.Sheffield
School of Aeronautics
30 Dec
2004
Subject: Happy New Year
Hi Eric, Bruce, Scott and Brett and Katja
As the year is coming to an end now I just wanted to say Thank you once
again for all you have teached me throughout my stay in Ft. Lauderdale
in June. Thanks to you I have finally
made a dream come true. Altough I am still waiting for
a Dispatcher Position within SWISS, I actually planned my first real
Flight with supervision from a other Sheffield Graduate. Of course I
couldn't sign the flight plan but it was close to the real thing. It
was a TLV-ZRH flight with an Airbus A320. (Got the flight 45min. prior
to ETA into ZRH J). Also Thank you Eric and Katja for having a very
good hand (einen Guten Riecher) with the people living in the house.
I have made friends for life with the 3 guys and gals I lived with,
and I have actually even met some of them after the course.
I wish and your Team all the best in the coming year. May a lot of good
and smart Dispatchers visit your school (although anyone
who chooses you must be smart otherwise they would not go to the best
Dispatcher school in the world). May 2005 be very sucessful
for you.
Greetings from Zurich
Gregory Reisdorf
Swiss International Airlines Ltd.
Swiss WorldCargo
Cargo Operations-Control
Ops Center
http://www.swissworldcargo.com
16 Dec
2004 12:26:00
Good morning,
...I would like to get my dispatching license from your school. A few
months ago I was in Atlanta, GA for a retirement ceremony for a Delta
Airlines Captain and I had the oppurtunity
to sit with a dispatcher for Delta for a few hours to see the basic
process and ask questions. I loved it and decided to
take my career path in this direction. I do not remember the name of
the person who I sat with, but he went
to your school and told me that this was the school to go to if I wanted
to be a dispatcher...Thank you very much for your time
S.N.
Wed, 24
Nov 2004 02:22:42 -0500
Eric,
I also wanted to let you know that I was recently accepted into my employer's
next
Dispatcher class beginning December 6, 2004. Everyone at ASA sends their
regards. Thanks for the wealth of knowledge
your institution provided me. I am certain that it played a key role
in my advancement.
Sincerely,
B. Brown
Atlantic Southeast Airlines
Tue, 23
Nov 2004
Sheffield Staff,
I want to thank you all for everything that you did for me during my
stay at Sheffield. I especially want to thank Brett and Scott for doing
an outstanding job with the class. Brett for his great work with all
the class material and Scott for a great job instructing. I wasn't sure
what to expect when I arrived, but soon realized what all the hype was
about. I was told throughout the 4-week course that the material and
methods of instruction would prepare me for anything I would come across
in the real world. Although it has been almost five months since I graduated,
I have landed the job of my dreams. This month I accepted a job with
Southwest Airlines in their Dispatch department. I called months before
the interview and tried picking the brains of anyone I could about the
position and what other candidates in the past had trouble with during
the interview. They were telling me things such as reading NOTAMS, WX
maps, and TAFs. I told them that I felt very confident in the education
that I received at Sheffield. I did open my "large green Dispatch
bible" that I received from you all and proceeded to read through
it again. Although I was very critical and harsh on myself after the
interview, I apparently did very well. I know that came from the type
of instruction that I received at Sheffield. The course definitely prepared
me for anything and everything that was thrown my way in the interview.
I'm very excited and felt like I needed to thank you because you made
it possible. I always have and continue to recommend Sheffield to anyone
that I know that might be interested in a career as a Dispatcher.
Thanks again,
Christian L. Mann
4-Week Class
June 2004
Wed, 08
Dec 2004
Subject: Looking back...
Hi Eric-Thanks a million.
There's so much I wish I could fit into a short e-mail,
but it would take me
a week to hone it down, and even then, I'd miss most of what I'd want
to
say. That being said, read this to your incoming students and staple
it to
their foreheads:
1) You chose Sheffield, now HANG ON. You chose quality, now give it
your
best. You're going to be put through a wringer, but if quality training
were
easy or cheap, boot camp would be a home study course. It takes an external
source to transfer these skills to your head, to construct it.
But it's up to you to APPLY it-and to know HOW, and when. Don't miss
a
thing, no matter how small.
2) You will have to work harder than you can imagine, but when you look
back, years from now, you'll be so glad you did. ..., ...being
a Sheffield grad
changes you forever. Only a Sheffield grad will understand
what it took to
graduate, but the industry knows that
Sheffield grads ARE a different breed.
