The FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Test

The American Flight Standards Service (AFS) of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) created a practical test, that’s divided into six parts, as a standard to determine if the applicant is qualified to become an Aircraft Dispatcher. If you are interested in becoming an aircraft dispatcher it is important to know the requirements for eligible to take the FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Test.

Eligibility

To be eligible to take the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test, the applicant must:

1. Be at least 21 years old;
2. Be able be fluent in the English language (reading, writing, and speaking);
3. Documented evidence of passing the knowledge test in the past 24 months;
4. Comply with the 14 CFR part 65.57 requirements that state:
   1. A total of 2 years’ experience in the past 3 years as –
      1. A military aircraft operations:
         1. Pilot;
         2. Flight Navigator; or
         3.  
      2. An aircraft operations:
         1. Assisting the dispatch of aircraft under the supervision of an aircraft dispatcher;
         2. Pilot;
         3. Flight engineer; or
         4.  

• Aircraft operations as:
  1. Air traffic controller; or
  2. Flight service specialist.

1. Aircraft operations, performing other duties that the Administrator finds provide the equivalent experience.

1. A statement of graduation showing that the applicant has successfully completed an approved aircraft dispatcher course.

To be eligible for the Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate, the applicant must:

1. Be at least 23 years old;
2. Satisfy all of the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test requirements;
3. Pass the required practical test.

FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Test Outline

There are six areas of operation, each that are broken down into specific tasks and objectives required for the operation. The six areas of operation are:

1. Flight Planning/Dispatch Release
   1. Regulatory Requirements
   2. Meteorology
   3. Weather Observations, Analysis and Forecasts
   4. Weather Related Hazards
   5. Aircraft Systems, Performance and Limitations
   6. Navigation and Aircraft Naviation Systems
   7. Practical Dispatch Applications
   8. Manuals, Handbooks, and Other Written Guidance
2. Preflight, Takeoff and Departure
   1. Air Traffic Control Procedures
   2. Airports, Crew, and Company Procedures
3. Inflight Procedures
   1. Routing, Re-Routing, and Flight Plan Filing
   2. In Route Communication Procedures and Requirements
4. Arrival, Approach, and Landing Procedures
   1. ATC and Air Navigation Procedures
5. Post-Flight Procedures
   1. Communication Procedures and Requirements
   2. Flight Documentation
6. Abnormal and Emergency Procedures
   1. Abnormal and Emergency Procedures

It is important to familiarize yourself with each of the six areas of operations and the task each require. The objectives of each tasks are listed under each area of operation in the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test Standards Booklet written by the FAA. There is a downloadable PDF version of the Practical Test Standards and more detailed information regarding the FAA regulations on www.FAA.gov.

If you are interested in becoming an aircraft dispatcher and do not have any prior aviation experience, Sheffield school can help you meet the FAA requirements through our aircraft dispatcher course. Sheffield can give you the foundation you need to build your future, call today to learn more.