Flight Dispatcher vs. Air Traffic Controller

By Eric Morris | Published: April 28, 2022

Aircraft Dispatcher vs. Air Traffic Controller

Flight dispatchers and air traffic controllers may have different job titles, but they share many of the same responsibilities. “What is the difference between an aircraft dispatcher and an air traffic controller?” is a rather common question for people that are looking into getting into the aviation industry or attending an air traffic control school. Fortunately for those that are asking this question, Sheffield School of Aeronautics has the answers for you. There are quite a few differences when it comes to aircraft dispatcher vs. air traffic controller responsibilities and job descriptions. Continue reading below to learn more from our specialized aeronautics school. 

What Is an Air Traffic Controller? 

An air traffic controller is someone who oversees and directs air traffic in the air and on the ground. Their primary responsibility is to direct traffic and ensure that everything is going through in an orderly manner. One of the main focuses that an air traffic controller will have is to relay information during take-off and landing and to make sure that they inform pilots of potential issues that could arise mid-flight. Multi-tasking and managing stress are fundamental for air traffic controllers since they need to keep track of multiple things and relay information effectively.  

What Is an Airline Dispatcher? 

An aircraft dispatcher or flight dispatcher is someone who is responsible for managing the scheduling of airline flights. Most of the job that an airline dispatcher conducts happens pre-flight and involves a great deal of analysis and planning. For example, an air traffic dispatcher will have to account for weather, other flight patterns, and other air traffic in the area. An air traffic dispatcher’s salary will steadily increase as they accrue more experience on the job. When it comes to an understanding of the job qualifications of an aircraft dispatcher vs. air traffic controller, many of the differences lay in the fact that most of the job happens during or before a flight. 

More About Sheffield School of Aeronautics 

We are an air traffic control trade school that is dedicated to helping our students find their way into successful careers as air traffic dispatchers. If you are interested in a career in aeronautics and aviation, then Sheffield is an excellent place to start. Whether it is resources like this one that details the differences between a flight dispatcher vs. air traffic controller, or information found on our other blogs, we can help you start your career in the aeronautics industry. Contact us today for more information. 

Related Readings

What is Unmanned Air Traffic System Management?

Why is Flight Dispatch a Good Way to Start a Career in Aviation?

This entry was posted in Advanced International Flight Planning, Aircraft Dispatch Education & Advice, Aircraft Dispatcher 2 Week Course, Aircraft Dispatcher 3 Week Course, Aviation, Becoming an Aircraft Dispatcher. Bookmark the permalink.

  • Contact Us

    • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

  • Testimonials

    “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
    “If you want to be the best, first you need to be trained by the best!” P. Hill P.Hill – DHL
    “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
    “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.” MC MC
    “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
    ” 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
    “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 ;)
    “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
    “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
    “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
    “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
    “Sheffield School of Aeronautics is a highly recognized and respected organization throughout the airline industry. They only produce the highest quality of graduate…” P.W. Sidebar PW
    “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.” IW IW
    “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
    “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
  • See More Testimonials »

  • Online Catalog

    Sheffield Flight Dispatch Training Catalog

  • View Our Online Catalog »

  • Connect