Aircraft Dispatcher Course – 5 Week Course

If you’re looking to jump-start your career as an aircraft dispatcher, our aviation school in South Florida offers a number of FAA-approved programs such as our 5-week aircraft dispatcher course. We provide hands-on training and practical resources, ensuring your success in our aviation course within five weeks so you can earn the Certificate of Training and prepare to take the FAA exam for the Aircraft Dispatcher Certification.

Dec 31, 2023
“I’ve actually been accepted into dispatch with United for the February class!”
Thanks” JB

Full-time Residency Course – (5-week residency training)

Prerequisites for our 5-week aircraft dispatcher course:

  • Must be at least 21 years of age.
  • Must have ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
  • Must have a high school diploma or international equivalent education.
  • Must be self-disciplined, follows direction well, and studies rigorously.
  • We highly recommend pre-studying for the ADX test for the 30-day period prior to your 5-week class start date.
    More information: How to prepare for the ADX and Our ADX Method of Operation.

2024 Course Fees

  • Registration Fee: $700.00 (non-refundable)
  • Tuition Deposit: $1,000.00
  • Tuition: $4,800.00 (includes deposit)
  • Total Cost (Domestic Students): $5,500.00 – check for discounts 
  • Total Tuition for International Students, including I-20 fee: ($5,800) – check for discounts
    • International Applicants who require an I-20/M-1 visa have an additional processing fee of ($300).
  • FAA Practical examination fee: we do not charge a fee for the initial certification exam.
    • Practical exam RETEST, if required: $500.00
  • Fees payable by Bank check, company check, credit card, MO, Travelers Check, personal check, or you can send money via Zelle to [email protected] 

(Zelle note) This will show as “Alron Aviation, Inc.” which is correct.)
Since Zelle sometimes limits daily payments, we kindly request that all Zelle payments be completed before the first day of class.

*Sheffield periodically offers course discounts to both domestic and international students.

2024 Tuition includes:

  • FAA Practical $500 exam fee (retests not included).
  • All supplies, including digital textbooks, access to FAA books online, and Sheffield’s comprehensive Aircraft Dispatcher Training Manual that can be downloaded.
  • Additional tutoring upon request, usually between 5-6 pm on weekdays, and access to our flight planning software, weather briefing, and Aircraft Situation Display (ASD).
Course ScheduleTestimonialsApplication FormsFAQs
Courses are scheduled throughout the year. All upcoming courses are shown below.

Monday April 15th, 2024
through
Friday May 17th, 2024
Monday July 8th, 2024
through
Friday August 9th, 2024
Monday August 26th, 2024
through
Friday September 27th, 2024
Monday October 14th, 2024
through
Friday November 15th, 2024
Monday January 6th, 2025
through
Friday February 7th, 2025

February 25, 2024

Good afternoon Eric and Brett,
 
Just wanting to let you know that I have accepted a job offer at Mountain Air Cargo. Thank you both for your help and wanted to let you know that I very much enjoyed the course at Sheffield and will be sure to fully recommend it to anyone that asks.
 
Thank you!
 
Ryan Enloe
Mountain Air Cargo

September 22, 2023

Hi Eric,

“I completed dispatch certification at Sheffield in March of 2015. Just a personal update that I am now a dispatcher at Alaska Airlines after working for 8 years at SkyWest. My training at Sheffield has continued to serve me well. Thanks for the great preparation for a great career.”
 
Kyle H.
[caption id="attachment_3434" align="aligncenter" width="240"]Alaska airlines hires Sheffield graduate Alaska Airlines[/caption]

August 30, 2023

“After a year spent in TUI, I’m really excited that I’m going to start a new job at London Luton Airport as an Airspace Change Executive – I’m pretty sure that finishing the Aircraft Dispatcher course at Sheffield and obtaining the FAA licence has massively helped me out to get this job!”
 
Kind regards
A.F.

May 19, 2023

“Very satisfied with my experience at the course. I personally feel the class has prepared me for anything I could face in practice as a dispatcher. Thank you!”

L.E.

March 31, 2023

Dear Katja, Eric and Brett,

I trust this email finds you well. I am not sure where to begin since I have so much to thank you all for. Mr. Eric for that first email in 2021 when I inquired about the school, and you shared a lot of useful information which made me make the choice to come to Sheffield. In addition, much appreciated for the practical interview which was very professional. I really appreciate.

To Mrs. Katja I really appreciate your patient when I was trying to get the visa since 2021, your assistance and patient helped a lot. Your recommendations on accommodation were also on point and I got an exceptionally good accommodation option. I will be sending a separate email to the host with you in cc on this.

