We have
been overwhelmed with phone calls requesting a quality distance-learning
program with minimal residency time required. This course is not limited
to experienced individuals who cannot attend our 6-week or 4-week course,
but for those students who simply do not have the extra time to attend
a full residency course. These motivated individuals are demanding the
quality that our institution has provided for 60 years while
not being overcharged. Sheffield intends to meet these demands by
providing an unparalleled program ranging from an ab initio basics review
through the complexities of our 6-week course and into our airline-prep
material. This course is not the typical "Q & A" test
preparation course, not an online open-book cut-and-paste your way to
a certificate "course" or a flash-card type of course. You
will get out of it what you put into it.
If
interested, call (954-581-6022) or email Eric Morris (morris@sheffield.com),
President, Sheffield School of Aeronautics
Course Structure:
The course consists of two phases: an online interactive distance-learning
phase and an residency phase.
Phase
I - Online distance-learning. Cost is
$1,500 (non-refundable). Various modules of our course are presented
online, such as Weather Theory, Non-Graphic Weather, Graphic weather,
Aeronautical Information Manual, Regulations, and Aircraft Performance,
Aircraft Limitations and Systems.
Requires: Internet access, a user ID and password (issued after
payment), 4.x or higher web browser, a variety of browser plugins which
are free and easily downloadable. Optional are CD/DVD drives. Successful
completion of Phase I is a prerequisite to enter the Phase II (residency)
course. Plan on a minimum of 4 weeks (full-time study) to 16 weeks (part-time)
to complete the online modules and online examinations (excluding study
time for the ADX test). This phase will be accessible on a password-protected
realm of our web site. Once Phase I is accessed, students will have
4 months of access, which can be extended on a monthly basis for $400
per month; however, the assignments must be satisfactorily completed
by the assigned due dates. Online access extentions are subject to instructor
approval. You may postpone your Phase II start date if needed; however,
we recommend completing the 5-day Residency phase within 2-3 months
following the completion of Phase I. Evidence
of cheating or receiving help from others or giving out your individual
ID and password to others will result in immediate dismissal from the
course - no refund. If
you continually ignore directions provided by the instructor, after
previous warnings, then
student will be terminated from the course - no refund.
Instructor:
Eric Morris
Phase
II - Residency, following
successful completion of Phase I. Cost
is $1,200. Includes Practical examination fee. Retake
fee $200.00, if needed. Exam is in-house. The
balance ($1,200) is due 30 days prior to the first day of class &
can be paid with cash, bank check, company check, money order, Master
Card, Visa, or Travelers Checks.
(no personal checks.)
Duration: 5 days, 7-8 clock
hours per day;
8:00am - 4:00/5:00pm with a lunch hour. Occasionally, computer labs
may be conducted in the large classroom toward the end of the day. The
5-day period will consist primarily of flight planning, regulations
review and testing, Aircraft Systems/limitations review and testing.
The 5-day residency portion will begin on a Friday, and continue on
the following Monday-Thursday. See our schedules below for 2008.
Class is not held during the weekends, unless tutoring is arranged
by the instructor. If
arranged, there is no extra cost.
[Note:
In order to assure adequate FAA oversight,
Sheffield School DOES NOT offer weekend classes or night classes.
If you attend a class without adequate FAA oversight, the certificate
you receive may be revoked or suspended, if questioned.]
Instructors: Brett Bories, Eric Morris
Maximum class size: 25.
Minimum class size: 1 student.
- Be prepared to stay 1-3 days following the last class day due to the
scheduling of practical examinations.
- International
students are welcome.
