FAQs Archives: Aircraft Dispatcher Course (200 hours/5 weeks)

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

Friday of the first week on Weather Theory.

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.

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 […]

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 […]

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.

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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  • 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
    “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
    “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 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
    “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
    “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.
    “Your school has offered me an incredible advantage in the Dispatcher job market.” D.K. D. Kircher
    “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
    “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 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 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
    “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
    “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
    “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
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