What Is an Aircraft Dispatcher?

What is an aircraft dispatcher, and how do you become one? An aircraft dispatcher is a trained aviation professional responsible for planning, coordinating, and monitoring commercial airline flights. They work in partnership with pilots, air traffic controllers, and other aviation personnel to ensure the safe and efficient operation of flights.

Dispatchers create flight plans based on weather, aircraft performance, and other variables, and they are also responsible for monitoring the progress of the flights to ensure adherence to the plans. They are responsible for making decisions regarding fueling, routing, and other critical factors that impact the safety and efficiency of the flight. Dispatchers use advanced computer systems and communication technologies to stay in real-time contact with the flight crew and monitor the flight’s progress from departure to arrival.

Below, Sheffield School of Aeronautics takes a closer look at what you learn at an aircraft dispatcher training center, how to become an aircraft dispatcher, and even how you can even get your license online.

What Do You Learn at an Aircraft Dispatcher Training Center? 

At an aircraft dispatcher training center, you will learn many things. This includes the FAA regulations that a dispatcher must follow and how to calculate the performance and navigation of an aircraft. Perhaps the most important lessons in the training center are the different aspects of flight planning and navigation. You can learn many different things that have to do with the career thanks to our collection of aircraft dispatcher courses. 

How to Become an Aircraft Dispatcher

To become an aircraft dispatcher, you typically need to complete a certified training program and obtain an aircraft dispatcher license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States or the appropriate aviation regulatory body in your country. These training programs can be found at accredited aviation schools, such as the courses we offer at Sheffield, or through online courses. The training will usually last several weeks to several months.

Programs cover topics such as flight planning, navigation, aircraft performance, and emergency procedures. Once you complete the program, you will need to pass a written and practical exam to obtain your aircraft dispatcher license. Additional qualifications such as a bachelor’s degree in aviation or a related field may be beneficial in obtaining employment in this industry.

Getting an Aircraft Dispatcher License Online 

In today’s world, it is possible to obtain your license or complete a portion of the required coursework online. There are many reasons why someone would want to get their license online. Perhaps the most important reason is this type of coursework is flexible to whatever the student may need. Each student will have different time constraints depending on what their schedule is like. Our FAA flight planning school offers online dispatching classes for those that are interested. 

More About Sheffield School of Aeronautics

Can you now answer, “What is an aircraft dispatcher?” We hope that our professionals have answered the question in this article. Sheffield School of Aeronautics is an aircraft dispatcher school that is dedicated to helping students obtain the skills that they need to become successful in their careers. Whether through our online courses or in-person training, we are here to help you.

Contact us and schedule an appointment with us today to learn more about obtaining your FAA dispatcher license and creating an FAA flight plan.

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    “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 ;)
    “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
    “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
    “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
    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
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    “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
    “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
    “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
    “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
    “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.
    “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
    ” 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
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