Who has the final authority for the dispatch of an aircraft?

The final authority for the dispatch of an aircraft rests with the commander, also known as the captain. This is due to the ultimate responsibility the commander holds for the safe operation of the flight. The commander makes critical decisions regarding the aircraft's airworthiness, the flight route, fuel requirements, weather conditions, and any other factors that could impact safety.

In aviation, the commander is responsible for the overall conduct of the flight, ensuring that all procedures and regulations are followed. This includes verifying that the aircraft is fully prepared for flight and that all necessary pre-departure checks have been completed satisfactorily. The authority to make decisions about whether to proceed with a flight or delay it due to safety concerns reinforces the commander's role as the final decision-maker in dispatch matters.

While other roles, such as the aircraft dispatcher, the co-pilot, and the flight engineer, provide support and facilitate the operation, it is ultimately the commander who holds the final say on an aircraft's dispatch.