How To Become a Flight Dispatcher

Airports 4 min read 路 Apr 20, 2022
flight dispatcher

There are many career opportunities to consider when you decide to get into the aviation field. While it may sound like a glamorous lifestyle, there is so much more than just enjoying your time in the air.

One of the positions you’ll find out about is that of an aircraft dispatcher. Aircraft dispatchers work on the front lines. They operate and understand all aspects of the airport environment, not only because they need to be familiar with everything they take part in but also because they are liable for the safety and well-being of everyone else on board the plane.

If you are interested in getting into a high-demand position such as this, then continue reading to learn more about becoming a flight dispatcher.

Requirements for aircraft dispatcher training

Applicants for an aircraft dispatcher certificate must be at least 23 years old. An applicant must also have a high school diploma or equivalent, two years of experience in related work such as aircraft maintenance, flight operations, or crew scheduling, or a combination of education and experience equal to two years.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that applicants pass a written exam to receive an aircraft dispatcher certificate. Applicants must show knowledge of aircraft systems, safety guidelines, aircraft performance, meteorology, navigation systems, and regulations governing flight operations.

An illustration of an airplane flying down a route from the UK to Holguin.

Roles of flight dispatchers

 A flight dispatcher is responsible for coordinating with the pilots of an airplane, ensuring the safety, operational control, and efficiency of a flight.

A flight dispatcher plans the airplane’s departure, weight, and balance calculations to calculate its fuel requirements based on weather patterns, alternate routes in case of emergency, and air traffic control restrictions. The flight dispatcher then communicates this information to the pilot(s), working together to make adjustments as needed.

When a plane is in the air, its aircraft dispatcher is responsible for monitoring its progress and responding appropriately to any changes in situation or unexpected delays. If an aircraft needs to change course due to weather conditions or other issues, it must get approval from its dispatchers.

An aircraft dispatcher also provides information about destinations after the plane lands. For example, they may inform the pilot that their destination airport has limited fuel availability or that there is no gate available when they land.

Working conditions and salary for aircraft dispatchers

Working as an aircraft dispatcher is extremely rewarding, but it is one of the most stressful jobs in the world. You are responsible for flight planning, communicating with pilots, providing weather information, and all operational decisions.

You would probably think that the job of aircraft dispatchers involves sitting behind a desk all day and talking to people on the phone. That is not true at all! The work of an aircraft dispatcher can be very stressful because you need extensive knowledge and skills. Your decisions are always left unchanged during flight and will affect thousands of lives each day.

The work of an aircraft dispatcher also involves working with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. You may be dealing with people who speak English as a second language or who have limited knowledge about aviation terminology and airline operations. Your job is to make sure that everyone understands what they need to do when they get on an airplane!

The work of an aircraft dispatcher can be gratifying because you are helping people reach their destination safely and on time!

The salary of an aircraft dispatcher depends on many factors, including their location, degree course, employer, and years of experience. The national average entry-level salary is $35,000 per year, with the national average salary for a dispatcher with more than 20 years of experience at $55,000 per year.

Aircraft dispatching is all about developing flight plans and managing unexpected changes in the schedule. It’s where piloting meets management, and it’s a job that’s always in demand. But it’s not the only kind of career you can have with airlines. Here are some other positions that are related to aircraft dispatching:

  1. Aircraft Maintenance Technician. This is the person who makes sure your plane gets off the ground in one piece, so they’re responsible for inspecting, repairing, and troubleshooting aircraft structures, mechanical systems, and power plants. They also make sure that all modifications to the airplane meet FAA regulations.

  2. Airline Pilot. Pilots are probably what you think of when you imagine an airline career鈥攖hey’re the people who fly the planes! They’re responsible for taking off and landing safely, navigating through different weather conditions and airspace, communicating with air traffic controllers, and ensuring their passengers get to their destination comfortably and safely. They work with copilots to ensure that all flight information is communicated clearly to them before takeoff.

  3. Air Traffic Controller. These are the folks that keep airplane traffic organized on the ground at airports as well as in flight. Air Traffic Controllers are responsible for maintaining a continuous flow of aircraft through the airspace network. They must ensure that all flights are separated by a safe distance and altitude to prevent accidents. Air Traffic Controllers work with other agencies such as law enforcement or emergency services to respond when there is an incident involving an aircraft.
Two pilots navigating a plane in their cockpit in the evening.

Is flight dispatcher a promising career?

Being a flight dispatcher is an exciting and dynamic career path that can lead to a long history in the field. Being a dispatcher is essential to keeping everyone safe while they fly, and it’s a job that allows you to multitask and feel like you’re doing something important. With a good salary and room for growth, becoming a flight dispatcher is worth pursuing.

How much does it cost to become an aircraft dispatcher?

Like many other professions, the cost of becoming a flight dispatcher depends on various factors.

The cost of becoming a flight dispatcher can vary widely depending on where you live, how you wish to train, and the school you attend.

Training can take anywhere from 18 months to four years, and the annual tuition at the top ten flight dispatching schools ranges from $7,000 to $20,000.

Want to read more like this?

Enter your email and get curated content straight to your inbox!

Thank your for your subscription.

You are already subscribed to this newsletter.

Aeroclass Team
A team of professionals with a deep passion for the aviation industry bringing you the newest and the most striking industry-related news and content.

4 comments

  1. Devorah Kemler says:

    This website is a treasure trove of knowledge. It’s my go-to resource whenever I need to learn something new.”

  2. Adeyanju Oluwadare says:

    I have always love being an airline dispatcher, and I have always longed for it, and I am also in pursuit of it, but funding has been a sort of limitation. I have gotten admissions, but unable to meet the tuition demands.
    I’d like to get the needed support.

    Thank you.

  3. Flt Engr LA Dyaji says:

    More on Flight Dispatcher privileges and Limitations.
    Thanks.

  4. Lydian Etandip says:

    I really love aviation and it’s my dream to become an aircraft flight dispatcher some day but the finance 馃様. I hope I will be giving the opportunity to have my dream come true some day.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent posts

Runway-lights

The Meaning of Airport Runway Lights

Airports 路 5 min read

Nowadays, it is impossible to imagine a modern airport without one of its most notable attributes: the runway lights. Most of the passengers who are completely unrelated to aviation on a daily basis, often speculate about the purpose of these lights.

Apr 24, 2024
gate agent

What Does a Gate Agent Do?

Airports 路 5 min read

Although a gate agent's job might seem like a self explanatory position, it entails a lot more than you can imagine.

Dec 20, 2022
is the airport busy on christmas eve

Is the Airport Busy on Christmas Eve?

Airports 路 5 min read

Travel during the holiday season may be daunting. As if the winter holidays aren’t stressful enough, many people also have to fly during the busiest week of the year. It is no wonder many travelers plan out their trips well in advance in an attempt to avoid the major rush. With Covid-19 no longer being […]

Dec 13, 2022

Start learning from the best minds now

  • Check your knowledge with quizzes
  • Pre-recorded certified courses
  • Study on different devices
  • Virtual classes/Live sessions
  • Pre-recorded Aviation management courses
  • Obtain Aeroclass Certificate
Get Started Today