Becoming a dispatcher involves completing formal training and obtaining an FAA certificate.
Inside American’s Integrated Operations Center (IOC) in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo: American Airlines)
While travelers will see pilots, flight attendants, ramp agents, and airport staff throughout their air travel experiences, there is another critical group of professionals behind every airline flight. Flight dispatchers diligently work behind the scenes to plan and monitor each flight to help ensure the safety and efficiency of an airline’s operations.
A few hours before a flight departs, a dispatcher will create a flight plan. They will review factors like the weather, air traffic constraints, and airport conditions to determine the most appropriate routing for the flight.
Dispatchers also work closely with pilots to make changes to the flight plan as needed. After a flight departs, a dispatcher will monitor its progress and advise pilots of any major changes to the weather or other circumstances.
In the case of irregular operations such as dangerous weather or diversions, dispatchers will also work closely with pilots to decide what will happen. This can include choosing an alternate or diversion airport or making the decision to delay or cancel a flight.
Prospective dispatchers in the United States must be at least 23 years of age to be certified and hired. However, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) permits candidates to test when they are 21 years old, so it is possible to start training for the job before turning 23.
You will also need to have a high school diploma or GED and be able to read, write, and speak English fluently. To be hired, candidates will also need to pass a 10-year FAA background check and a pre-employment drug test.
The FAA requires dispatchers to complete a minimum of 200 hours of training. You will typically have to do this on your own time and at your own cost through an FAA-approved training program. Many colleges and schools offer dispatcher training courses that will help you meet the training requirements.
To receive your FAA certificate, you will need to complete a written test and an oral practical exam. The written test – known as the ADX – is an 80-question multiple-choice exam that includes topics such as regulations, meteorology, and flight operations.
The practical test takes a few hours and involves demonstrating the ability to plan a flight and answer questions about subjects like emergency procedures, navigation, government regulations, and weather. You can receive your FAA aircraft dispatcher certificate after completing both tests.
New flight dispatchers typically start their careers at a regional airline. You will usually need to work at a regional carrier for anywhere from one to five years before you have enough experience to apply for a dispatcher job at a major airline.
An American Eagle CRJ-200 in Charlotte (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
Some airlines will also hire internal candidates without any prior dispatching experience to become flight dispatchers. These employees will still need to complete the required FAA training and certification, but the company may cover the costs.
Becoming a flight dispatcher takes time and hard work. It requires completing a formal training course and building an extensive knowledge base. However, the path to becoming a flight dispatcher typically takes less time than that of jobs such as airline pilot or air traffic controller.
Most standalone flight dispatcher training programs in the United States are approximately five to six weeks long. Some colleges and universities also offer the training as part of an aviation degree or as an add-on.
Salaries for dispatchers at regional airlines start at around $20-25 an hour, which translates to approximately $40,000 to $50,000 per year. Dispatchers at major airlines start at around $80,000 per year but experienced dispatchers can make upwards of $200,000 later in their careers.
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