You have received a RAMP RELEASE, discussed with the dispatcher, and reached concurrence on all issues. Are you now permitted to depart?

You have received a RAMP RELEASE, discussed with the dispatcher, and reached concurrence on all issues. Are you now permitted to depart?

• A. Yes, you may depart
• B. No, a ramp release is not a DISPATCH release; you must still receive a DISPATCH RELEASE
• C. Only if the crew agrees
• D. Yes after concurrence

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that ramp authorization and dispatch authorization are two separate steps. A ramp release lets you move on the ramp and complete pre-departure tasks, but it does not provide the formal clearance to depart the flight. A DISPATCH RELEASE is the official authorization that the flight has been dispatched with the validated flight plan, fuel, weight and balance, MEL status, weather, and any restrictions or holds noted by Dispatch. Even if you’ve discussed everything with the dispatcher and reached agreement, you still need that dispatch release before you can push back and depart. Without it, the flight isn’t officially cleared to depart. So, you cannot depart on the basis of a ramp release alone; you must obtain a dispatch release.

The key idea is that ramp authorization and dispatch authorization are two separate steps. A ramp release lets you move on the ramp and complete pre-departure tasks, but it does not provide the formal clearance to depart the flight. A DISPATCH RELEASE is the official authorization that the flight has been dispatched with the validated flight plan, fuel, weight and balance, MEL status, weather, and any restrictions or holds noted by Dispatch. Even if you’ve discussed everything with the dispatcher and reached agreement, you still need that dispatch release before you can push back and depart. Without it, the flight isn’t officially cleared to depart.

So, you cannot depart on the basis of a ramp release alone; you must obtain a dispatch release.