Operational Control
The exercise of authority over the initiation, continuation, diversion or termination of a flight in the interest of the safety and security of the aircraft and its occupants. There are two predominant systems of operational control:
Non-shared – operational control authority over a flight is delegated only to the pilot-in-command (PIC);
Shared – operational control authority over a flight is delegated to both the PIC and a flight operations officer/flight dispatcher (FOO).
Note: Within the context of operational control, authority is defined as the power or right to give orders, make decisions, grant permission and/or provide approval.
Note: The term “operational control” is interchangeable with “control and supervision of flight operations.” Equivalent Terms: Flight Dispatch

Operations Control Centre (OCC)
An office or department within the organisational structure of an operator that is assigned responsibility for operational control of ongoing operations with authority to originate, delay, divert and cancel flights. Functions located within an OCC typically include management representatives, flight dispatch, flight planning, crew scheduling, maintenance experts, meteorology personnel, ATS specialists, and customer service specialists.

An OCC is equipped with communications equipment, technology tools and support materials necessary to accomplish required functions; serves as a “nerve centre” for an operator, with multiple communications links (e.g. to en-route flights, system stations, government agencies, as well as load control, security, technical and medical functions).