Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 240; Flight Crew Total 20000; Flight Crew Type 4500
Communication Breakdown
No Specific Anomaly Occurred All Types
General None Reported / Taken
Airport; Company Policy; Weather; Staffing; Human Factors
Our flight was being dispatched during severe weather events. The airport was experiencing moderate to severe turbulence and wind shear which was causing multiple diverts and go-arounds. The forecast was not to improve until well after we were gone. PIREPS from the inbound crews suggested a need to find a different route and altitude. One Captain said it was the worst he had ever seen. Needless to say we started a new plan to the route and altitudes. Dispatch had us on a track with moderate to severe turbulence forecast and our en route alternates; although legal; were not going to give us any help if we had a cargo fire and had to divert. I needed a new route and alternates. The response I got from Dispatch was 'I do not have time for this and since the planned route is legal just take it and leave me alone. I have other more important problems like the diverts.' My reaction was I cannot believe what I just heard. I tried again explaining that we needed alternates that worked for us and also a new route possibly south. Again; I was stonewalled. Dispatch said there was '...no time to take a look at a new route or alternates and once again to leave me alone as I have no time for you.'I called back at least half a dozen times trying my best to get some help from our Dispatcher. All the pilots in the room were listening to this and we figured out that we were all on our own and that the flight planning is going to be on us. Dispatch had decided that we were not important enough to help out in a situation that really needed extra care in planning and coordinating.I really hope this is an isolated incident. Dispatch markets themselves as the 'go to' guys in time of need. Today; we lost them completely. And we were told in no uncertain terms that we were to go away and take what was filed. Do not think; do not plan; and do not mutually agree on a safe plan. This is UNACCEPTABLE. International operations half way around the world need particular care in planning and conducting a safe dispatch and flight.
The Captain of a yet to depart Eastbound Transpacific flight during extreme weather conditions voiced concern over conflicts between himself and a harried Dispatcher who was too overwhelmed with higher priority situations to discuss new routes and alternates for the flight.