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Testimonials
“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“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“Sheffield School of Aeronautics is known worldwide for its quality training and has been recommended to me by our national airline Swiss International Airlines. Whenever I mention the name ‘Sheffield’ it rings a bell in people’s ears.” IW
IW“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“If you want to be the best, first you need to be trained by the best!” P. Hill
P.Hill – DHL“I wanted to tell you I got the job offer from Expressjet, and start next month! I think a couple others from class were hired as well. It just shows the Sheffield reputation when I see graduates from other schools complaining that they can’t get an interview – I wasn’t even back home to Minneapolis […]
Dan Gustafson“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“Your school has offered me an incredible advantage in the Dispatcher job market.” D.K.
D. Kircher“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“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 mattersGood 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“This was an amazing class! Always interesting! It was like drinking from a fire hose, but I have never enjoyed a course more than this one. Thank you for a great 5 weeks & EWINS!” R.S.
R.S. Testimonial – 5-weeks & EWINS“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.“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
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Keep Your Feet on the Ground as an Aircraft Dispatcher
If you have a passion for the airline industry but are not too fond of spending weeks traveling through the sky aboard an airplane, you may find great satisfaction as an aircraft dispatcher. Described as ‘captains on the ground,’ dispatchers work to schedule and navigate many different flights at the same time. If you are interested in this engaging and potentially well-paying job, keep reading to learn about qualifications and available courses.
Course Requirements
To work as an aircraft dispatcher you must complete a certification course that will train you in the requirements for the Federal Aviation Regulations. Before you can register for this program you must be at least 21 years of age and have earned a high school diploma or international equivalent. You must also have the ability to follow directions with confidence and know how to manage your time for your studies.
The topics covered in this course usually include the following:
About halfway through your training you will take the FAA Flight Dispatcher Knowledge Test, and after completing all your courses you will take the FAA Practical Exam. If you pass both of these tests you will earn your credentials to work as a flight dispatcher.
The Role of a Dispatcher
Once you can find employment as a dispatcher, you will have opportunities to play a critical role in aviation, keeping everyone on board an airplane out of harm’s way. As a dispatcher, you will be responsible for the flight plan, bearing in mind any factors that could impact the flight. These include weather, navigation facilities, maintenance or needed repairs and substitute airports. In fact, the airplane cannot leave the ground until both you and the captain sign the Dispatch Release.
During the duration of the airplane’s travel, you will stay in communication with the pilot and make them aware of any changes to their flight path. If serious weather or other navigational complications make the travels unsafe, it will be your responsibility to cancel or delay the flight, or if already en route, to direct the captain on a safe alternate route to another airport.
Benefits and Rewards
While working as a dispatcher can provide you with intrinsic satisfaction, a challenging career and excitement, there are other personal and monetary benefits to working in this position. Some of these include dental, health and life insurance packages, discounts on cruise lines and hotels, retirement plans and reduced or free travel costs. As a dispatcher you also earn the right for cockpit jump seat authority.
If you are interested in becoming an aircraft dispatcher, take the time to start your search for courses in your area. If you are not able to attend courses at a training center, you may be able to take online courses and later attend five to seven days of training as part of a residency program. When you do earn your credentials to work as a flight dispatcher, you will have the ability to work at a variety of airports, keeping the world of aviation in check and in safe hands.