Flight Planner Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s interconnected world, the importance of a flight planner has never been more critical.

As aviation technology advances, the demand for proficient individuals who can design, adapt, and secure our flight plans is escalating.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a flight planner?

Whether you are:

A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
A hiring manager creating a profile for the perfect candidate,
Or simply fascinated by the behind-the-scenes workings of flight planning,

You’ve landed in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable flight planner job description template, tailored for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s take off right away.

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Flight Planner Duties and Responsibilities

Flight Planners are responsible for creating and executing strategic plans for flights, including the calculation of fuel needs, travel times, and other essential details, in order to ensure the safety and efficiency of the flight.

The duties and responsibilities of a Flight Planner include:

Creating flight plans that detail the altitude for the flight, route to be followed, and the amount of fuel required
Reviewing and evaluating weather conditions to determine flight feasibility and to ensure passenger safety
Updating pilots on pertinent information including changes to flight plans, weather conditions, and air traffic
Coordinating with the aircraft crew, air traffic control, and ground personnel to ensure a smooth operation
Considering aircraft performance, loading, and special cargo requirements when planning flights
Verifying flight routes and altitudes in adherence to regulations
Adjusting flight plans as necessary due to changing weather conditions, mechanical issues, or air traffic updates
Ensuring compliance with aviation regulations and safety standards
Performing weight and balance calculations
Documenting all flight plans and any changes made to them

Flight Planner Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a detail-oriented Flight Planner to join our team.

The Flight Planner will be responsible for creating flight plans, considering factors such as weather, aircraft performance and air traffic control regulations.

Our ideal candidate has a keen eye for detail, excellent problem-solving skills, and knowledge of aviation regulations and procedures.

Ultimately, the role of the Flight Planner is to ensure safe, efficient and cost-effective flights by developing comprehensive flight plans.

Responsibilities

Create and modify flight plans according to airline procedures and policies
Monitor weather conditions and airspace restrictions
Communicate with pilots and air traffic control during flights
Ensure compliance with domestic and international aviation regulations
Coordinate with other departments for aircraft maintenance, fueling, and crew scheduling
Handle special flight requests and emergencies
Keep up-to-date with changes in aviation regulations and procedures
Prepare flight briefings for flight crew
Calculate weight and balance, fuel on board and endurance

Qualifications

Proven work experience as a Flight Planner or similar role
Knowledge of aviation regulations and flight operations
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
Ability to work in high-stress situations and handle emergencies
Excellent communication skills
Detail-oriented and organized
Proficiency in flight planning software
FAA Dispatch license or equivalent is preferred
Degree in Aviation, Aerospace or related field is a plus

Benefits

401(k)
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Retirement plan
Paid time off
Opportunities for career advancement

Additional Information

Job Title: Flight Planner
Work Environment: Office setting, with the potential for remote work. Shift work is required, including nights, weekends and holidays.
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Flight Operations Manager.
Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $70,000 maximum
Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
Employment Type: Full-time
Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

What Does a Flight Planner Do?

Flight Planners are crucial in the aviation industry and primarily work for airlines, private charter companies, or military organizations.

Their primary responsibility is to plan the logistics of flights, including departure and arrival times, altitudes for each part of the flight, and alternate airports if the flight cannot land as initially planned.

They work closely with pilots to determine the best routes for each flight, taking into account the aircraft’s performance, weather conditions, airspace restrictions, and fuel requirements.

Flight Planners also calculate the aircraft’s weight and balance to ensure it’s within safety limits, considering factors such as cargo, passengers, and fuel.

They are also responsible for filing the flight plan with the relevant aviation authorities and for updating the plan if any changes occur before or during the flight.

In addition to their planning duties, Flight Planners often communicate with various departments within an airline, such as operations, customer service, and ground handling, to ensure a smooth and safe flight operation.

Flight Planner Qualifications and Skills

Flight Planners utilize a blend of technical and soft skills, as well as extensive industry knowledge to plan and ensure safe, efficient flight routes.

These include:

Knowledge of global geography, climate patterns, and flight navigation principles to plan optimal routes for flights.
Excellent problem-solving skills to quickly adapt plans in response to changing weather conditions, air traffic, and other unexpected events.
Proficiency in using flight planning software and tools to calculate fuel requirements, estimate flight times, and perform other essential tasks.
Strong attention to detail to ensure that all aspects of the flight plan are accurate and meet regulatory requirements.
Exceptional communication skills to effectively coordinate with pilots, air traffic controllers, and other members of the flight operations team.
Understanding of aviation regulations and safety standards to ensure that all flight plans are compliant.
Ability to multitask and work under pressure, as flight planners often need to manage multiple flight plans at once and adapt to rapidly changing situations.

