Author: James T. Holman, CFI, ADX
Graduate, Sheffield School of Aeronautics, 2012
ADX Knowledge Test: The Basics
If you’re in the market for Dispatch training and can’t seem to shake the intimidation of the required FAA knowledge test, you are not alone! The dreaded ADX test haunts many considering training for the issuance of an Aircraft Dispatcher certificate in furtherance of a career in Aviation. The apprehension is compounded for the majority who, while more than capable of learning the trade, lack the ‘lingo’ gained by first-hand operational job experience. What I’ve found and subsequently taught is that, as with any FAA knowledge test, taking a realistic approach to conquering the ADX is becoming increasingly critical to minimizing stress and unnecessary distraction through the process of completing the certificate from start to finish. Let’s work smarter rather than harder here, and save the blood, sweat, and tears for where they’re justified: in the classroom during formal instruction.
The details surrounding the ADX test can be found via various FAA-published sources or usually within the forward-most sections of the majority of ADX prep materials. If you haven’t yet visited with our mutual friend, Google, to discuss these details, here they are! The test itself is required by Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 65, which concerns the Certification of Airmen other than flight crewmembers. Subpart C of Part 65 outlines the knowledge test as well as all other eligibility requirements for the issuance of the Aircraft Dispatcher certificate. An applicant for the test does not need any form of official endorsement to take the test.
All knowledge tests are conducted through one of two FAA-authorized contractors. To register, contact PSI; they’ll provide your nearest testing centers, collect payment for your test, and give you registration details along with the information I’m providing here. Make sure you tell them specifically that you’re testing for Aircraft Dispatcher, with the three-letter test identifier ‘ADX.’ The test itself incurs a one-time fee of ($175.00 USD), which is set by FAA across the board. When you get to your testing center, you’ll have 3.5 hours to take the 80-question test, and you’ll need a minimum score of 70% to pass. Upon successful attempt, the passing score is valid for 24 calendar months following the date of your test. Make sure to complete training and achieve your certificate within that time frame or you’ll find yourself having to take the dreaded thing again! If you’re training with Sheffield School as part of the 5-week course, rest assured: the ADX is factored into the cost of tuition and everything is taken care of through the School.
ADX as a Practical Feat
The question bank used by FAA for the ADX exam shares the majority of questions with the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) exam, taken by pilots pursuing the highest grade of pilot certificate offered. Let’s face it: it’s grossly impractical to assume that folks considering an entry-level career in Dispatch immediately contain the knowledge gained from experience held by 1500+-hour pilots taking essentially the same test. Therefore, assuming a solid foundation of knowledge is to soon be gained through formal training, consider the ADX as a formality and study for it as such.
What do I mean by ‘formality?’ Synonyms include ‘ritual,’ ‘requirement,’ and ‘procedure.’ Consider any other commonly-seen standardized test. In my mind, any of the various state-specific professional licensing exams and the ACT/SAT college prep exams rise to the surface. How do we prep for either? We invest time and money into study systems that advertise ‘guaranteed’ scores and minimal study time. Why? Not because we’re sweating beads while studying for either test with the intention of truly learning something from the experience, but because we’re shooting for the highest score possible with minimal distress incurred.
The fact of the matter is that learning takes time. Without the presence of time for practice, any learning takes a superficial or ‘rote’ façade. That is, the learner learns just enough to spit out the correct answer to the question that’s asked. He or she lacks any further understanding of the material that’d be required to apply it to anything. As an instructor in this dynamic and complex industry, I’d never advocate learning to the ‘rote’ level alone. But again, let’s be realistic; with time at a premium, we do what we need to do to get through it. If that means memorizing answers for the purpose of passing the knowledge test alone, then so be it.
