The Perks of Becoming an Aircraft Dispatcher

Planes and air travel are fascinating, and you might wonder how you can work in the exciting world of aeronautics without constant travel. Maybe you have no interest in flying a plane, but you value the responsibility that comes with transporting people safely from one place to another. If so, the job of an aircraft dispatcher may be perfect for you.

The Excitement of Essential Work

Aircraft dispatchers have an incredibly important role. Without them, even the best pilots could be lost or stuck in frightening situations. A day of safely guiding planes to their destinations can be rewarding and fulfilling. If you love the challenge of a fast-paced working environment and enjoy interacting with interesting people, you may find that a career in dispatching suits your personality and goals.

An aircraft dispatcher is just as important as the pilot. They calculate the correct data that goes into a flight plan, such as fuel usage, weather patterns, aircraft dimensions and more. They work hand in hand with the pilot to ensure that the flight goes off without a hitch and share the responsibility should something go wrong. While there is a lot at stake, having a job that makes a difference in people’s lives can be extremely rewarding and exciting.

The Joy and Convenience of Free Travel

When you work for an airline as a flight dispatcher, you get to enjoy one undeniable perk: jump-seating. This means that you can travel for free, even at the last minute. With the flight crew’s permission, a company I.D., and your dispatcher’s certificate, you can hop aboard almost any flight you choose.

Almost all airlines, the big family that they are, will follow this rule. As an aircraft dispatcher, you are responsible for the safety of the entire flight, just like the captain. And as such you get the privilege and priority if you want to take the jump seat on a flight. Some airlines require that each of their aircraft dispatchers spend a minimum of 5 hours a year in the jump seat. Not a bad seat to have, not at all.

Great Benefits and Good Pay

While starting out as an aircraft dispatcher you may not make much, the more years of experience you have the more money you can make. An aircraft dispatcher salary can reach between $90,000 to $130,000 for the executive level. Couple that with the rest of the benefits that come in the form of medical and dental insurance with all the trimmings, you can’t go wrong. Of course, the specifics will vary depending on the airline you choose to call home.

If you believe that a career as an aircraft dispatcher is right for you, it’s important to contact a certified aeronautics school and begin training for the proper certification. With hard work and passion for the skies, you can achieve your dream job. 

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    “Being that half my new hire class dropped out over the course of training, I can confidently say that Sheffield helped to prepare me for the real world.” GT – abridged testimonial – school selection matters
    “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
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    “I am a graduate of the Sheffield’s Dispatcher Program. I have been a Captain-Part 121 Airline, Certified Flight/Grnd Instructor, and FAA Designated Check Airman and Sim Instructor (Part 121). From my experience I would rate Sheffield School as outstanding in their field.” PT PT
    “Eric Morris is one of the most if not the most knowledgeable and experienced authorities on Aircraft Dispatching in the United States. He strives constantly to make the industry better.” DH sidebar DH
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    “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.” PR PR
    “This school came highly recommended by multiple past students and EVEN OTHERS FROM OTHER SCHOOLS. Reputation is fantastic from multiple companies that I have worked for.” A. – September 2020
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    “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.” CD Sidebar CD
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    “Your school has offered me an incredible advantage in the Dispatcher job market.” D.K. D. Kircher
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