Flight Planner Experience Requirements

To start a career as a Flight Planner, an individual typically needs a minimum of 1-2 years of experience in aviation operations, often gained through internships, part-time roles, or entry-level positions in aviation companies.

This early experience helps to build a foundation of knowledge around flight regulations, aircraft performance, and weather conditions.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience are typically expected to have developed more specific skills and understanding in areas such as flight logistics, flight routing and air traffic control procedures.

At this stage, flight planners may have also gained experience in creating flight plans considering fuel efficiency, weather patterns, and aircraft weight.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are often considered seasoned flight planners.

They usually have extensive knowledge of international aviation regulations and can efficiently coordinate with pilots, dispatchers, and air traffic control.

They may also have some leadership experience and could be considered for senior flight planner or team leader roles in larger aviation organizations.

Additionally, continual professional development is crucial in this role due to ever-changing aviation regulations and technology advancements.

As such, many employers may prefer flight planners with a history of ongoing training and certifications.

Flight Planner Education and Training Requirements

Flight Planners typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Some employers may prefer candidates with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in aviation, air traffic management, or a related field.

They must have a good understanding of aviation regulations and safety standards, as well as meteorology and flight operations.

This knowledge can be gained through aviation-specific training courses, which often lead to a certification.

Flight Planners must also hold a valid FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate.

This certification requires applicants to be at least 23 years old, pass a written and practical exam, and demonstrate knowledge in areas such as meteorology, navigation, and communications.

Some flight planners may further their education by getting a master’s degree in aviation or business management to improve their career prospects and potentially move into higher-level roles.

Lastly, practical experience is highly valuable in this role.

Many Flight Planners gain experience by working in other aviation roles, such as flight dispatchers or air traffic controllers, before moving into flight planning.

Flight Planner Salary Expectations

A Flight Planner can expect to earn an average salary of $45,000 (USD) per year.

The actual income can vary based on the number of years of experience, the complexity of the work, the size of the airline, and the location of the job.

Flight Planner Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Flight Planner need?

A Flight Planner should have excellent organizational and multitasking skills as they often need to handle multiple flight plans concurrently.

Attention to detail is crucial as mistakes can lead to significant schedule disruptions or safety issues.

Communication skills are also important as Flight Planners need to liaise with a variety of airport personnel.

In addition, they should have good problem-solving skills to handle unexpected issues like weather disturbances or mechanical faults.

Do Flight Planners need a degree?

Many airlines require Flight Planners to have a degree in fields such as aviation, transportation, business, or related areas.

Some airlines might accept equivalent work experience in lieu of a degree.

It’s also beneficial for Flight Planners to have a thorough understanding of aviation regulations, meteorology, and navigation principles, often obtained through specialized training courses or certifications.

What should you look for in a Flight Planner resume?

A Flight Planner’s resume should highlight their knowledge of aviation regulations, flight safety principles, and meteorology.

It should also demonstrate their ability to plan and coordinate flight schedules efficiently.

Look for experience with flight planning software and any relevant certifications.

Previous experience in a similar role or in other aviation jobs can be an added advantage.

What qualities make a good Flight Planner?

A good Flight Planner is highly organized, able to manage multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines.

They should also have a keen eye for detail to ensure all factors are considered when planning flights.

Good problem-solving skills are essential for dealing with unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather or aircraft malfunctions.

A good Flight Planner should also be an excellent communicator, able to liaise effectively with flight crew, ground staff, and air traffic control.

Is it difficult to hire Flight Planners?

Hiring Flight Planners can be a challenge as the role requires a unique blend of skills, including a detailed understanding of aviation regulations, strong problem-solving abilities, and excellent organizational skills.

Additionally, because flight planning directly impacts flight safety and efficiency, airlines typically seek candidates with proven experience in the field.

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve given you a glimpse into the high-flying world of flight planning.

And you know what?

It’s not just about charting a course.

It’s about navigating the future of aviation, one flight plan at a time.

With our handy flight planner job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to take off.

But don’t stop there.

Ascend higher with our job description generator. It’s your co-pilot for creating precision-crafted listings or tailoring your resume to absolute perfection.

Remember:

Each flight plan is a part of a much larger journey.

Let’s navigate that future. Together.

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Flight Planner Job Description [Updated for 2025]

Flight Planner Duties and Responsibilities