To Mr. Brett, your sharing of knowledge was excellent and went a long way in answering questions at the practical test, tests in class as well as the ADX test. When I joined the physical class is when it came to mind the sacrifice you make to teach in class as well as reply to online students in the evening (like myself). This dedication is remarkable.

To all of you kindly keep up the excellent work which makes Sheffield School of Aeronautics the best in the US and for sure I have already started passing on recommendations to my colleagues in the UN WFP Aviation Service to consider Sheffield as the first choice for the Dispatcher course.

I wish all of you the best …

Martin

January 22, 2023

Date: Sun, Jan 22, 2023 at 8:00 PM
 
J. here, the New Zealander who attended Sheffield’s Jan-Feb 2022 class. I hope you’re doing well. I’m currently in the vetting process for a new role as a flight planning officer for easyJet here in the U.K. As part of this process, they require a reference for all my recent forms of employment and education. I was wondering if it would be okay If I left your details on the submission form? It would be such a great help. 
 
…. I decided to head over the UK – and after a couple of interviews, I was offered a position with EasyJet – helping immensely the fact that the two gentlemen interviewing me had attended Sheffield in 2016 and 2018. 
 
I am forever grateful for my time at Sheffield, and I count it as one of my life’s greatest achievements so far. I cannot wait to finally start my career in the role. I hope you are (all) well and things are going great for the school – I’d love to come back and visit some day!
 
Kind regards,
J. 

January 13, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxzXxJEsFUM&feature=youtu.be

November 3, 2022

Delta and other airlines worldwide refer prospective students to Sheffield frequently, and we thank all airlines for supporting our cause. Below is an example of the support we receive:

“Sheffield has an excellent reputation within our organization so that is always an easy referral!”

J.O.
Delta Air Lines dispatcher

October 28, 2022

Eric,

Please accept this gift in recognition for your contributions to the professional aircraft dispatch community and to me personally when I attended Sheffield in August and September of this year. The challenge coin is given to those who contribute to our GOC mission at FedEx and by helping me to receive my dispatch certification have done just that.

DWC
Vice President, Global Operations Control

FedEx aircraft dispatcher

FedEx-airplane  

 

October 13, 2022

“I hope this note finds you and the company well. Over the course of nearly 25 years, I have had a highly successful career as an aircraft dispatcher thanks to you and the fine people at Sheffield. A couple of years at Piedmont, a few months at Midway and 20 years at SkyWest.
I could not have asked for a better career. I was so lucky that being a dispatcher never seemed like work to me as I enjoyed it so much.
Now I find myself on Wake Island. I’m working base operations, airfield operations/management and flight planning alongside the military.
Everything I have learned has brought me here and none of that would have been possible without Sheffield.
Thank you, Eric. Thanks for helping me get my start way back when. You have no idea how grateful I am.
 
So many have come through the Sheffield doors and came out with the tools for a great career! You all have made such a difference for so many.
 
Take care of yourself,
 
Joe De Los Santos. October 13, 2022

Application-based Forms (2024)

Special Notes for Students:

Domestic Students – ID information:

  • For U.S. citizens, only ONE ID is required and it MUST be government-issued, such as a passport, driver’s license, state ID card or military ID card. BE SURE THAT NO IDs will expire soon or while here at school. Also, be sure that the ID has been issued within the last 10 years.The issue date must be on the ID itself.

International Students – ID & Additional Information:

  • For international students (including foreign citizens who are Green Cardholders), require TWO VALID/current PHOTO forms of identification. Names on both IDs must match EXACTLY. BE SURE THAT NO IDs will expire soon or while here at school. Also, be sure that both forms of ID have been issued within the last 10 years. The issue date must be on the ID itself. One of the forms MUST be a passport, which should be simple. The other form MUST be government-issued, such as a driver’s license or national ID card. (A current/VALID United States Visa in your passport is acceptable as the second form of ID.) For non-US citizens, the second form of ID MUST be government-issued, so university or employer IDs are not acceptable.
  • We recommend beginning the Application / I-20 processing at least 2 – 4 months prior to the start date of your desired class. This is due to increased security procedures, delayed U.S. Embassy appointments, and M-1 visa issuance delays. Also, the Department of Homeland Security has initiated an additional fee (paid directly to the Department of Homeland Security, not the Sheffield School of Aeronautics) for students applying for an M-1 (student) visa. This fee is in addition to the $300 processing fee for the I-20 form paid to Sheffield. Please review the links below for more information:

Aircraft Dispatcher Course (200 hours/5 weeks)

  • Do all schools teach the same material?

    No. All FAR Part 65 schools must adhere to their basic curriculum guidelines; however, Sheffield decided long ago to provide extra airline-related material to ease our graduates transition into airline initial training. We do not believe in telling our students “Don’t worry about that – your airline will teach you that.” Granted, there are some topics that we cannot teach since it is not only the responsibility of the airline, but each airline may have a different FAA approval for how they apply certain procedures. But there are MANY topics, scenarios, etc. that our students are exposed to that have impressed many airline hiring managers. Just check our testimonials!

