Dispatch

[nimblybimbly85]

What are the requirements to get into dispatching?

I have a B.S. in Aviation Operations and Minor in Business. I also am a commercial ASEL.

I'm trying to figure out whether to get my A&P and become a mechanic or alternative careers like dispatching.

Thank you!!!

[Dfwflyr85]

Get your dispatch ticket on the side and use that BS in Aviation Ops. that is a booming field if you know where to look.

[mission_aviation]

Originally Posted by Dfwflyr85

Get your dispatch ticket on the side and use that BS in Aviation Ops. that is a booming field if you know where to look.

I beg to differ. Most airlines at the moment are not hiring for hardly anything, much less dispatchers; however, there is a huge shortage for A&P mechanics. Every site I have looked at, has mechanic positions and no dispatchers positions. I would suggest getting the A&P first, then going for the dispatcher while employed as a mechanic. At least you would be able to find work faster as a mechanic then a dispatcher.

[CoBuilder]

I haven't seen many dispatcher openings lately. Hiring seems to be slow. But some positions aren't advertised on the typical sites.

And just curious, how is A&P pay compared to dispatch pay?

[mission_aviation]

Originally Posted by CoBuilder

I haven't seen many dispatcher openings lately. Hiring seems to be slow. But some positions aren't advertised on the typical sites.

And just curious, how is A&P pay compared to dispatch pay?

I can't tell you what the pay is generally, but at my last job, our mechanics were making far mare then we were for sure. Especially the contract maintenance controllers.

[anglerquest]

Originally Posted by CoBuilder

I haven't seen many dispatcher openings lately. Hiring seems to be slow. But some positions aren't advertised on the typical sites.

And just curious, how is A&P pay compared to dispatch pay?

How about this one at Skywest.



Requisition Number 09-0457 Post Date 11/5/2009 Closing Date 12/4/2009 Title Dispatcher City St. George State UT Minimum Hiring Range $14.99/hr Maximum Hiring Range $15.57 after 6 months Department Flight Operations Description Duties:
Will be highly knowledgeable of FAR's, NTSB, HMR, and company manuals
Monitor the progress of flights. Remain constantly aware of location and status of all company a/c
Issue necessary information for the safety of the flight

Cancel or amend, (121) flights if, in the opinion of the dispatcher or pilot-in-command, the flight cannot operate or continue to operate safely as planned and released
Monitor the weather along flight routes and at all destinations and alternate airports
Prepare flight control releases, and dispatch aircraft and crews

Requirements Qualifications:
To be considered for this position all applicants Must have Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate
Must be at least 23 years of age
Able to work under pressure
Willing to work weekends, holidays, shift work
Must be a US citizen or possess a permanent resident visa or work permit
Pass ten year FAA background check and FAA mandated pre-employment drug test
Good communication skills and ability to work in a team environment
Must be willing to relocate to SkyWest Corporate Office in St. George, Utah

[nimblybimbly85]

Anyone know if I can study and take the dispatch license on my own or do I have to go thru a training course? Would an FAA examiner test me if I just call them up and told them I wanted to take the test?

Thanks a lot!

[manniax]

Originally Posted by nimblybimbly85

Anyone know if I can study and take the dispatch license on my own or do I have to go thru a training course? Would an FAA examiner test me if I just call them up and told them I wanted to take the test?

Thanks a lot!

It's best to take an FAA-approved course, unless you have a LOT of aviation experience. Even then, you will be competing for jobs with people who have been through dispatch schools, and some employers might be leery of hiring someone who hasn't been through a classroom course. It is possible to find an examiner and have them give you the test, I think, but I've never worked with anyone I know that has gotten their license that way...and I've been dispatching for close to 15 years now, at several differnt airlines.

[F9DXER]

I have only known one person that didn't go to school but he had, according to him, "extensive exeprience from the military."

[mission_aviation]

Originally Posted by anglerquest

How about this one at Skywest.



Requisition Number 09-0457 Post Date 11/5/2009 Closing Date 12/4/2009 Title Dispatcher City St. George State UT Minimum Hiring Range $14.99/hr Maximum Hiring Range $15.57 after 6 months Department Flight Operations

Exactly my point. They even spelled it out. Try to live in St. George on that income. I still make more than that and I'm not in dispatch anymore.

[F9DXER]

Well from a practical stand point, the Dispatch License can be earned in about 6 weeks or less depending on your qualifications

I believe the Mechanics License takes 18 months. Not sure if you can bypass portions due to experience.