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Aircraft Dispatcher--Currently Unavailable

Purpose

The Aircraft Dispatcher Career Studies Certificate is designed to provide instruction and work-based experiences in a specialized aviation field with an emphasis on management of properties and services. The training will prepare program completers for the FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certification examination and license.

The position of Aircraft Dispatcher is one of the most prestigious, respected, and desirable positions within an airline company. The nature of the duties and responsibilities, combined with the requirement to hold a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aircraft Dispatcher License (the equivalent of an Airline Transport Rating) makes the Aircraft Dispatcher position one of the most highly paid professions in an airline. 

The responsibility of an Aircraft Dispatcher is to exercise positive operational control over each flight under his/her authority as assigned by the company. Which includes authority over initiating, conducting, or terminating company flights. The Dispatcher shares the responsibility of operational control equally with the Pilot in Command of the flight. For this reason dispatchers are sometimes referred to as Flight Superintendents or Flight Operations Officers. 

A Dispatcher Certificate is issued after the candidate is trained to the competence level required to exercise such authority. The individual's ability to serve in that capacity is demonstrated to the FAA by successfully passing written and practical examinations administered by the FAA or FAA Designated Examiners. These examinations are normally taken after completing a Dispatcher Training Course conducted by an FAA Approved Training Center such as the one offered here at DSLCC through co-operation with TransCon Aviation. 

What does a career as an Aircraft Dispatcher offer you

Excellent Salary: Pay rates vary with each company. In general, industry averages begin near $25,000/yr. With semi-annual or annual pay adjustments to near $100,000/yr

Excellent Benefits: Vacations average 2-6 weeks per year, based on longevity with the employer. Insurance benefits may include medical, dental, vision, and life coverage.

Excellent Schedules: Generally, a dispatcher's work schedule will rotate days off with days of work, which range from 239 days to as few as 219 days per year depending on the company.

Travel: Travel via the airline for which you work is usually unlimited to you and your immediate family. Travel via other airlines is also available at reduced rates. 

Admission Requirements

Students must meet the general admission requirements established by the College. The program requires satisfactory scores on college placement tests. Students with deficiencies will be required to complete satisfactorily developmental studies courses before enrolling in some classes. Individuals with a Verified and Current Dispatchers License will have 13 credit hours advanced standing awarded for specified courses (ARO 101, 102, 103, 104, 105).

Course Schedule

For more information about the Aircraft Dispatcher program and upcoming Aircraft Dispatcher courses, contact Earl Dodrill at 540/863-2902 or edodrill@dslcc.edu.