  • How soon into the program is the first test?

    Friday of the first week is a test on Weather Theory. It is a Sheffield-produced test. Much (but not all) of the material comes from Chapters 1-13 of the link below (AC 00-6B Aviation Weather). We will spend the first week refining what we would like you to understand. Aviation Weather Advisory Circular. (password-protected PDF file. Password available after applying to school.)

  • What are the class hours?

    Classes will normally be held from 8:00am until 5:00pm, weekdays. There will be short breaks throughout the day and a one-hour break for lunch.

  • When is the 1st test in the 5-week class and what topics are covered?

    Friday of the first week on Weather Theory.

  • Some schools claim to have a near 100% pass rate. Is this correct?

    Some schools will pass anyone to hang on to the almighty dollar. We would rather cut a refund check periodically to someone who didn’t put forth the effort than to have our 70+ year reputation tarnished by becoming a license mill. Be wary of schools claiming “come have fun – our class is a breeze.” During an interview, you are unlikely to hear this question “So did you have a lot of fun?”

    Our students enjoy the class, they typically state that it exceeded their expectations, and that they never learned so much in their lives. Typically, our graduates are hired while they are still in class or within a few weeks of graduation. Another important fact is this – most graduates are seeking employment. Many come to us once they do their homework and learn directly from an airline that a student’s “hiring-quotient” will escalate if they choose a highly reputable school. Many airlines interview first (or exclusively) at our school because they know every graduate has been thoroughly prepared, and there won’t be any surprises when they begin training on the job.

    Passing anybody and everybody after numerous repeated attempts, or due to lack of any testing, only dilutes this industry with unqualified “dispatchers” and is a blight on the profession. Statements of guarantees are an abomination and should be stripped from all advertising by those who have the ability and wherewithal to do so. These mills should be publicly condemned.

    Can you imagine taking a taxi ride to an airport from a guy who can’t drive (we know this happens), then board an airplane that has been signed off by maintenance personnel who are inept or who haven’t been checked properly by their governing authority (we’ve read the news in 2008 and thereafter), only to be flown by a captain who has had numerous failures during his or her flight training (it happens), who has had his flight planned by a dispatcher who failed his course with a 30%, then bought his certificate at a diploma mill within 2-3 days (YES- it has happened). Hopefully, this won’t scare you into an anxiety attack. If so, you could visit your doctor who received his diploma…,well, you get the point.

    You will EARN your certificate at Sheffield. Why should others be handed the same honor?! It only increases YOUR workload – ask any competent dispatcher.

    [in past years one new startup school in our area claims “once you pass the course you get a license.” Aside from being misleading and inaccurate, it is illegal. Passing a Part 65 FAA-approved course enables the applicant to take the FAA practical exam. Once THAT is passed, the applicant becomes certificated. So be wary of the unscrupulous operators out there. The same course operator tried to list one of Sheffield’s graduates as an instructor to appeal to the FAA. The problem was my graduate did not give the course operator permission to do so.]

  • What can I study prior to attending your school?

    Do not purchase regulations books and the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) to read through and study (as I’ve seen recommended on the internet). Without proper guidance, you may waste valuable time or misinterpret something. A good portion of subject matter discussed and applied in class is not found in commercially-available books.

    To help prepare for the course, study the FAA knowledge material on our web site. That is not really what our course is about – self study – but it will give you a head start in preparing for the FAA ADX test. Other than that, you can visit our “aviation bookstore” online and check out the weather books since we apply a lot of weather in the course.

    We don’t really supply FAA books in the course since you can get them for free on the Internet. We write our own manuals and sections to study. For some free books, go to “dispatcher resources” on our site and you can link to Regulations, Weather circulars (Aviation Weather Services) from the FAA, and the Aeronautical Information Manual. All are helpful information to browse through or print out to give you an idea of the type of material involved in the course.

    If you want to pursue regulations ahead of time, the main sections are FAR Part 121 – Subparts T & U. These subparts contains the majority of dispatch rules and procedures that you will apply in the course and on the job.

  • How many students usually enroll in the course?

    Between 12 and 25. The average is probably 18. If you check our class pictures, you’ll notice that the enrollment numbers are usually consistent. It is comforting to see that many people do their research and make the correct choice. We admire these students who crave a quality education. On graduation day, their faces say it all – that they have just earned something very special in this industry:  A diploma from Sheffield School of Aeronautics!

  • How long is the program and what does it cost?

