DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIRECTOR OF FLIGHT OPERATIONS (DFO)

The Director of Flight Operations (DFO) shall normally be an active line pilot with the status of Commander, unless other qualifications constitute the “competency” required and render him acceptable for both the Company and the Authority. He is responsible to the CEO “Accountable Manager”, for the effective administration and overall management of Airline’s Flight Operations Department. Apart from flying duties he should generally commit at least 1 duty day per week to office duties. He shall prove comprehensive knowledge of aviation regulations, requirements and operational procedures.

His function, main duties and responsibilities are to:

• Ensure smooth functioning of flight operations;
• Ensure compliance with the provisions of AOC;
• Plan, implement, revise and monitor policies, procedures, recommendations and standards related to the flight operations and its structure in order to ensure safety, security, quality, efficiency and compliance with local and international regulatory requirements;
• Coordinate, supervise and monitor the functions and performance of his management personnel, all pilots, and the Flight Operations Department.
• Cooperate and liaise with all other Company departments, bases and out-stations, in aiming for the highest possible degree of effective communications, safety and standards for obtaining a satisfactory degree of punctuality, passenger comfort and economy;
• Hold authority over crew employment regarding professional issues (e.g. suitability, expertise, etc);
• Hold editorial responsibility for the OM Part A and OM Part C;
• Call and chair hearings in case of accidents and incidents or, whenever he deems it necessary, in case of irregularities or of violations of legal provisions or internal directives;
• Advise the Accountable Manager on matters related to flight operations activities;
• Liaise with the Civil Aviation Authorities on flight operations matters;
• Determine usability of areas, airways and aerodromes to be utilised for the Company’s flight operations;
• Keep himself up-to-date on equipment developments and on flight operational procedures;
• Ensure that any contractor employed meets the required Company standards;
• Represent, as far as flight operations are concerned, the Company’s interest in national and international bodies and institutions;
• Publish other necessary directives for the flight crew personnel;
• Process PVRs addressed to the Flight Operations;
• Ensure the standard of discipline of all operating crew, and that crewmembers are made familiar with Company policies, government requirements and operating specifications;
• Ensure that no person is assigned as crewmember on Company's aircraft unless such person meets Company and regulatory requirements;
• Ensure that all personnel concerned are kept aware of amendments and revision to company policies and government requirements;
• Properly manage all expenditures associated with the area of responsibility.

The Flight Operations Manager has a right to:

• Select management members of subordinate functions, respecting the veto-right of the Accountable Manager;
• Suspend subordinates from their duties, functions and rights where this seems necessary due safety, productivity and/or disciplinary issues;
• Prohibit flights or series of flights or to entirely suspend flight operations for safety reasons.

Other chapters of Operations Manual may additionally define role and discretionary power of the Flight Operations Manager.