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Subjects:
| Course
Topics- Phases I & II |
| Meteorology/Weather
Briefings |
| Non-Graphic
Weather reports/forecasts |
| Graphic
Weather Charts |
| Nav/Comm,
Notams, ILS, etc |
| Regulations
- primarily FAR Part 121 |
| B-727-200
Systems/limits |
| Jeppesen
Airport/Approach, Area, En route, DPs/STARs, etc. |
| Performance/Weight
& Balance Theory |
| Minimum
Equipment List/Configuration Deviation List |
| Practical
Flight Planning/Scenarios/Applied Dispatching |
After
passing the ADX Kowledge Exam and preferably at least 3 months
prior to Phase II (Residency) based on the following:
FAA Certification
Requirements:
There are 4 steps required for you to become certified
as an FAA Aircraft Dispatcher per FAR Part 65:
1st, the FAA Aircraft Dispatcher computer knowledge
(ADX) exam must be passed. This is a basic standardized multiple choice
test. Sheffield provides FREE test prep
materials and practice tests on our web site!
We
highly recommend passing the ADX prior to sending any money for Phase
One - see first if you feel comfortable with the ADX material since
the Sheffield material is more demanding and comprehensive.
2nd, successful completion
of Sheffield's quality online program, which includes interactive practice,
video, and audio. We do not offer online open-book multiple choice exams
at our web site without adequate oversight. Hiring managers at airlines
know the difference between quality and freebie licenses when they interview
graduates. Airlines consider this when hiring - need
proof?
3rd, completion of the
mandatory 5 days of residency training with instructor sign-off for
the practical examination.
4th, completion of the
flight plan and oral phases of the practical exam with an FAA examiner
within 90 days of graduation. Your instructor will schedule this exam
at a time convenient to both you and the Examiner, but we will consider
the priorities of your departure schedule. It is typically scheduled
immediately following the Residency Phase at Sheffield.
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Schedule:
(No
"phone calls required for schedules" at Sheffield, no "On
demand" classes only; we don't cancel or postpone, unless due
to an emergency.)
2008
residency class dates:
2008
AD-FLL
(5 weekdays)
Course # & Class Starting/Graduation Dates
|
2008
AD-FLL
Practical Exam Dates |
501
- Feb. 1 - 7 |
Feb.
8 - 9 |
502
- March 21 - 27 |
March
28 - 29 |
503
- May
9 - 15 |
May
16 - 17 |
504
- June 27 - July 3 |
July
4 - 5 |
505
- Sept. 19 - 25 |
Sept.
26- 27 |
506
- Nov. 7 - 13 |
Nov.
14 - 15 |
Tuition
& Fees - 2008:
Tuition
(total): $2,700.00
- This amount includes non-refundable Distance learning access fee ($1,500
covers 4 months; nonrefundable $400 per month to extend access), residency
tuition ($1,200), and books/supplies/handouts. The tuition also
includes
a one-time Practical exam fee. Payable by Bank check, company check,
credit card, MO, Travelers Checks. No Personal Checks.
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Housing:
Housing
= Staybridge
Suites is highly
recommended, but rental houses within walking distance are preferred
and less expensive. May or may not be available based on occupancy by
full-time students. Visit Student
Housing for a tour.
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FAQs
(required reading before enrolling):
Q:
I'm considering the Distance Learning course, but I'm unsure and I don't
want to send any money right now. What should I do?
A:
1st: Don't send any money.
2nd: Pass the ADX test,
then contact us for further details, questions, etc. The reason is this
- you DO NOT want to enroll in this class without being 100% sure that
you can study and pass the ADX on your own, since it is a prerequisite.
Use our free study materials, practice tests, question lists, etc. to
study along with a Gleim ATP Test Prep book to see if you can really
handle the workload without an instructor. It won't cost you any money,
then you can decide if the online course is appropriate for you or perhaps
any of the longer duration courses we have.
Q:
How much online study time will I require prior to attending
the Phase II Residency portion?
A:
A minimum of 2-3 months (5-10 hours per day) to possibly 4-5 months
depending on the number of hours per day you can commit to self-disciplined
study and interactive practice examples, and assignments.
Q:
Why so long?
