AvTalk Episode 184: The life of an airline dispatcher

What this episode covers

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, airline dispatcher Michael Karrels joins us to talk about his work at a legacy carrier in the US and some of the differences in dispatching around the world. Plus, the FAA finalizes rules extending cabin crew rest, and we close the show with a story from the early days of air traffic control. US flight attendant rest period extended Flight attendants in the US will soon have a mandated 10 hours of rest between shifts. FAA’s letter on 737 MAX not great news for Boeing A letter from the FAA to Boeing made public this week doesn’t bode well for Boeing’s chances of certifying the two remaining 737 MAX models by the end of the year. But that may not matter if Congress gets involved. Malaysia regains Category 1 status The FAA returned Malaysia to Category 1 status, meaning airlines from the country can begin new service to the US or codeshare with US airlines. The life an airline dispatcher Michael Karrels is a dispatcher for a major legacy airline in the US. He joins us to discuss what it’s like to be a dispatcher and how the work of a dispatcher differs in the US compared to other countries. You can journey deeper into the life and work of an airline dispatcher on Michael’s own Flying and Life podcast. * Interested in becoming a dispatcher in the US? Here are the FAA approved training courses. Virgin Atlantic pulling out of Hong Kong Virgin Atlantic is ending its service to Hong Kong indefinitely. The lack of access to Russian airspace was the final nail in the coffin for the route from London. Winter looking rough for Norse and Flyr Norse and Flyr both make major cuts to their services for the winter season, but other Nordic airlines have a rosier view. New and “used” airplanes Royal Jordanian makes it decision on refreshing its short and medium-haul fleet. Croatia Airlines is going all in on the A220. And LOT is getting a fresh batch of 737 MAX this month. Volunteering for air traffic control Ian’s wife’s grandmother passed away this week. She was 99. A few years ago during her 90th birthday celebrations she took the family on a tour of her childhood in Boston, including her volunteer service with the US Army during World War II helping track flights in New England. We’d love to hear any stories about your family’s connection to early aviation. Drop us a note or send over a voice message and we’ll put it on the show. Let us know what you think (and let your friends know too!) Thank you so much for listening! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review on iTunes. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next. Please click here for a transcript of this episode.