The Operations Control Center

The Operational Control Center or “OCC” for many airlines represents the coordination hub where many “spokes” of airline operational control merge together. In a Mission Control-like atmosphere, the Aircraft Dispatcher, also referred to as flight superintendent, or flight control officer assists in the preplanning, flight monitoring, en route assistance, and coordination of several flights during a typical 8-10 hour shift.

The OCC includes: Equipment Control, Flight Control, Maintenance Control, Meteorology, Radio, Security Command Center, and System Reroute. This strong team effort is vital in maintaining safe, and efficient flights.

Radar displays are a major weather tool for the Dispatcher. The Radar weather charts and displays portray all pertinent information concerning the intensity, configuration, coverage, type, and movement of precipitation. This information may at times supplement the radar information displayed in the control cabin of an aircraft. Working together, the Pilot-in-command and dispatcher may collectively decide on a preferred route, or reroute, around significant weather. At times, the type of aircraft with its particular performance characteristics and limitations may be a critical factor in weather planning and en route decision-making.

All weather, flight planning and status, as well as communications information are displayed on the monitors, or may be accessed with a few keystrokes.

Among the views for the OCC personnel are System Weather, Flow (Traffic) Advisories, Hotel Accommodations, The Weather Channel. These are supplements to the abundant information already provided to the dispatcher at their workstations.

Operations Control Centers Around the World

Here are some photo galleries from real live operations centers around the world:

  • Contact Us

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

  • Testimonials

    “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
    “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
    “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
    “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 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
    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
    “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
    “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
    “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
    “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
    “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 ;)
    “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 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
  • See More Testimonials »

  • Online Catalog

    Sheffield Flight Dispatch Training Catalog

  • View Our Online Catalog »

  • Connect