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

The final authority for the dispatch of an aircraft rests with the commander, commonly referred to as the pilot-in-command. This is grounded in aviation regulations and practices that empower the commander to make critical decisions regarding the safety and operational status of the flight. The commander possesses the ultimate responsibility for the aircraft, its crew, and passengers, allowing them to assess conditions and factors affecting the flight's readiness, such as weather, aircraft condition, and compliance with regulations.

While the chief pilot holds a leadership role within the airline, and the flight dispatcher provides essential support in planning and coordinating flights, their authority does not supersede that of the aircraft's commander. Air traffic controllers, although pivotal in managing air traffic and ensuring safe separation between aircraft in flight, also do not hold authority over the dispatch decision; their role is to facilitate safe navigation once aircraft are in the air. Thus, the commander's role is critical and is prioritized over all other personnel when it comes to the final decision to dispatch an aircraft.