Stay in touch with your classmates-they'll know what you went through.
3) Remember this: even what comes easy to you demands-utterly demands
your full attention.
4) LISTEN TO ERIC. HANG ON EVERY WORD.
5) Reread #4.
6) The jobs are there. The industry is growing, changing, hiring-don't
miss
out. Keep your skills sharp, and keep your good notes to fall back on.
7) Here, and later at work, don't be shy about asking for help on something.
In your job, you won't make all your decisions in a vacuum, nor should
you.
Good DRM means using all available sources of data to build a complete
and
accurate picture of a situation. Some decisions will be made alone,
and
some, very very quickly, but the more you know, the better you are able
to
apply hard won knowledge in the clutch.
8) Professionals expect, and respect the judgement of someone they can
look upon as another professional. Their own decision processes may
be shaped by, and sometimes overidden by your own. Know your art. Stick
to your guns, and don't be afraid to make a tough call-it's your job.
9) Develop the ability to multitask and prioritize, and stay on top
of
what's happening around you. Over time, you'll develop your own bag
of
tricks to pull vital info together quickly, whether it be a favorite
source
of weather data, or a great working relationship with your local FSS-mine
is
in Honolulu, half an ocean and a continent away from my ops base, and
3000+NM from where my aircraft are flying...
10) The pace can be furious. It will test your nerves, but keep a sense
of
humor, and look out for your crews. A hard day is when I've worked a
shift,
am tired and spun, but don't want to go home.
One more thing...
You'll never know when something you share with another pilot, just
over
coffee, or out flying on a day off, might just save their life. Dispatch
is
a field where you are paid to share and apply your knowledge-spread
it
around. We are all improved by what we give back.
Thanks Eric, and Ron, Katja, and everyone
there-I can't begin to describe the fun I've had.
All the best,
Roland
Tue, 26
Oct 2004
Hey Eric--Just wanted to let you know where one of your graduates ended
up. After nearly 3 years at Mesa Air in PHX I moved to NY! I was hired
by
JetBlue Airways earlier this year and have been happy here ever since!
Thanks for the great foundation!
Best Wishes--
L.T.
October
2004
"I have never
worked so hard for something so rewardable in my life. It has definitely
been an experience. I also have to sincerely thank the staff for their
encouragement."
C.S. III
Tue, 5
Oct 2004 11:42:11
Dear Eric,
I have good news! I am going to work at the SKYMARK AIRLINES as an assistant
dispatcher. The company started business as the first discounted airline
in Japan about six years ago. Since it’s still young, the company
has only six B-767s and flies between a few cities in Japan. But, the
company is going to schedule more domestic and international flights
in the years.
When I had an interview at the company, they were
very curious about what I had learned at the Sheffield. After I told
a lot of subjects I studied, they were smiling and looking at me like
“Well, this person seems to have basic knowledge!” I again
realized that your school gave me a lot.
Once again, thank you for good education, and I hope you keep the school
the best in the world!
Best wishes,
C. Cho
September
2004
"I
now understand why Sheffield is so highly recommended and why your graduates
are so sought after." A.
"Awesome
school. Thanks for everything." H.R.
"Hard
work, good time! Thx to you all." Adam
"I
was very impressed with the instructor's ability to teach complex topics
to students of various backgrounds...Thought the weather material was
outstanding." A.
Wed, 29
Sep 2004 08:22:06
Hi Ron, Eric, and everyone,
First things first. I want to thank you all for the great start you
gave me nearly five years ago when I graduated
from Sheffield and found myself hired before graduation
and settled into Horizon Air within a matter of weeks. It has been a
wonderful ride and it's hard to believe that it has been nearly five
years. I am already one of the "old guys", along with J.M.,
M.W., and J.C. (now a Flight Control Manager). Thanks
so much for the great training and for all you do.
Mon, 23 Aug 2004
21:06:50 -0500
Hi Eric,
Hope all is well in FLL. I want to give you the whole story as soon
as I have time share my experience with you (later)
I was hired 2 weeks after graduating from the Mar-Apr 2004 class and
have 4 months in with Air Wisconsin as of this week. Timing was really
on my side. Thanks for all the encouragement and real-life advice. Feel
free to email at your convenience and thanks a million !!
J.K.
7 Aug 2004
17:26:50 -0500
Hi Eric,
"Just
wanted to let you know how its going at Air Wisconsin. I finished classroom
training earlier in the week and am now doing desk training. Its going
great...The systems have been easy to pick up. You will also be pleased
to know that my classmate in initial training was also a Sheffield Grad...Its
a great operation up here, and Sheffield
definitely helped us both succeed. Anyways, back to
work. Talk to you soon."
