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J

jtm12180

New Member
Hello. I was able to find someone on this board who is an airline dispatcher, and he recommended I come on this board and join in conversation.

I have recently been giving more and more thought to pursuing airline dispatch. I am currently at home with our 3.5 month old twins, but have taught physical education for about 9 years, and have a masters degree in education technology. I previously obtained PPL in 2003 (currently inactive), and also about 10 months of experience working on the ramp for Atlantic Southeast (Delta Connection) at KMYR in 2001. Hoping those things would work in my favor somewhat since I have a higher ed degree, flying experience, as well as have worked for Delta in the past.

I would greatly appreciate any input you folks could provide! Thanks a lot!

Josh
 
Welcome! Have you read the New Dispatcher FAQ stickie? There's a LOT of good info there. When I was first looking into dispatch, I joined this forum and read old threads for weeks. I really learned a lot that way. But now there is a stickie that a forum member posted that consolidated a lot into one place that is specific to people looking into this career. Happy reading, and please post any specific questions you might have. I'll offer any advice I can ;-)
 
There's no magical secret as others think there is... get a license, get experience at a regional, and then apply apply apply.
 
womanpilot73 said:
Welcome! Have you read the New Dispatcher FAQ stickie? There's a LOT of good info there. When I was first looking into dispatch, I joined this forum and read old threads for weeks. I really learned a lot that way. But now there is a stickie that a forum member posted that consolidated a lot into one place that is specific to people looking into this career. Happy reading, and please post any specific questions you might have. I'll offer any advice I can ;-)
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Thanks for the tip...I will definitely take a look!!

Any recommendations on the best schools for this field? I know there are flight schools out there that are more concerned about how fast they can get your money, so I want to make sure I chose a good school in it for the right reasons!!
 
jtm12180 said:
Thanks for the tip...I will definitely take a look!! Any recommendations on the best schools for this field? I know there are flight schools out there that are more concerned about how fast they can get your money, so I want to make sure I chose a good school in it for the right reasons!!
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There are a ton of threads on here about that. There is even some info on the stickie. Everyone has an opinion, that's for sure! My advice is to pick a reputable school and choose the one that best fits your needs. That is the advice I got here and it worked out well for me. The consensus here seems to be the top schools are Jeppesen, IFOD and Sheffield, but there are many members here who got their license at other places who are employed dispatchers.
 
jtm12180 said:
My goal would be to get the certification and end up for a major airline (Delta would be my #1 choice). But I've heard they are NOT easy to get into
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Have you thought about what school you're interested in? I recommend ifod, jepp, or ags.
 
Reek said:
Have you thought about what school you're interested in? I recommend ifod, jepp, or ags.
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I've been browsing. The big thing for me is finding the school in it for the right reasons, and not to just see how fast they can get your money. How is IFOD, Jepp, and Sheffield as far as that goes?
 
Welcome Josh! The top 3 choices as you can already infer from this thread are Sheffield, Jeppesen, and IFOD. These schools were created to train new dispatchers, with Sheffield being the oldest, unlike many other part 65 courses which are small part of a larger aviation program. While there are gainfully employed dispatchers from all the part 65 programs, my opinion is that going to a school that specializes in dispatch would give you better practical knowledge of the job rather than the purely theoretical knowledge I've seen from some colleges.

I'm not going to open up the can of worms again, but there are a lot of people that swear by Sheffield on here and will defend them to the death, me included, and just as many "Sheffield Haters." It's just not worth my energy to fight anymore. :stir:

Ultimately school selection is your choice, but why not choose the best for your new career :)
 
Also, none of the schools are out there to "get your money." Yes they are for profit businesses, but because of that they want you to be successful. Schools reputations take a hit of students don't pass or don't get jobs. Even worse, if a school has enough failed students they lose their certification and thus don't have a business at all!

