Commercial Fixed Wing
Dispatch Dispatcher
Time Pressure; Workload
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Company Policy; Human Factors; Staffing
Starting at approximately XA00z I began operating in the yellow due to an excessive number of flights assigned to my desk and began to follow the Threat and Error Management protocols per the Dispatcher Procedures Manual. At approximately XA30z I had a flight given its third reroute that projected it to be just over reserve fuel. At that point I became task saturated and stopped issuing releases in order to maintain operational control. I sent [help] message and the Chief Dispatcher was able to remove four flights from my desk. Although four additional dispatchers were called in for overtime; no flights were removed from my desk until the Chief stepped in to assist. I had multiple enroute and terminal challenges that were exacerbated by a high workload. I was unable to leave my desk for a physiological break until XD00z. I know this is anecdotal; but on the overwhelming majority of the PM shifts I work; I remain in the yellow from the time I sit down until XD00 or XE00z. Six to seven hours non-stop with zero down time to catch up. In my opinion this company is very close to; and on some days violates 14 CFR 121.395 which states: 'Each certificate holder conducting domestic or flag operations shall provide enough qualified aircraft dispatchers at each dispatch center to ensure proper operational control of each flight.' The number of flights assigned to each desk is excessive when there are thunderstorms or any other terminal or en route constraints. At the current levels; we need at least eight additional dispatchers per AM and PM shift to ensure proper operational control of each flight.
Dispatcher reported a continual shortage of dispatching staff and possible violation of FAR 14 CFR 121.395.