The key to effectively handling the ADX knowledge test is to find which study system works best for you. Then do everything in your power to jump through the proverbial hoop of getting it accomplished and moving along to the meat and potatoes of Dispatch. If you lack experience in Aviation and jump into ADX study that’s immediately over your head, there’s nothing wrong with obtaining part of your formal training before sitting for your knowledge test. If possible, however, satisfying the ADX requirement prior to officially beginning training not only puts you ahead of the game, it allows more focus on and less distraction from what matters, and that’s what you’ll soon learn in class.
“Sheffield School of Aeronautics is known worldwide for its quality training and has been recommended to me by our national airline Swiss International Airlines. Whenever I mention the name ‘Sheffield’ it rings a bell in people’s ears.” IWIW
” I have received 4 (job) offers…many of the interviews I have gotten have been because of my “pedigree”…going to Sheffield. I am amazed at the respect your school has….I am honored to be a graduate. Thank you for all the work you ..!” Testimonial – J. Ganci
“I am so glad they are like this because it made me a better dispatcher and I really appreciate their high standards. I would highly recommend Sheffield to anyone who is willing to study hard and is serious about obtaining a Dispatcher Certificate.” MCMC
“As a graduate of the aircraft dispatcher program at the Sheffield School of Aeronautics…My training was intense and thorough and furnished me with the requisite skills for performing my current job as a Flight Dispatch Supervisor.” N.S.Sidebar NS
“This was an amazing class! Always interesting! It was like drinking from a fire hose, but I have never enjoyed a course more than this one. Thank you for a great 5 weeks & EWINS!” R.S.R.S. Testimonial – 5-weeks & EWINS
“I entered my profession, with more knowledge and information than dispatchers who have been practicing their craft for more than ten years. Not only has Sheffield provided a top notch education, but they have also instilled in me the confidence to succeed.” A.Z.Sidebar AZ – Student Testimonial
“Your school has offered me an incredible advantage in the Dispatcher job market.” D.K.D. Kircher
“Their reputation of excellence amongst the industry is second to none. Sheffield School of Aeronautics should be seen as the standard of how it can be done and how it should be done. I was hired at a major airline with no dispatch experience.” A.Z.Sidebar AZ
Good afternoon Eric, I wanted to reach out to let you know that training at (airline) is in full swing and I couldn’t be happier that I chose Sheffield. My classmates, while very smart, definitely had subpar training and that has been very evident. I have waited to write a full scale review of the […]Attending Sheffield School benefits airline new hires in preparation for airline training
“My experience at Sheffield and my exposure to other aircraft dispatchers that did not go to Sheffield has resulted in an awareness of the superior depth and quality of the training provided by the Sheffield instructors.” CDSidebar CD
“I am a month into my new job at a airline coming out of reorganization, and am helping the training department by referencing the excellent and up to date course book provided to all Sheffield grads.” RWRW
“After receiving my certificate, I joined a class of 4 experienced dispatchers for Part 121 initial training. Without experience, my preparation at Sheffield enabled me to become active at the same time after the initial training.” PRPR
“Going to Sheffield prepared me for the real world challenges of Aircraft Dispatching. I certainly believe that the method Sheffield used is one not only for success in a real world career, but also one that prepares students to correctly dispatch aircraft.” T.Z.Sidebar TZ
“While touring my company’s dispatch department before I had my license our OCC manager pointed out that 7 of the 10 dispatchers on shift had come from Sheffield. The overall consensus was that Sheffield grads were able to hit the ground running as they were better prepared.” K.O.Sidebar K.O.
“These men represented the highest caliber of professionalism and integrity. The education I received from these gentleman has afforded me to be gainfully employed while having the opportunity to use the education received, all over this country, and more than a few others.” WGsidebar wg
ADX Essentials
10 July 2014
Author: James T. Holman, CFI, ADX
Graduate, Sheffield School of Aeronautics, 2012
ADX Knowledge Test: The Basics
If you’re in the market for Dispatch training and can’t seem to shake the intimidation of the required FAA knowledge test, you are not alone! The dreaded ADX test haunts many considering training for the issuance of an Aircraft Dispatcher certificate in furtherance of a career in Aviation. The apprehension is compounded for the majority who, while more than capable of learning the trade, lack the ‘lingo’ gained by first-hand operational job experience. What I’ve found and subsequently taught is that, as with any FAA knowledge test, taking a realistic approach to conquering the ADX is becoming increasingly critical to minimizing stress and unnecessary distraction through the process of completing the certificate from start to finish. Let’s work smarter rather than harder here, and save the blood, sweat, and tears for where they’re justified: in the classroom during formal instruction.
