Small Transport; Low Wing; 2 Recip Eng
Dispatch Dispatcher
Dispatch Dispatch 2
Fatigue; Situational Awareness; Time Pressure; Workload
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Other / Unknown
Company Policy; Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors; Staffing
I'm writing to bring attention to fatigue issues with FAR 135 [dispatchers]. I am a Dispatcher. Specifically; since there are no restrictions on the amount of hours a [dispatcher] can work; leadership at my company allows some [Dispatchers] to work extremely abnormal amounts of hours. Specifically; [Dispatchers] are allowed to work a double shift for several consecutive days. 'Double Shifts' are an average of 16 hours long and can go as long as 20; always with no formal breaks. Younger [Dispatchers] are signing up for this many hours for the Overtime Pay. However; this is leading to many mistakes that are relatively minor; for now. Missing radio calls from pilots in the air; not recognizing adverse weather conditions along a flight path until someone alerts the [Dispatchers]. Not recognizing when a pilot is in danger of going over duty and/or flight time limits; etc. Other [Dispatchers] working nearby are assisting in identifying and correcting these mistakes and lack of recognition from fatigued [Dispatchers]; but it is not in the context of a healthy CRM 'checks & balances' relationship nor positive teamwork.Due to staffing shortages; management appears to only be happy that all shifts are covered; and are not concerned about the overall cost and liability to all parties involved; especially our passengers. Certainly training and development can play a role in reducing these common mistakes. One only has to cite any number of fatigue studies done by the FAA to know that fatigue can make any of these small mistakes to become serious mistakes that could have grave consequences. After raising my concerns several times; and not wanting to face potential consequences of using my company's safety reporting system; I feel it prudent to report it here. Fatigue rules exist for Part 121 operations for a reason. Just because Part 135 operations involve fewer passengers; why safety should be allowed to be compromised. Safety systems work best when they are proactive; not when reacting to a worst-case event. I believe safety is being compromised by having zero duty time restrictions for [Dispatchers] at my [company].
Air taxi Dispatcher reported company Part 135 dispatchers are allowed to work very long hours and that fatigue has compromised safety.