905-838-1400
Brampton Flight Centre

Dispatch / FleetCaptain

FleetCaptain Dispatch System

BFC uses the FleetCaptain electronic dispatch system for all aircraft dispatching and post-flight check-in. Every pilot must complete the FleetCaptain dispatch process before each flight and the check-in process after each flight. This guide walks you through the process step by step.

Pre-Flight: Mission Declaration

Declaring Your Mission

Before each flight, you must declare your mission in FleetCaptain. This includes your planned route, type of flight (local, cross-country, training, etc.), and estimated time of return.

Important: Declare your air time, not your booking time. Air time is the time from engine start to engine shutdown. Your booking time includes pre-flight and post-flight activities that are not air time.

Weight & Balance

FleetCaptain includes a weight and balance calculator for each aircraft type. You must complete the weight and balance calculation before every flight to ensure the aircraft is loaded within its approved centre of gravity and weight limits. Factors to enter include:

  • Pilot and passenger weights
  • Baggage weight
  • Fuel load

Fueling Guidelines

All BFC aircraft should be returned with the fuel level as close to the pre-flight level as possible. The general fueling guidelines are:

  • If you use fuel, arrange for fuel before parking the aircraft
  • Self-serve fuel is available on the ramp at CNC3
  • Report any fueling issues to the front desk immediately
  • Aircraft should not be left with less than half tanks unless operationally required

Post-Flight: QR Check-In

QR Code Check-In

After every flight, you must complete the post-flight check-in using the QR code located in the aircraft. Scan the QR code with your phone to access the check-in form. You will be asked to confirm:

  • Actual air time (Hobbs time)
  • Any aircraft defects or squawks
  • Fuel status
  • General condition of the aircraft

Air Time Recording

BFC charges based on Hobbs time, which is the actual engine running time recorded by the Hobbs meter in the aircraft. Before and after each flight:

  1. Record the Hobbs meter reading before engine start
  2. Record the Hobbs meter reading after engine shutdown
  3. Enter both readings into FleetCaptain during check-in

The difference between the two readings is your billable air time. This is the number that will be charged to your account based on the aircraft's hourly rental rate.

Defects & Maintenance Reporting

If you discover any aircraft defect or maintenance issue (before, during, or after your flight), you must:
  1. Report it in the FleetCaptain post-flight check-in
  2. Write it up in the aircraft journey log (snag sheet)
  3. Notify the front desk or duty instructor verbally

Do not assume someone else will report a defect. If in doubt about whether something is a defect, report it anyway. Safety is everyone's responsibility.

Night Flight Calculations

For night flying, you must calculate and record the official sunset and end of civil twilight times for your location. Night is defined in the Canadian Aviation Regulations as the period from the end of evening civil twilight to the beginning of morning civil twilight. Make sure your night time is recorded accurately in your pilot logbook.

Cross-Country Flights (300 NM+)

Extended Cross-Country Rules

Cross-country flights exceeding 300 nautical miles require prior approval from a Chief Flight Instructor (CFI). Before booking an extended cross-country:

  • Submit your planned route and flight plan to the CFI for review
  • Ensure you meet all currency requirements for cross-country flying
  • File a flight plan or flight itinerary with NAV Canada
  • Carry appropriate survival equipment if flying over remote areas
  • Brief yourself on the destination airport and en-route alternates

Questions?

If you have questions about the FleetCaptain dispatch system, ask your instructor or contact the front desk at 905-838-1400 ext 0.