Becoming an Aircraft Dispatcher

The field of aviation is both highly competitive and highly technical, making it the perfect career choice for individuals who want to work hard and take on a lot of responsibility. Often airline pilots receive all the glory, but there are plenty of behind-the-scenes jobs that require just as much, if not more, training in order to have the knowledge needed to keep planes in the air. Aircraft dispatchers work directly with pilots to get flights to their destinations on time and safely. Following multiple flights at the same time takes a lot of skill and multitasking that is learned through extensive training and licensing programs.

Entry Level Jobs

Although experience with airplanes and flight planning is not required by the Federal Aviation Administration before training to become a dispatcher, many people start at the very bottom and work their way up through the ranks until they decide to commence certification training. Some of the entry-level jobs in the aviation industry that may be good, but are NOT required, for those looking to become a dispatcher include:

  • Assistant Dispatcher or flight follower
  • Meteorologist
  • Station manager
  • Ramp control

These positions can provide hands-on training and knowledge that benefits future dispatch training. A high school degree is often required and a college degree or further education may be helpful as well, if eventually pursuing a managerial position.

Technical Knowledge

Before you jump into a training program, it is may be beneficial that you take the time to learn technical knowledge at your entry level job. By observing those around you and asking for assistance, you can learn how to interpret a Notice to Airmen or make the calculations for weight and fuel required for takeoffs and landings. All of this type of information is basic knowledge that prepares you for an intense training program. Just because you are starting out at the bottom does not mean that you can’t get ready to work your way to the top. But please note that many aircraft dispatcher students come in ‘fresh off the street’, after asking and receiving suggested reading material or lists of typical dispatcher questions and answers, then familiarize themselves with enough material to at least feel more comfortable understanding the profession and entering training.

Complete a Dispatcher Training Program

Aircraft dispatcher training courses require 200 hours of training that can last anywhere from two to six weeks. There are many independent businesses that offer training programs for individuals who want to complete their training as quickly as possible. Do plenty of research before selecting a school, as some has good reputations and others have poor reputations. All programs are supposed to include the following information:

  • Meteorology
  • Navigation and Air Traffic Control
  • Flight planning
  • Regulations
  • Communication protocol & Decision-making
  • Aircraft systems and limitations

Training to become a dispatcher is rigorous and students need as much ground-based training as the pilots that fly the planes they will be monitoring.

Pass the FAA Practical Examination

The FAA, usually through the use of DADEs (Designated Aircraft Dispatcher Examiners) provides certification testing in locations around the country, but it must be taken within 90 days of the completion of a training course. The testing is intensive and consists of two parts. The first part is a flight planning exercise that should last 2-3 hours. The second part is a oral exam that should last around 2 hours. A person taking the test has to be able to demonstrate mastery of the following skills including:

  • In-flight practices
  • Pre- and post-flight procedures
  • Flight planning
  • Landing regulations
  • Emergency protocol
  • Flight planning

While the training to become an aircraft dispatcher is not easy, it is a career path that is very beneficial for those who choose to follow it.

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    “If you want to be the best, first you need to be trained by the best!” P. Hill P.Hill – DHL
    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 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
    “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
    “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
    “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
    “These men represented the highest caliber of professionalism and integrity. The education I received from these gentleman has afforded me to be gainfully employed while having the opportunity to use the education received, all over this country, and more than a few others.” WG sidebar wg
    “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
    “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 ;)
    “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
    “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
    “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
    ” 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
    “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
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