Narrative:

I lost operational control due to multi-computer failures within the operations control center. As the lead dispatcher on shift; I did not have a lot of flights to dispatch; but feel due to computer system malfunctions we as a group did not have operational control of the operation. Our workload increased by the overwhelming amount of phone calls because our computer systems were not linking up with air carrier X operating systems. In addition; we no longer have an assistant dispatcher to mitigate the volume of phone into the operations control center. This caused every dispatcher to excessively answer phone calls cut and paste; then email flight releases; give verbal flight releases; fax releases and re-file flight plans because they were not filing with ATC. This continued till late that night. I feel this impacted our ability to have operational control of our flights. I am sure that multiple dispatchers could flight follow; check weather or ensure flights will continue in a safe manner. I am writing this as soon as possible because I had oversight of the dispatch group and I; at some point; did not have operational control.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: Chief Dispatcher reports on chaos caused by computer failures in the Operational Control Center.

Narrative: I lost operational control due to multi-computer failures within the Operations Control Center. As the Lead Dispatcher on shift; I did not have a lot of flights to dispatch; but feel due to computer system malfunctions we as a group did not have operational control of the operation. Our workload increased by the overwhelming amount of phone calls because our computer systems were not linking up with Air Carrier X operating systems. In addition; we no longer have an Assistant Dispatcher to mitigate the volume of phone into the Operations Control Center. This caused every dispatcher to excessively answer phone calls cut and paste; then email flight releases; give verbal flight releases; fax releases and re-file flight plans because they were not filing with ATC. This continued till late that night. I feel this impacted our ability to have operational control of our flights. I am sure that multiple dispatchers could flight follow; check weather or ensure flights will continue in a safe manner. I am writing this ASAP because I had oversight of the dispatch group and I; at some point; did not have operational control.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.