A:
We are not a diploma mill. You will be required to work hard, study,
and turn in assignments, including tests by a due date. You will be
required to correct all errors, if applicable. Your goal should be to
not only pass our course and learn the material, BUT
ALSO, be prepared for an interview and airline initial
training. We had 2 airlines here (August '06) in the past 10 days. Not
once did they ask our interviewees to look up all the answers or guess
at 3 possible choices - life doesn't work that way. Neither do we. Sheffield
wants you to get a job and keep it! Any doubts? Visit our testimonials.
Q:
What happens if I miss a due date for turning in work?
A:
You may be permitted to make it up, but if you fall behind regularly,
you will be advised to postpone the residency Phase II.
Q:
What if I cannot have all assignments completed by the final due date
(1 week prior to the class Phase II start date)?
A:
You will have to postpone your arrival or elect to stay for a 2-week
period and pay an additional fee. The key is to not fall behind. Procrastination
will lead to failure. See the timeline above. If you have any doubts,
give yourself the extra months to do this, and assume this time AFTER
you've already passed the ADX.
Q:
Do you have any weekend classes or night classes?
A:
No, the course is overseen by the FAA; therefore, we want to
be assured of adequate oversight. Attending weekend classes is risky
for students in case the course operator encounters "issues."
Q:
Are your exams open-book and readily visible online prior to taking
the course?
A:
No, although we've posted hundreds of questions online for FAA ADX test
study which provide a crude idea of the topics and questions you may
encounter. Our material is more real-life based and not standardized.
Also, responsible airline hiring
managers who are aware of open-book, cheat-if-you'd-like type
of exams are not interested in hiring you. Sheffield would like to educate
you AND assist with your job placement and job RETENTION.
Q:
Must I pass any other FAA Knowledge exams (other than the ADX) prior
to taking the online course? I do not have experience.
A:
No. It is an utter waste of time, money, and resources to pass one memory
exercise because some course operator wants to sell you his/her Test
Prep materials.
Q:
I've read a lot about your DL+5 dispatch program on your web and truly
it is quite interesting. However, how can I write the ADX test (since
it is a prerequisite) outside the U.S.A. before my admittance into Phase
1.
A:
It is highly recommended to not work on the ADX material at the same
time as the Phase I online material because our material is immense.
If you cannot take the ADX in your country (if non-U.S.), I understand,
but you’ll need to carefully judge how to budget your study time
for both the ADX test and our online lessons. You can always take the
ADX test at Sheffield on the first day of your Phase II (residency)
portion, but if you’ve neglected the Sheffield lessons during
the recent weeks prior to your arrival and have focused the majority
of your study time on the ADX test, then our Phase II course may likely
be too difficult for you or you may be behind when you arrive.
Q:
When I receive my User ID and password, will I be able to access the
online lessons (Courses 101-110 below) or do I still have to wait for
the posted dates that are on the Matrix? For instance, if I want to
participate in the Dec 501 class must I have the assignments in by those
dates?
A:
You can complete the lessons (Courses 101-110 below) any time prior
to the DUE DATES.The Matrix lists the due dates for each
Course; i.e. Course 101 is due Dec. 30 for the 501 course. You can certainly
complete a course before it's due date. You must complete one course
at a time and in order.
Q:
If I'm buying 4 months of online access, but the Residency class begins
6 months from now, what should I do?
A:
You can begin the online portion immediately if you'd prefer or wait
until 4 months prior to the Residency start date to gain online access
and begin. The advantage of starting earlier is that if you are delayed
in your studies due to some unforeseeable circumstances or due to procrastination,
then you still have time to complete the work for a $400 per month online
access charge. If you complete the online work early (within the 4 months)
and have a month or 2 to spare, but have no online access anymore, there
really is no problem because you have ample opportunity to print an
entire notebook of material while online to study and review later on.
Q:
Which school is your closest competion?
A:
None. No other school does what we do. Not even remotely close. Fortunately,
most prospective students realize that hard work is rewarded by earning
the FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate. Sheffield teaches critical
thinking and application; requirements for this profession.
