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Dispatcher reports that an automated ETOPS flight following system program that often needs resetting is located on another computer that cannot be accessed outside normal working hours.
| Attributes | |
| ACN | 981168 |
| Time | |
| Date | 201111 |
| Local Time Of Day | 0601-1200 |
| Aircraft 1 | |
| Make Model Name | No Aircraft |
| Person 1 | |
| Function | Dispatcher |
| Qualification | Dispatch Dispatcher |
| Events | |
| Anomaly | No Specific Anomaly Occurred All Types |
Narrative:
Our ETOPS flight following program is a computerized update which captures position reports on ETOPS flights to aid the dispatcher in flight following. While a more manual system exists; and the dispatcher can write in each position report by hand from the reports; our ETOPS program does this for us and is helpful with workload reduction. Unfortunately the program which runs ETOPS resides on a computer in a separate office. During the graveyard shift; dispatchers have no ability to reset the program since it is in a locked office upstairs. Dispatch has asked to have this program moved to dispatch so that it can be reset when it locks up; but this request has been refused. We rely on the few tools we have and need them to operate with reliability. The program which handles the maps on the pilot/dispatch briefing page also resides on this computer. These maps may be out-of-date for crews accessing this website system wide; and no fix possible during graveyard hours. Dispatch needs the ability to either reset it themselves or be able to call someone 24 hours per day who can reset these programs. To have them behind locked doors in an office staffed monday-friday 9-5pm is inadequate. The programs should be moved to dispatch.
Original NASA ASRS Text
Title: Dispatcher reports that an automated ETOPS flight following system program that often needs resetting is located on another computer that cannot be accessed outside normal working hours.
Narrative: Our ETOPS flight following program is a computerized update which captures position reports on ETOPS flights to aid the Dispatcher in flight following. While a more manual system exists; and the Dispatcher can write in each position report by hand from the reports; our ETOPS program does this for us and is helpful with workload reduction. Unfortunately the program which runs ETOPS resides on a computer in a separate office. During the graveyard shift; Dispatchers have no ability to reset the program since it is in a locked office upstairs. Dispatch has asked to have this program moved to Dispatch so that it can be reset when it locks up; but this request has been refused. We rely on the few tools we have and need them to operate with reliability. The program which handles the maps on the pilot/dispatch briefing page also resides on this computer. These maps may be out-of-date for crews accessing this website system wide; and no fix possible during graveyard hours. Dispatch needs the ability to either reset it themselves or be able to call someone 24 hours per day who can reset these programs. To have them behind locked doors in an office staffed Monday-Friday 9-5pm is inadequate. The programs should be moved to Dispatch.
Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.