R.M.
Air Wisconsin Airlines Corporation
14
Jul 2004 17:46:08 +0200
Hello Mr. Morris,
"I am a FedEx employee still after all these years and I must say
your licence gave me a huge chunk of knowledge in my career."
Thanks
Regards
J.P.L.
France
07 Jul 2004
07:05:46 -0400
Hi Eric,
"I wanted to let you know that I just accepted a position with AVCARD
as a Flight Operations Specialist in Hunt Valley, MD. The
director of operations is R.W., a 1988 graduate of Sheffield. I think
the "Sheffield" relation really helped me to acquire this position.
I also completed my degree through Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
University, my dispatcher license was worth at least 18 credits
and possibly more (I only needed 18, but you can receive 24 for the license...
I would like to thank you, Bruce and Brett for all of the excellent training.
Once again thank-you and take care."
K.J., April 2004 Class
2
Jul 2004 22:24:22 -0400
Hi Eric,
"I just wanted to let you know that I accepted a dispatcher position
with Independence Air
in Dulles. I start training on July 19. I'm quite excited about getting
started and a bit nervous as well. I suppose that's normal.
I wanted to express to you and the staff there (Scott in particular)
my appreciation for the training and assistance that I received. My
thanks as well to Brett who fielded numerous calls from me and answered
many of my questions.
I have interviewed with 4 different airlines over the past several months.
During all 4 interviews, a statement
was made by the interviewer indicating that they look favorably upon
or outright prefer Sheffield graduates. I wanted to
pass that compliment along to you.
Thank you once again and I will be in touch!"
Jim M.
March 2004 4-week graduate
17 Jun 2004
21:18:55 -0500
ERIC....THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I AM UP AND RUNNING AGAIN (jobs password
request). YOU GUYS REALLY LIVE UP TO YOUR WORD. STILL CAN
HONESTLY SAY COMING TO YOUR SCHOOL WAS ONE OF THE BEST EXPERIENCES OF
MY LIFE....
RESPECTFULLY, C.B.
Sheffield
provides Technical assistance to Graduates while on the job!
3
May 2004 20:07:44 -0000
Hi Eric,
"..I would just like to add that I can remember you saying to us
that Sheffield is not just a School, but somewhere to turn to if you
ever have any questions concerning Dispatching.
Once a Sheffield graduate, always a Sheffield
graduate. Those words were so true and I am always boasting
this to other colleagues too. A couple of them here at C----- also have
FAA licenses but had attended a different School, and they do not
have that privelege. That is also something that you guys can be
immensely proud of."
All the best,
M.
26 Apr 2004
05:54:32 +0400
Subject: It's all paid off!
Hi Eric,
..Just wanted to drop you an email to let you know how I've been doing.
.. I finally got the job offer I had been waiting for.
It's with a new airline based out of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates
called Etihad and I've been here for 2 weeks. It's a brilliant opportunity
as the company is only 6 months old and I am part of the start-up staff
for the Operations Department. We've been focussing a lot on the new
flight planning systems and just generally familiarising ourselves with
the routes and that is where my Sheffield
training has come in extremely useful. Everyday there
is something new to learn and I'm working with some very experienced
industry professionals but I don't feel underprepared or incapable and
that is why I wanted to get in contact to thank you and Scott for the
help and support you gave me.
It really has been a worthwhile experience and I feel extremely lucky
that they have picked me to join at such a crucial stage..
Anyway, thanks once again and I hope everything is going well over there.
Speak to you soon,
A.B.
1 Apr 2004 18:27:57
-0500
Dear Mr. Morris,
I do want to thank you for all that you did for me. Sheffield was a
wonderful program and I feel well prepared to enter the job market.
I did get an offer from Commutair, and have an interview with Chautauqua
on Tuesday, so it looks like things will work out. Thank you again for
your advice and well run program. I will keep you updated, and hopefully
can return for recurrent training,
G.K.
What
good is being handed a Dispatcher Certificate at a rubber-stamp operation
if you'll lose your job because you've been ill-prepared!? Get an education,
get a job, and....KEEP the job! Attend Sheffield. The next 2 testimonials
couldn't say it any clearer!