Q:
My husband and I attended a quickie school that only required a few
days of work and we're both now having problems adjusting to computer
flight planning and task management in general. We just left our jobs.
Can I attend your school for refresher?
A:
You can enroll in any of our courses, but it won't be "refresher"
- it will be learning. The term "refresher" does not pertain
to graduates of other schools who attend the Sheffield courses. [note:
it bears repeating that hard work typically results in a payoff for
Sheffield graduates - a certificate, a career and an education. Our
graduates don't look elsewhere for an education. Tuition is supposed
to cover that.]
(Note:
They both had aviation experience PRIOR to their "quickie"
course and likely did not actually "leave" their jobs - just
to give you an idea of a truly pathetic example of the poor education
they both received, and....more.)
Q:
Why is your 5-day course more expensive than your 2-week course?
A:
The DL+5 course requires a much greater amount of time reviewing online
assignments, lessons, quizzes, and tests, as well as assisting students
via email and/or telephone. The assistance comes directly from Eric
Morris, President and owner of the school, who has provided FAA Part
65 AD Certification instruction to more students than anyone in the
world. He is also a Designated FAA Examiner.
The 2-week
course is typically for students with a vast amount of recent aviation
background and/or training, although others are also welcome into the
course if they meet the prerequisites.
Q:
I already know everything about aviation so I'd like to just sign up
and knock out these lessons in a week or two, while studying for the
ADX at the same time. (we get this question 1-2 times a week.)
A:
Don't bother - you will not succeed at Sheffield School.
Q:
My aviation background is very little or insignificant, but I do not
procrastinate, I read and follow directions and instructions very well,
and am motivated to learn.
A:
Please apply after passing the ADX test - you are the type of student
Sheffield School desires and who the airlines prefer to employ.
Q:
How do I apply?
A:
The "DL+5" course Application and detailed Admissions
Procedures are below:
2008
Admission Procedures: Domestic Students
2008
Admission Procedures: International Students
2008:
(DL +5) Application form
Print a Credit Card authorization form
Q:
When I receive my User ID and password, will I be able to access the
online lessons (Courses 101-110 above) or do I still have to wait for
the posted dates that are on the Matrix? For instance, if I want to
participate in the Dec 501 class must I have the assignments in by those
dates?
A:
You can complete the lessons in order (Courses 101-110 above) any time
prior to the DUE DATES.The Matrix lists the due dates for each
Course; i.e. Course 101 is due Dec. 30 for the 501 course. You can
certainly complete a course before it's due date.
Q:
What seems to be the biggest problem for students taking the online
course?
A:
A combination of not following instructions and procrastination. For
example, once the Phase I tuition is paid, an email is sent with instructions
and links, and a directive to "Reply via email that you received
this email", but many students do not follow that direction. They
are reminded a week or 10 days later, some need an additional reminder,
but by then they are already 2-3 weeks behind.
Q:
What seems to be the next biggest problem for students taking the online
course?
A:
Not reading what was just written above or not believing it.
Q:
Anything else?
A:
Yes. Believing that the ADX test is Phase I or that the ADX exam can
be studied for while taking our Phase I online material concurrently.
Sheffield's Phase I online material is not pure ADX study material.
It could certainly help anyone studying for the ADX test, but is more
demanding on it's own and should be commenced once the ADX is already
passed.
Q:
STILL anything else?
A:
Yes. Believing that this is some "click through the pretty flash
files" type of course resulting in some lame "print out your
certificate" set of instructions at the end. There are a variety
of training methods used including interactive examples and other tasks,
but a large amount of READING is required, followed by homework and
other assignments, AND all must be REVIEWED and understood prior to
your arrival at Sheffield.
Q:
What is a good way to get terminated from the course and lose all my
money?
A:
Do not follow my instructions...repeatedly. Some students like to just
submit incomplete work, nameless work, late work, assignments out of
order.
