch and not received it. Once I tried to contact Dispatch for help with a maintenance deferral on taxi-out for an all-night flight and finally just went to Maintenance Control directly since Dispatch never responded; and made the evaluation myself as to whether the item was a dispatch item. Whether this lack of Dispatch support is a function of training; personnel; or staffing; I really don't care. Either we have a full service; one stop shopping Dispatch facility or we don't. And if we don't; I won't expect any assistance from Dispatch. I'd like a reply to this.
A B757 Captain requested revised flight plan information after ATC revised the transcontinental routing; but Dispatch failed to responded because they did not have time for such requests.