How to Become an Aircraft Dispatcher: From Start to Finish
If you need a little inspiration and more details about what exactly an aircraft dispatcher does, read Sheffield’s article “Unsung Heroes of the Sky – Aircraft Dispatching and Who to Thank for a Safe Flight”; it’s a great place to start. This guide is perfect for anyone who wants to learn about aircraft dispatching, no matter how much or how little you already know about the crucial career for airlines.
Sheffield School of Aeronautics breaks the process down into eight sections to cover the entire process from start (what to consider before taking the aircraft dispatcher course) to finish (finding a job and recommendations).
Is a Career in Aircraft Dispatching Right for Me?
We have compiled a list of personality traits that good aircraft dispatchers have:
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- Effective Communication Skills
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- Decisiveness
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- Thoughtful Consideration
- Meticulous Personality
Are you in it for the long haul? Though many Sheffield graduates thrive in the industry and choose to pursue a full-time career as an aircraft dispatcher, there are no rules that say once you complete the aircraft dispatcher training, you cannot change positions or career paths. One of the benefits of working in the aviation industry is the loyalty, community, and opportunity to move into another position if you choose to later on.
Basic Requirements to Attend Aircraft Dispatcher School
Before you begin your aircraft dispatcher training, you must meet these basic requirements:
- Proficiency and fluency in English (required for all aircraft dispatchers).
- Applicants under the age of 21 are not eligible for the aircraft dispatcher course.
- Minimum high school education or international equivalent.
What is not required to begin your aircraft dispatcher training:
- No higher education degree required.
- No experience or background in aviation required.
You can read more aircraft dispatcher course requirements here.
What You Will Need Before Aircraft Dispatcher Course
We tell all prospective students to refrain from studying anything before the aircraft dispatcher training begins, other than the ADX test material. Practice does not make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect. Students need to have the right instruction and guidance when learning the material. Sheffield School of Aeronautics is the most reputable and highly regarded aircraft dispatching school; we will train you, you don’t have to do any learning before you arrive.
Sheffield School of Aeronautics’ aircraft dispatcher courses are varied. The full course is 5 weeks long, then 3 weeks, followed by the shortest duration, the online aircraft dispatch course with 1 week residency. For a full aircraft dispatch course description, visit the Sheffield website.
Classroom vs. Online Aircraft Dispatcher Course
Aircraft dispatcher training is intensive and requires diligence. We recommend the 5-week, in classroom course to everyone, but there are exceptions.
If you have taken the course before, qualify for accelerated instruction; or, if you are having difficulty spending 5 weeks at our school, then the shorter options and online classes are another option. Speak with a Sheffield staff member to discuss your options.
If you want to guarantee your success in the online aircraft dispatcher course, follow these tips:
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- Communicate with instructors effectively and often.
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- Create and stick to a learning schedule.
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- Stay organized and create a workspace.
- Ask for help if you need it (that includes support from friends and family).
Accredited and Approved Aircraft Dispatcher Schools
Do not enroll aircraft dispatcher schools that have 100% pass rate; you will not get very far after “graduation” because you won’t be prepared for your job.
Sheffield has developed a reputation as the best aircraft dispatcher school because we believe in teaching the best. Our direct partnerships with airlines like Southwest and Delta are a testament to our commitment to the standards of the industry.
Sheffield graduates get jobs and move up faster because our aircraft dispatcher training prepares them for all of the challenges they will face in their careers. Our graduates graduate because they studied and deserved it, students who do not work hard to earn the certification and pass the exams, will not graduate and would not be successful in the field.
The FAA Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX) Exam
The ADX Exam is administered at FAA approved locations. Sheffield is an approved location, and we usually administer tests to our graduates at the school location.
Students must score 70% or better on an 80-question, multiple choice exam. Students who fail are given the opportunity to retake the test after a 30-day waiting period.
The ADX exam is not easy, and it is recommended that you study as much as possible during the course. Sheffield instructors recommend partnering with other classmates and forming study groups to remain focused and assist one another.
Finding an Aircraft Dispatcher Job
All Sheffield School of Aeronautics graduates are given access to an exclusive job posting board on the Sheffield website. Our school has built strong relationships in the aviation community and with major airlines, which is good news for our graduates. Graduates have access to this aircraft dispatcher job board for life.
Graduating from Sheffield puts students in a great position to be hired. If you want to learn more about the aircraft dispatcher job market and an aircraft dispatcher’s salary, visit our website.
Additional Readings:
- Become an Aircraft Dispatcher
- What Does an Aircraft Dispatcher Do?
- A Day in the Life of an Aircraft Dispatcher
- Why Should You Become an Aircraft Dispatcher?
- Four Things That Will Set You Up to Become an Aircraft Dispatcher
- How to Get an Aircraft Dispatcher Job