FAQs Archives: Aircraft Dispatcher Careers

Is formal schooling the most efficient method of attaining the required “Experience” requirements?

Yes, without a single doubt. Regulations FAA Part 65 allow a substitution of credit for prior aviation-related experience. A school (or FAA examiner) may subjectively give credit for almost any remotely-related aviation experience. Those who attain the license in this manner may have a difficult time gaining employment with any respectable airline, or have a […]

How does an individual attain a Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate (license)?

The individual must meet certification requirements found in Federal Aviation Regulations Part 65. These regulations indicate that an applicant for the Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate must: Pass an FAA ADX Knowledge exam. Pass an FAA-approved Aircraft Dispatcher course, or meet “Experience” requirements. Pass a Practical exam which consists of 2 sections: Flight Plan & Oral.

What annual salary can I expect to receive?

Initially, $32K to $36K at a regional airline most likely; however, the high end with major airlines is up to $80K-100+K with flight privileges and other typical benefits. Just do not expect to start with a major airline. Annual salaries can be as high as ~$50,000 and as low as $20,000, across the United States. […]

Why are Aircraft Dispatchers required for certain operations?

They perform preflight planning, preparing and signing a Dispatch Release (an authorization to operate), monitoring the flight progress, informing the PIC of significant operational information, canceling/delaying of the flight, among a few other duties. They are essentially a “Pilot-on-Ground”. This concept of the Airline Dispatch system is based on the “checks & balances” system (a […]

Are there employment opportunities for graduates over 40 years of age?

(From a grad to prospective student) “I am 48 now, and went to school and got my job at age 47. There were several people my age at Sheffield. (The best school by far after detailed investigation.)”

What is the maximum age to be an Aircraft Dispatcher?

There is no maximum age limitation to become an Aircraft Dispatcher. We have had students in their upper 50s as well as one who was 62 attend our course with success.

What is the minimum age to be an Aircraft Dispatcher?

The minimum age for certification as an Aircraft Dispatcher is 23 years. An individual can begin a training class at the age of 21 and take the computer based FAA Aircraft dispatcher Knowledge exam (the ADX, formerly referred to as “written exam”).

What is the definition of Aircraft Dispatcher?

There is no official definition of “Aircraft Dispatcher”, which we find appalling. The Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) Part I provide definitions for various crewmembers, but not the person who is equally responsible with the Pilot-in-command (PIC) for the safety of the flight. You’ll find descriptions of a Dispatcher which are simply listings of responsibilities to […]

  • Contact Us

    • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  • Testimonials

    “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 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
    “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.
    “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
    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
    “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
    “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 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
    “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 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
    “If you want to be the best, first you need to be trained by the best!” P. Hill P.Hill – DHL
    “Your school has offered me an incredible advantage in the Dispatcher job market.” D.K. D. Kircher
    “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
    “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
  • Online Catalog

    Sheffield Flight Dispatch Training Catalog

  • Connect