How to Get an Aircraft Dispatcher Job

Among the many careers in aviation, most individuals find that aircraft dispatcher jobs are the best way to get their foot in the door. With a base salary of $32k to $40k annually, entry level aircraft dispatchers are able to make a decent living while obtaining invaluable experience as they seek out other opportunities in aviation or continue their path of aircraft dispatch. The minimum age to take the knowledge and practical examinations is 21, with FAA licensure only given to those who are at least age 23. The aircraft dispatcher training and examination can be taken at an FAA accredited school and upon graduation, licensed individuals will be able to seek out aircraft dispatcher jobs from an airline carrier.

What is the Likelihood That I Will Be Hired with No Experience?

Although airline carriers prefer to hire applicants who possess 2 years of recent experience in aviation, there are opportunities for those who simply possess the approved licensure. It’s recommended to apply for positions with smaller carriers before trying to find employment with a major airline such as American Airlines, Delta, United Airlines and so forth. However, it’s not a foregone conclusion that individuals applying for aircraft dispatcher jobs will be turned away from a major carrier. The aviation industry is experiencing somewhat of a crisis with filling positions with certified employees. Over the next 10 years, the population increase combined with the upcoming mandatory retirement age of 65 for thousands of airline employees has made it more demanding to bring in personnel to gain experience over the next decade.

How Do I Know Which Aircraft Dispatcher School is Right for Me?

Finding the best aircraft dispatcher school is important when preparing for a future aviation career. First and foremost, be sure that the school you choose to begin your training is FAA accredited and has a reputable program. Any school that has a 100% graduation rate is likely not one that will enable you to be prepared to handle the challenging tasks that come with the day to day duties of an aircraft dispatcher. Aircraft dispatchers will be expected to multi-task and carry the heavy responsibility of being accurate and focused in charting a flight’s course and helping the pilot navigate through treacherous weather conditions. The aircraft dispatcher program should have a reputation of success with equipping its students with the standards that airline carriers look for when filling positions.

How Do I find an Aircraft Dispatcher Position with an Airline?

Airline carriers oftentimes contact schools to seek eligible candidates who have completed the training program and display the necessary attributes they desire for the position. In these situations, candidates will be contacted and asked to come in for an interview. Otherwise, once licensed, applicants and visit a carrier’s website or view a job board to find open positions. Salaries vary by the size of the carrier, the location and the amount of aviation experience the applicant has.

Additional Readings:

• Become an Aircraft Dispatcher
• Boost Your Dispatch Career With Additional Courses and Training
• 5 Tips to Negotiate Your Raise – FAA Dispatcher
• The Responsibilities of an Aircraft Dispatcher
• Why Should You Become an Aircraft Dispatcher?
• Four Things That Will Set You Up to Become an Aircraft Dispatcher