    The Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course is 5 weeks long and covers at least 200 hours of classroom instruction (as required by Federal Aviation Regulations). The total 2023 tuition cost is $5,500, without any discounts applied. This includes textbooks, the computer ADX examination fee (normally $175.00 if taken privately) and the Practical Exam ($500), web site passwords, job assistance and airline lists, and computer use.

  • Are textbooks/notebooks included? What books will be used?

    Sheffield has produced it’s own textbook binder which relies on FAA sources as well as Airline material. All books are included in the tuition fee. If a prospective student is interested in jump-starting their weather studies prior to attending our course the following textbook is highly recommended since meteorology (weather) with reports/forecast reading and application comprises over 35% of the total academic subjects: Aviation Weather Advisory Circular 

  • What are the main subjects that are covered in the program?

    Meteorology (weather), Navigation, Air Traffic Control, Jeppesen Approach charts and enroute charts, Aeronautical Information Manual, Aircraft Systems, Performance and Weight and Balance, Federal Aviation Regulations, Communications, and Practical Flight planning applications are included subjects in our Aircraft Dispatcher Course.

Course Description

Our 5-week aircraft dispatcher course for 200 hours is FAA-approved. Classes are held from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Additional tutoring or flight plan time is usually scheduled after 5:00 pm. The FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Knowledge Test (NOT a prerequisite to enter the 5-week course), is usually administered during the first half of the course, and the FAA Practical Exam is administered following the successful completion of the course and after passing the ADX Knowledge Test.

Curriculum

The material covered includes the requirements of the Federal Aviation Regulations, Part 65, Subpart C and covers the following subject matter:

  • Meteorology (Basic & Advanced Aviation Weather Theory)
  • Non-Graphic Weather
  • Graphic Weather
  • Aeronautical Information Manual
  • Instrument Approach Procedures
  • Navigation
  • Communications
  • Air Traffic Control
  • Federal Aviation Regulations
  • Aeronautical Charts
  • Practical Dispatching–Jet Aircraft
  • Aircraft and Engine Performance
  • Systems and Limitations
  • Flight Planning: Manual & Computerized

When To Enroll:

We recommend enrolling at least 30 days before the class start date, although you may enroll any time before class commences if space is available. If you enroll early, you may be able to take advantage of large tuition discounts and purchase study materials like our dispatch training manual ahead of time. Enrolling early also allows students enough time to find proper housing and take care of a student visa, if applicable.

Advantages:

As a student at Sheffield School, you will receive a computer flight plan briefing, learning to request computer flight plans and weather information, NOTAMS, etc.. using various software.

All FAA-approved dispatch schools must meet and follow FAA minimum requirements; however, contrary to what many schools claim, all schools DO NOT teach an identical curriculum. Sheffield School incorporates additional reality-based material, which is not typically found in common textbooks. In fact, we’ve written our own textbook because most aviation resources do not directly address much of the practical material taught in the comprehensive course we offer. Time in class allotted to each subject varies greatly depending on the examples given, the scenarios produced, and the hands-on application. Many of our graduates have been involved in amendments to Company Dispatch manuals. After successful completion of a program at Sheffield, our graduates know they have earned more than a slip of paper; with this certification, they have evolved into leaders and original thinkers, not followers. We are very proud of each and every one of our graduates.

If you are not sure where to attend school, we recommend researching aviation schools and then calling the ones you’re interested in to ask questions, verify claims, and request references. Sheffield School will gladly answer your questions and provide the information you request.

“In my search for a school, Sheffield School of Aeronautics has the best and most complete training of this career.”
J.P. – Feb 11, 2014

Sometimes prospective students call airline operations and dispatch offices around the country to talk to managers, supervisors, and dispatchers about reputable aviation schools. These professionals in the industries often refer students to our school of aeronautics in Fort Lauderdale. This bit of research helps you determine which school best meets your objectives.

Extra Advantage:

During our 75th Anniversary year (1948-2023), Sheffield School of Aeronautics, are proud to announce another 1st. We will be integrating a 2nd large aircraft into our FAA Aircraft Dispatcher course. This will help the new graduate enter and complete their airline initial training and transition (i.e. learning multiple jet aircraft) training successfully. We will utilize ‘comparative analysis’ while flight planning. 

So, what are you waiting for? Get started on a new career in aircraft dispatching by contacting our aviation school at 954-581-6022 today!

 

Additional Readings:

Dispatcher Course Length

 

 

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  • Testimonials

    “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
    “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
    “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
    “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 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
    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
    “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
    “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
    “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 sidebar wg
    “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
    “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
    “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.
    “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 ;)
    “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 entered my profession, with more knowledge and information than dispatchers who have been practicing their craft for more than ten years. Not only has Sheffield provided a top notch education, but they have also instilled in me the confidence to succeed.” A.Z. Sidebar AZ – Student Testimonial
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