Large Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Dispatch Dispatcher
Dispatch Dispatch 37
Training / Qualification; Workload; Communication Breakdown
No Specific Anomaly Occurred All Types
Our Dispatch Software suggested going no alternate to DFW. The flights arrival time in DFW is XA17z. The forecast one hour before and one hour after the arrival time showed a ceiling of BKN020 at XB00z. If I do not show an alternate I will be at the very edge of legality and could be illegal if the ceiling drops below forecast. The alternate burn for [this aircraft] is 949 LBS. There is very little; if any; difference in gate release fuel by adding the alternate with minimums hold fuel and just going with an adequate amount of holding fuel and no alternate.The Dispatch Software does not have a buffer limit for either ceiling or visibility and will take you right to the legal limit every time.
The Reporter stated that the software is being release in stages and what they have now is only part of a larger system. Unfortunately the design engineers did not include active dispatchers for input about their current and future needs. One issue with the onset of RNAV procedures is the program will not calculate fuel usage during climb and descent level offs. Another issue is the requirement for a dispatcher to manually enter wing and engine anti-ice system usage and the resultant fuel burn. The Reporter stated dispatchers are getting some pushback from flight crews but he personally will add additional fuel if a pilot requests it. Management at the highest level in his airline has been notified about the present and anticipated problems. One item dispatchers requested but not considered in the current design is a FAA Traffic Management interface tool which would allow them to predict peak and slack traffic times at a flight's departure or destination. Such a tool allows more accurate fuel management because of known delays.
A Dispatcher described his Company's newly released Dispatch Planning Software which has a limitation in fuel planning for alternates and holding based on the automated weather input and may cause an illegal dispatch fuel load.