Aircraft Dispatch and Ground Handling

Aircraft dispatching and ground handling are two very important jobs when it come to the airline system. You need these two to equal the flow of running a successful airport or airline. Each one holds important tasks, and people often confuse aircraft dispatching with air traffic controlling. The fact is, these two jobs are completely different.

ground handling

Aircraft Dispatching

So, what really is an aircraft dispatcher?

An aircraft dispatcher is hired by an airline. They are trained to know how much fuel must go into the flight destination of an airplane, and are deeply involved in the pre-planning of flights.

Aircraft dispatchers plan the route of a flight, altitude, and airports; and huge part of their job is knowing the weather. In the aircraft dispatch system, knowing the allowed weather for takeoff, and other weather conditions, are a huge role.

Ground Handling

We all know the first steps when entering an airport; you print your tickets, hand your luggage in, and then proceed to security. But, have you ever thought about the people you never get to see? The ones maintaining and making sure everything flows smoothly. Well, these folks are the ground handlers.

A ground handler provides services such as:

  • Check-in
  • Boarding
  • Ramp handling
  • Maintenance
  • Cleaning
  • Catering
  • Fueling

Ground handlers are vital to maintaining the proper system of an airport, and have a high level of security.

Proper training and experience is needed to get an aircraft dispatching job, as well as a job as a ground handler. You can always learn more information about a career in aircraft dispatching by contacting Sheffield School of Aeronautics today.

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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
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    “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.
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