FAQs Archives: School Selection Questions

Does Sheffield use contracted instructors or part-time instructors?

No. Our instructors are full-time and on our payroll. You won’t have instructors “exit” during the middle of your class with no viable substitute – this just occurred at one school in the north. Two students within the same class contacted us for advice. You also won’t have disgruntled instructors teaching your class because they are […]

I just got —-ed (taken advantage of) by a school who cancelled the class at the very last moment because they “didn’t have enough students.” Does Sheffield conduct this practice?

No. When we publish class dates, they are firm, unless an emergency exists (death/sickness/hurricane, etc..). Some schools have a minimum of 12 policy which results in cancellations many times. We know since we welcomed their dumped-upon students at Sheffield. One other school on the east coast of Florida cancelled a class because “my foreign students […]

I spoke to one school who claims to be about 70 years old. Is this a lie?

Huge lie. There is one company out there that periodically claims about 6.5 decades more experience than actual. [we have printed all electronic documentation.] There’s a difference between 70 years of supplying aviation products and 7 years attempted part-time dispatcher certification, with multiple periodic class cancellations. Sheffield has conducted Aircraft Dispatcher Training since 1948. (schools […]

What should I assume if a school changes it’s name?

Could mean nothing, but it may be the same tactic used by airlines following bad business, tragic accidents, etc..They are diverting attention from the truth or the past. Basically, you can change your shirt, but you still stink.

I read on one web site for a school that they have trained “thousands” of students, but don’t state when their school was established.

There have been and still are schools that made these claims, but they include EVERY student that ever took a long or short (as short as 2-3 days) course. On top of that, “thousands” may represent any number over 999. They’ll pull anything possible to lure you in. Want proof of thousands? Tell them to […]

I read on one web site for a school that they have over 20 years of experience preparing students for exams, yet they don’t state how long their school has actually been in business. Why?

They are adding up every individual’s personal experience in aviation no matter what it was, and to top it off, they are likely adding in part-time employees’ experience. Adding the word “cumulative” would be more honest. All schools have a difficult battle against Sheffield’s 62-year history.

Is Sheffield SEVIS-approved?

Yes. International students have all procedures within their “Admissions Procedures” for their particular duration class.

Is it possible to be FAA-certified as an Aircraft Dispatcher outside the U.S.? Some schools claim so or imply it.

Click here.

If a school claims the above (everything guaranteed), should I be alarmed or wary?

Just run as fast as possible in the opposite direction and don’t look back. Buying a certificate from this type of “operator” will do you no good. Airlines tend to test your knowledge prior to hiring and even if you slip through, and get hired, you need to perform adequately throughout your probation period of […]

Can you provide graduate references?

Yes. Contact us for details, but remember – any school can give you some “yes men” contacts. I’d always go further and speak to industry people to confirm what a school claims, including us.

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  • Testimonials

    “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
    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
    “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
    “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
    “If you want to be the best, first you need to be trained by the best!” P. Hill P.Hill – DHL
    “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
    “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.
    “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
    “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 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
    “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
    “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
    “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
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