Why Flight Dispatchers are Necessary

Flight dispatchers are extremely important to the aviation field. They are the people behind the scenes, planning flights and coordinating with individuals to make sure they make it from Point A to Point B in an aircraft. Did you know, approximately 2,000 U.S. aircraft dispatchers work day in and day out so your plane can avoid into turbulence, thunderstorms, volcanic ash, and other weather-related conditions? Flight dispatchers are necessary! They’re responsible for keeping the flights fueled, as well as helping them land on runways with slick, icy roads. Flight dispatchers are the pilot’s ears and eyes on the ground. This means the pilots is in charge of the plane, but the flight dispatcher is in charge of the flight.

Flight dispatchers who graduate from our Sheffield School of Aeronautics are licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This is required by law in the U.S.

It is the duty of a flight dispatcher to make sure that he or she agree with the pilot before a flight can even take off. In the event that neither the flight dispatcher or pilot agree, this will affect the flight and the schedule for when the aircraft takes off can be delayed.

However, if the flight dispatcher and pilot agree upon flying, the flight will then take off. Once the flight is in air, it is the responsibility of the flight dispatcher to keep an eye on weather conditions at both arriving and departing airports. In the case of an emergency, the flight dispatcher has an alternative route for emergency landings. They have the authority to divert or reroute the plane, when necessary. If the aircraft has a sick attendant or out of control passenger, the first person the pilot contacts it the flight dispatcher.

Flight Dispatcher Job

Being a flight dispatcher is an extremely stressful job, especially when things go wrong and the variables of terrible weather. Despite the high stress level of the job, flight dispatchers are extremely sought after in the aviation field.

They’re required to attend a six-week FAA-certification course, pass an eight-hour oral exam, and also a written exam. Once you do pass all the tests and obtain your certification, you will then be assigned as an assistant dispatcher and work under the guidance of a licensed flight dispatcher.

Some airline companies will require a psychological evaluation before the individual is hired as a flight dispatcher. There is still continuous training, 20 hours of classroom time, that will need to be done annually, and at least five hours of observing the flight inside of a cockpit.

Flight dispatchers have to be just as knowledgeable as a pilot. They must be familiar with aircraft maintenance manuals, emergency checklists, meteorological charts, air traffic control systems, air-radio systems, layouts of over hundreds of airports, and more!

When you are a flight dispatcher, you get to wear civilian clothes, work in shifts, and earn as a little as $32,000 to $44,000 a year. You can learn more about an aircraft dispatcher’s salary here. For more information, contact us at the Sheffield School of Aeronautics to learn more about our programs and courses offered.

 

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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
    “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 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
    “This school came highly recommended by multiple past students and EVEN OTHERS FROM OTHER SCHOOLS. Reputation is fantastic from multiple companies that I have worked for.” A. – September 2020
    “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
    “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
    ” 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
    “now that I’ve been in an indoctrination class with students from other schools, I know I made the right choice with Sheffield.”   Kindest regards,  A.R.  All schools are created equal?! yeah…sure ;)
    “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
    “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
    “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
    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
    “Your school has offered me an incredible advantage in the Dispatcher job market.” D.K. D. Kircher
    “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
    “I am so glad they are like this because it made me a better dispatcher and I really appreciate their high standards. I would highly recommend Sheffield to anyone who is willing to study hard and is serious about obtaining a Dispatcher Certificate.” MC MC
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