What information must a dispatcher provide a PIC prior to a flight?

Prior to a flight, it is crucial for a dispatcher to provide the pilot-in-command (PIC) with current airport and weather conditions. This information is vital for the safety and operational planning of the flight. Understanding the current weather conditions at both departure and destination airports, as well as any en-route weather hazards, enables the PIC to make informed decisions regarding flight paths, altitudes, and potential alternate airports.

Discussions about flight duration, team schedules, destination preferences, passenger lists, or nearby airports, while relevant to other aspects of flight operations, do not encompass the immediate operational necessities that impact safety and decision-making in real time. The focus on current conditions acknowledges the dynamic nature of aviation operations, where weather and airport status can change rapidly and significantly affect flight safety and performance. Therefore, the specific and timely information about airport and weather conditions takes precedence in the communication between dispatchers and the PIC.