Dispatch school is not easy. You have to learn everything that a captain needs to know and you only get a few weeks to do it. It takes a lot of commitment and study. All of the schools are more than willing to help out if you need it, you just need to ask! Those that say a dispatch school just wanted their money are the ones who did not put forth what it takes to be successfully in this profession.
 
jtm12180 said:
My goal would be to get the certification and end up for a major airline (Delta would be my #1 choice). But I've heard they are NOT easy to get into
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So a major will not hire you with your background, if they do consider yourself very lucky. But for planning purposes it's better to prepare conservatively. You really have two choices- go to a regional or find another job internally at a major with the hopes of being hired into dispatch later. I can see the regionals seeing your masters as a negative, also would you be willing to make $15/hr with all that investment? Also expect 1-3yrs before moving up. The issues with the internal job is not getting dispatch experience and having to work in something you may not like. The PPL and ramp is experience is a plus for both, but won't be enough to go straight to a major.
Tough decision for sure, but the good thing is the investment for a license is only about 5k, not as risky as other career changing decisions.
As for school don't get hung up on the brand. The Sheffield lovers will pull out their pom poms any chance they get. I've seen some terrible dispatchers from Sheffield and excellent ones from small community college programs. I would weigh your choice more heavily on what works with your schedule and financial needs. In the end your true training and skill will be developed on the job.
 
Anxiously awaiting ...
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Thanks for the info Reek! I've always found it odd how too much education can hurt you. Baffling in a way...

The $15/hr out the door would definitely be rough, but my main concern would be the commute, or relocating with a family more than once. I'm not quite sure how I'd manage that yet.

As far as the schools, does anyone have any information about Guilford Technical Community College near Greensboro, NC? The lady I spoke to said they have state funding, and the program is very affordable. Of course the tests and materials are extra, but it isn't anywhere close to the $5,000 that other schools cost. I wouldn't want to take shortcuts and lessen my chances of getting the information I need, but being able to go there and save the money would be huge, IF I could get some testimonials on them! :-)
 
jtm12180 said:
Thanks for the info Reek! I've always found it odd how too much education can hurt you. Baffling in a way...

The $15/hr out the door would definitely be rough, but my main concern would be the commute, or relocating with a family more than once. I'm not quite sure how I'd manage that yet.

As far as the schools, does anyone have any information about Guilford Technical Community College near Greensboro, NC? The lady I spoke to said they have state funding, and the program is very affordable. Of course the tests and materials are extra, but it isn't anywhere close to the $5,000 that other schools cost. I wouldn't want to take shortcuts and lessen my chances of getting the information I need, but being able to go there and save the money would be huge, IF I could get some testimonials on them! :)
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It really is frustrating. I was lucky enough my hiring manager at the regional level was too stupid to figure out what my scheme was. If you can argue in a way that convinces them its a positive than do so with your masters. Hey I can analyze delays for y'all! But most cognizant people would understand the goal with anyone with a higher degree is to move on to bigger and better things. I remember my first job I was hired over a pHD bc the company thought they were overqualified. The hiring managers are looking for specific traits, not necessarily the smartest. If I was a hiring manager a the regional level I would hire based on rotting potential- those who arent young, want to live in the local area and could care less about salary/promotion.
 
jtm12180 said:
Thanks for the info Reek! I've always found it odd how too much education can hurt you. Baffling in a way...

The $15/hr out the door would definitely be rough, but my main concern would be the commute, or relocating with a family more than once. I'm not quite sure how I'd manage that yet.

As far as the schools, does anyone have any information about Guilford Technical Community College near Greensboro, NC? The lady I spoke to said they have state funding, and the program is very affordable. Of course the tests and materials are extra, but it isn't anywhere close to the $5,000 that other schools cost. I wouldn't want to take shortcuts and lessen my chances of getting the information I need, but being able to go there and save the money would be huge, IF I could get some testimonials on them! :)
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I know others have different opinions, but I honestly don't think it matters where you get your license. The regulations are what they are and the adx/oral are the same, yes even the one you take at Sheffield. All you need is the basic knowledge to get in the door at a regional. Can you read a metar/taf, do you know when you need an alternate, do you have a pulse? Most of the stuff you are going to learn on the job, the license is just your ticket in the door. If the program works for you, then go for it.
 
CPZ9900 said:
I know others have different opinions, but I honestly don't think it matters where you get your license. The regulations are what they are and the adx/oral are the same, yes even the one you take at Sheffield. All you need is the basic knowledge to get in the door at a regional. Can you read a metar/taf, do you know when you need an alternate, do you have a pulse? Most of the stuff you are going to learn on the job, the license is just your ticket in the door. If the program works for you, then go for it.
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THIS
 
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