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.

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    “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
    “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
    “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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    “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
    “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
    “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
    “As a graduate of the aircraft dispatcher program at the Sheffield School of Aeronautics…My training was intense and thorough and furnished me with the requisite skills for performing my current job as a Flight Dispatch Supervisor.” N.S. Sidebar NS
    “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.
    “I am a month into my new job at a airline coming out of reorganization, and am helping the training department by referencing the excellent and up to date course book provided to all Sheffield grads.” RW RW
    “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
    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
    “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
    “As a graduate of Sheffield School of Aeronautics I am a firm believer that I received the most thorough and well thought out aircraft dispatcher training available. I owe my position in the industry to Sheffield School of Aeronautics.” BF Sidebar BF
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