A320
Dispatch Dispatcher
Communication Breakdown; Time Pressure
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Aircraft; Equipment / Tooling; Human Factors
After departure [one of my] flights experienced a nose wheel steering ECAM alert. While trying to work this situation which was a declared emergency by the crew; I experienced numerous delays/lock ups by [our new communications system]. If this situation had been time critical; these breakdowns would have presented a significant hindrance in my ability to transmit and receive critical information to/from the flight crew in a timely manner. This tool represents a significant safety issue. It needs to be fixed or replaced before someone gets hurt.
A Dispatcher's ability to communicate with a flight experiencing problems was compromised by dysfunctional new communications hardware.