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Q
& A
Aircraft
Dispatcher Career
1.
What
is the definition of "Aircraft Dispatcher?"
- There
is no official definition of "Aircraft Dispatcher", which we find
appalling. The Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) Part I provide
definitions for various crewmembers, but not the person who is equally
responsible with the Pilot-in-command (PIC) for the safety of the
flight. You'll find definitions of Dispatcher which are simply listings
of responsibilities to some definitions as general as "..a person
with a dispatch license who works at an airline..". One of our former
practical examiners, Mr. Leon Jansen, petitioned the FAA to incorporate
his definition of "Aircraft Dispatcher" into the FARs.
2. What
is an Aircraft Dispatcher and what are their responsibilities?
They
are occasionally referred to as the "Captain on the ground."
The dispatcher is jointly responsible with the Pilot-in-Command (PIC)
for the safe planning and monitoring of an FAR Part 121 Air Carrier
operation. The dispatcher plans the flight by taking into consideration
the current and forecast weather, NOTAMS (Notices to Airmen), ATC
delays and severe weather avoidance plans, volcanic ash advisories,
fuel requirements as well as other factors to ensure a safe and comfortable
flight for the crew and passengers. Once the Captain and Dispatcher
agree that the flight can be completed safely according to the flight
plan, both individuals will sign a Dispatch Release (a company authorization
to operate a flight).
3. What is the
difference between an Air Traffic Controller and an Aircraft Dispatcher
and where do they work?
An Air
Traffic Controller is mainly responsible for the separation of air
traffic operating to and from airports. An Aircraft Dispatcher does
not directly provide separational control over aircraft, but coordinates
with Air Traffic Control, Flight Service personnel, aircraft crew
scheduling, maintenance control, and various company ground stations.
An Air Traffic Controller usually will be located in either a control
tower at an airport or at one of several enroute centers. An Aircraft
Dispatcher will usually work at, or near, the company's headquarters
such as Delta Airlines in Atlanta, and United Airlines in Chicago).
-
-
Federal
Express Operational Command (Control) Center
4. What
is the minimum age to be an Aircraft Dispatcher?
The minimum
age for certification as an Aircraft Dispatcher is 23 years. An individual
can begin a training class at the age of 21 and take the computer
based FAA Aircraft dispatcher Knowledge exam (the ADX, formerly referred
to as "written exam").
5. What
is the maximum age to be an Aircraft Dispatcher?
There
is no maximum age limitation to become an Aircraft Dispatcher. We
have had students in their upper 50's as well as one who was 62
attend our course with success.
- 6.
Are there employment opportunities for graduates over 40 years of age?
(From
a grad to propsective student)
"I am 48, went to school and got my job at age 47. There were
several people my age at Sheffield. (The best school by far after
detailed investigation.)"
7.
Why are Aircraft Dispatchers required for certain operations?
They
perform preflight planning, preparing and signing a Dispatch Release
(an authorization to operate), monitoring the flight progress, informing
the PIC of significant operational information, canceling/delaying
of the flight, among a few other duties. They are essentially a "Pilot-on-Ground".
This concept of the Airline Dispatch system is based on the "checks
& balances" system (a safety margin); simply put, "two heads are
better than one".
8.
What annual salary can I expect to receive?
Usually
at a regional-type airline, $26K to $30K, with increases following
the initial 3-6 month probation period; however, the high end
with major airlines is up to $80K-90K with flight privileges
and other typical benefits. Many of our graduates become supervisors
or hiring managers!
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Contact
us at:
499
NW 70th Ave Suite 110
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33317 - USA
Tel 800-843-8289, 954-581-6022
Fax 954-584-8980
email morris@sheffield.com
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