Dispatchers are required to monitor each flight’s progress. To ensure the dispatcher receives the necessary flight following information an FMC POS REPORT should be down linked at each waypoint designated on the flight plan by the comment FMC POS RPT RQD (see B777 Flight Manual Section 3-1 for details). If in the SATCOM inoperative area, the report will be stored in the buffer and will be sent automatically when SATCOM again becomes operational. Accomplish this procedure on all segments operating in Russia, the Central Asian Republics and in the Polar region (above N78.).
8.3 Long distance Operational Control (LDOC)
If dispatch needs to contact the flight, they will call the appropriate radio relay or ATC facility and advise them to relay a message to the flight, or request the flight to contact dispatch through a phone patch with an LDOC provider if the facility does not have phone patch capability (i.e., Arctic radio). Available LDOC facilities include Arctic Radio, Cedar Rapids, San Francisco, Iceland Radio, Rainbow Radio, Houston Radio, Stockholm Radio, or Speedbird London. For HF frequencies, refer to the Communication boxes on the Jeppesen Polar Orientation Chart. On initial call to an LDOC station, advise them of the flight’s approximate position. Once communications have been established, obtain the optimum frequencies and a SELCAL check. Generally, ARINC LDOC frequencies are not actively monitored unless a call is requested. To establish LDOC communications with an ARINC station call on a GP frequency and request an LDOC frequency. LDOC frequency’s are usually preceded by an asterisk (*) and are generally reserved for operational control issues. GP frequencies are generally reserved for ATC purposes.
Depending HF signal propagation characteristics, communications with a HF operator may be difficult above 80 N. However, other options are available. Arctic Radio (the GDP operator that has been handling your ATC messages between the aircraft and dispatch, satisfying the company communication requirement.
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