The details surrounding the ADX test can be found via various FAA-published sources or usually within the forward-most sections of the majority of ADX prep materials. If you haven’t yet visited with our mutual friend, Google, to discuss these details, here they are! The test itself is required by Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 65, which concerns the Certification of Airmen other than flight crewmembers. Subpart C of Part 65 outlines the knowledge test as well as all other eligibility requirements for the issuance of the Aircraft Dispatcher certificate. An applicant for the test does not need any form of official endorsement to take the test.
All knowledge tests are conducted through one of two FAA-authorized contractors. To register, contact PSI; they’ll provide your nearest testing centers, collect payment for your test, and give you registration details along with the information I’m providing here. Make sure you tell them specifically that you’re testing for Aircraft Dispatcher, with the three-letter test identifier ‘ADX.’ The test itself incurs a one-time fee of ($175.00 USD), which is set by FAA across the board. When you get to your testing center, you’ll have 3.5 hours to take the 80-question test, and you’ll need a minimum score of 70% to pass. Upon successful attempt, the passing score is valid for 24 calendar months following the date of your test. Make sure to complete training and achieve your certificate within that time frame or you’ll find yourself having to take the dreaded thing again! If you’re training with Sheffield School as part of the 5-week course, rest assured: the ADX is factored into the cost of tuition and everything is taken care of through the School.
ADX as a Practical Feat
The question bank used by FAA for the ADX exam shares the majority of questions with the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) exam, taken by pilots pursuing the highest grade of pilot certificate offered. Let’s face it: it’s grossly impractical to assume that folks considering an entry-level career in Dispatch immediately contain the knowledge gained from experience held by 1500+-hour pilots taking essentially the same test. Therefore, assuming a solid foundation of knowledge is to soon be gained through formal training, consider the ADX as a formality and study for it as such.
What do I mean by ‘formality?’ Synonyms include ‘ritual,’ ‘requirement,’ and ‘procedure.’ Consider any other commonly-seen standardized test. In my mind, any of the various state-specific professional licensing exams and the ACT/SAT college prep exams rise to the surface. How do we prep for either? We invest time and money into study systems that advertise ‘guaranteed’ scores and minimal study time. Why? Not because we’re sweating beads while studying for either test with the intention of truly learning something from the experience, but because we’re shooting for the highest score possible with minimal distress incurred.
The fact of the matter is that learning takes time. Without the presence of time for practice, any learning takes a superficial or ‘rote’ façade. That is, the learner learns just enough to spit out the correct answer to the question that’s asked. He or she lacks any further understanding of the material that’d be required to apply it to anything. As an instructor in this dynamic and complex industry, I’d never advocate learning to the ‘rote’ level alone. But again, let’s be realistic; with time at a premium, we do what we need to do to get through it. If that means memorizing answers for the purpose of passing the knowledge test alone, then so be it.
The key to effectively handling the ADX knowledge test is to find which study system works best for you. Then do everything in your power to jump through the proverbial hoop of getting it accomplished and moving along to the meat and potatoes of Dispatch. If you lack experience in Aviation and jump into ADX study that’s immediately over your head, there’s nothing wrong with obtaining part of your formal training before sitting for your knowledge test. If possible, however, satisfying the ADX requirement prior to officially beginning training not only puts you ahead of the game, it allows more focus on and less distraction from what matters, and that’s what you’ll soon learn in class.
Sheffield School‘s ADX Test Prep App
Login Screen – ADX App