It is almost approaching arrogance at times. Many simply cannot read.
Some enjoy resubmitting homework with the same incorrect answer. One
person submitted no assignments for a month after gaining access to
the online modules (typical procrastinator), then sent his first email
"Well, I'm ready to take the End of Course test for Course 105."
He never could understand from me that Course 101 comes first, then
Course 102, etc..If you do not completely understand an early course,
then you will not understand a latter course - it kind of goes in order
for a reason. There is a Matrix below that basically indicates due dates
in a certain order. It becomes difficult to help online students who
have legitimate technical questions because I need to send Johnny Clueless
another email explaining that the assignments are located when you click
the button named...Assignments.
Q:
Aren't you afraid to scare away prospective students with that last
answer?
A:
No. Two reasons: First, I only want quality people
taking these online modules. Sheffield has a solid 60-year reputation
- we do not need to lure in business - we're doing ok. We only prefer
students who want to learn, can READ, and can FOLLOW DIRECTIONS. Experienced?
No, could not care less - one guy referenced above had an ATP with other
flight certificates and simply could not read, apply, follow simple
directions, or think his way out of a paper bag. Then I've had others
with no aviation experience fly through the online courses and score
VERY high in the residency portion thereafter. 2nd reason:
do you really think the mentally lazy, non-followers of instruction
actually read all these questions and answers. I hope they did and I
hope they never contact Sheffield for training, but ... you know how
it goes.
I'll likely get 1-2 emails this week: "Well, I know I haven't done
anything for the past 5 weeks, but I'm going to get this all finished
this week and be there next week!" You're going to take 5 days
to do up to 3-4 months of work? Sure you are. Happens all the time.
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2008
Classes/Courses Date Matrix -
Dates in RED
indicate which Courses should already be completed or nearly completed.
| Classes |
Prerequisite |
2008:
Phase I - Online Courses: 101-110, completion due dates |
2008
Phase II |
|
ADX
suggested due date
is prior to Phase I online
portion!! |
101
due
|
102
due |
103
due |
104
due |
105
due |
106
due |
107
due |
108
due |
109
due |
110
due
|
Phase
II Start Date |
# |
Recommended |
Mandatory
Lesson completion due dates below (try to complete earlier): |
--- |
501 |
Nov
20 |
Dec
4 |
Dec
12 |
Dec
20 |
Dec
30 |
Jan
5 |
Jan
8 |
Jan
10 |
Jan
17 |
Jan
21 |
Jan
25 |
Feb.
1
|
502 |
Jan
8 |
Jan
22 |
Jan
30 |
Feb.
7 |
Feb
17 |
Feb
23 |
Feb
26 |
Feb
28 |
March
6 |
March
10 |
March
14 |
March
21
|
503 |
Feb
29 |
March
14 |
March
22 |
March
30 |
April
6 |
April
12 |
April
15 |
April
17 |
April
24 |
April
28 |
May
2 |
May
9 |
504 |
April
15 |
April
29 |
May
7 |
May
15 |
May
25 |
May
31 |
June
3 |
June
5 |
June
12 |
June
16 |
June
20 |
June
27 |
505 |
July
8 |
July
22 |
July
30 |
Aug
7 |
Aug
17 |
Aug
23 |
Aug
26 |
Aug
28 |
Sept
4 |
Sept
8 |
Sept
12 |
Sept
19 |
506 |
Aug
26 |
Sept
9 |
Sept
17 |
Sept
25 |
Oct
5 |
Oct
11 |
Oct
14 |
Oct
16 |
Oct
23 |
Oct
27 |
Oct
31 |
Nov
7 |
Student
MUST complete the above courses (lessons, assignments, and tests)
in a timely manner in order to be allowed to enter Phase
II residency portion of class. Recommended to START these Phase
I online lessons 4 months prior to the Phase II start date (right
column.)
|
