From a Store front to South Florida – Aircraft Dispatch School Selection

My journey to Sheffield began while stopping in an aviation store In Houston in the summer of 2007. In the window of the store was an advertisement for Aircraft Dispatcher classes at an area Junior College. Out of curiosity, I began to research Aircraft Dispatching as it had peaked my interested. I soon found myself enrolled in the night courses at the college for the fall semester driving 100 miles a night round trip to attend the classes. I was really enthusiastic about the whole process.

I found the junior college classes to be rushed. It seemed as if the instructor was intent on getting the class prepared for the final exam as well as the practical test but little was provided regarding explanations. When the class was concluded (and I passed the final) I took the practical test with the Examiner. He was fair and thorough and I had earned the Rating!

A year or so later I had a nagging feeling. I felt that even though I had earned the rating, I hadn’t earned the knowledge. I wanted to understand the dispatching profession rather than just have the rating in my wallet. Knowledge is not the same thing as facts. I had never learned to THINK like a dispatcher. My enthusiasm began to fall and I felt short-changed.

That led me to research various full-time schools on the Internet to fill in the blanks and recapture the enthusiasm. There were several offerings in various places across the country, but when I researched the industry, everything kept leading to Ft Lauderdale and Sheffield School of Aeronautics.

Going to Sheffield in early 2009 was one of the best decisions I made in my life. I found a program that challenged me more than the two college degrees that I already had. Even though I already had the rating, I realized how little I knew about dispatching. I had a chance to be challenged like never before. It was also a chance to meet people from around the world and make personal connections. Most of all I was able to earn the knowledge. I finally began to think like a dispatcher. What a great experience!

They should have just put the Sheffield sign in the store window and saved me a lot of time and miles!

Howard Drabek, ADX AGI IGI – Sheffield Graduate

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    “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
    “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.” RW RW
    “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
    “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.
    “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
    “I wanted to tell you I got the job offer from Expressjet, and start next month! I think a couple others from class were hired as well. It just shows the Sheffield reputation when I see graduates from other schools complaining that they can’t get an interview – I wasn’t even back home to Minneapolis […] Dan Gustafson
    ” 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
    “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
    “As a graduate of Sheffield School of Aeronautics I am a firm believer that I received the most thorough and well thought out aircraft dispatcher training available. I owe my position in the industry to Sheffield School of Aeronautics.” BF Sidebar BF
    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
    “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
    “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
    “If you want to be the best, first you need to be trained by the best!” P. Hill P.Hill – DHL
    “now that I’ve been in an indoctrination class with students from other schools, I know I made the right choice with Sheffield.”   Kindest regards,  A.R.  All schools are created equal?! yeah…sure ;)
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