B767-300 and 300 ER
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Workload
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Staffing
Per our FOM; I reported a cruise altitude change of 4000 ft greater than flight planned to Dispatch and never received an acknowledgment that it was received at all. We also had the airport change from a South flow to a North flow and we were not notified; which is not mandatory but certainly nice to know. There are specific items listed in the FOM that require notification for change and acknowledgement. This is a constant recurring problem with a lack of support from Dispatch while we are enroute which I feel is not in compliance with the intent of Flag/Domestic Operations. Especially with the fuel loads that are on the aircraft with the Fuel Sense initiative.Lack of compliance with FAR 121 Flag Domestic Operations for 'reliable communications.' I feel our dispatchers handle too many flights at one time and do not have the Flight Planning System or automation to handle the number we require.Better Flight Planning Software to allow point by point updates to our flight plans and more training and compliance from Dispatch as true Dispatchers rather than flight followers.
B767-300 Captain reported that due to staffing levels he felt he is not supported by Dispatch services to the extent required by FAR 121.