What action must a dispatcher take if they become aware of an emergency situation affecting a flight?

In the event of an emergency situation affecting a flight, it is crucial for the dispatcher to contact the pilot and brief them on the situation. This communication is essential because the pilot needs to be fully informed about the circumstances that may impact the safety and operation of the flight. The dispatcher holds a critical role in facilitating timely and accurate information exchange, allowing the pilot to make informed decisions regarding the flight's course of action, which may include diverting to an alternate airport, declaring an emergency, or preparing for a possible emergency landing.

An effective briefing can include pertinent details such as the nature of the emergency, current weather conditions, and any supporting information from ground operations. This ensures the crew has all necessary information to prioritize safety and manage the situation effectively.

While notifying other parties, such as the ground crew or airline headquarters, may also be necessary, the immediate priority must be to ensure that the flight crew is aware of the emergency, as they have the primary responsibility for managing the flight and the safety of all on board. Initiating a flight delay might be an action taken later based on the pilot's decision, but the first critical step is communicating the emergency effectively to the pilot.