20 Feb
2004 22:38:29 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Thanks
Eric,
A quick note to let you what a wonderful experience I had with your
course. Bruce and Brett were extraordinary, both with knowledge and
experience. Bruce and Brett were so personable, that even though they
were my instructors, I consider them friends, as well as instructors.
I had considered other courses that required less time/money/effort
on my part to receive certification. I chose your course, however, because
of your reputation--I didn’t want to feel "lost" on
the first day on the job. During the most difficult parts of your course,
I have to admit I joked with other students that I would have gladly
taken one of the other courses that "handed out" certificates--just
so I could get through it. Having gone through it all though, I am sure
I made the right choice. It is an indescribable
feeling to be confident about the career I am seeking, rather than terrified
about what might be ahead of me.
I received an appointment for an interview
with an airline (Skywest) before I even graduated. I
am certain that I have your school and, of course God, to thank for
that.
I miss everyone at Sheffield already and hope to see you all in the
future. In the meantime, thanks–and please send special thanks
back to Bruce and Brett.
Best Wishes,
J.B.
20 Feb 2004
13:23:00 EST
Subject: Dispatch Course
Dear Sir,
I have a dispatch certificate from
another school. I am not though currently working
in the industry but would like to start. I am wondering if I would be
able to take your course, either accelerated or your 6 week, since
I feel my knowledge is lacking and need refreshing
on the subject matter. If that is possible, how would that work? Would
I have to take the oral over? Any info you might be able to offer would
be great. Thank you for your time.
A.M.
Sheffield
prepares you for more than simply memorizing answers for tests - we
prepare you for your airline training and your career!
21
Feb 2004 03:09:11 -0500
Hi Eric,
Been working with ACA since December now. So far things are going well.
A lot of tough work sometimes, but all in all a pretty rewarding job.
Felt really well prepared going through
the training. Got A's on all the tests without putting much effort into
preparing...I'd also like to say that I think Scott
did an exellent job teaching that class...Anyway, thanks again.
-B
...and
the words from the typical non-Sheffield graduate....asking for
the assistance their own school should have provided.
2
Feb 2004 20:36:32 -0500
Subject: professional assistance?
Dear Mr. Morris,
I spoke to you about 4 years ago about coming down for dispatch school.
Unfortunately the timing was wrong for my family then...I did
end up getting my dispatch license in Atlanta
with (company name). This probably turned
out to hurt me now. To make a long story short, you
will see by my resume attached, that I had limited success working as
a dispatcher... I have been trying with all my heart to get looked at
again and have had only a few interviews that were semi-dispatch related.
What I was hoping for here was your professional assessment of my ..resume.
In hope that you can steer me in the right direction so I
can break this slump I am in.
I know I am not a Sheffield Student and you certainly don't owe me a
thing, I do have the utmost respect
for you and the school, I have had the pleasure of working with some
of your graduates and later wished I had attended Sheffield in hindsight...
Regards,
HCR
Date:
Wed, 28 Jan 2004 19:16:52 -0500
Hello Mr. Morris,
I graduated from Sheffield in May of 2000. I have to say that I am glad
that I was trained by you and the school. I must thank you for that
up front. I have worked for (other airlines), and now I am at Atlantic
Coast Airlines. My Sheffield education prepared me for Dispatching in
the "real world". At all of the OCC's that I have worked,
it seems that the "Sheffield grads" do the best job. Thanks
again for everything.
MT
Date:
Tue, 27 Jan 2004 01:13:25 -0600
Eric,
As always, thanks for the excellent training. The Sheffield
grads in our office are hands down the best dispatchers we have on the
floor...we continue to run circles around (another school's)
"best" graduates. The training we received is obviously far
better than they get even now.
Thanks again for everything.
RJ
19 Dec
2003 10:26:23 -0500
Subject: Hi Eric
Hi Eric,
Well I'm now officially convinced that your training and school reputation
has helped me land my first job! I just got a job with Avbase Aviation
in Cleveland, OH as a Flight Coordinator doing basically a little bit
of everything (flight planning, crew scheduling, some price quoting,
setting up catering, accomodations, etc.)...With the reputation of your
program, companies are able to make generalizations about your graduates
that they will be competent, have determination, be hard-working, and
have a positive attitude. A perfect example of this is my interview
with (an airline). They only hire Sheffield graduates as dispatchers,
and that has to say something! Thanks for your recommendations, Eric,
they were a trumendous help to me. And be sure to thank Scott for me..he
was a great teacher!
Thank you again and I'll be sure to keep in touch..
-D.-
