I am a current flight attendant, have been one for three years, and am looking into becoming a dispatcher. I've talked to a couple dispatchers and am just looking to get some more advice. What schools would you recommend? What are the job prospects like? Would it be possible to get my license while staying at work or would you recommend quitting? Any other tips and advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Looking to Become a Dispatcher....
- Thread starter zmmz
- Start date
Reek
Well-Known Member
Job prospect remains gold and will probably continue over the next 5 years. You can get your license without quitting, however the 5 week courses will probably be out of the question unless you can work something out, probably not possible as a FA. There are distance learning courses but those are more geared to those with a solid background in aviation concepts; I would really do some thorough research before committing to this option. I certainly wouldn't quit though on a gamble dispatch will pay-off. Yes it can pay-off big time for the investment, but you gotta succeed and put in the time before being called up.
Good luck with your decision.
CPZ9900
Well-Known Member
Where are you a FA? In this hiring environment you may be able to get your current company to give you an LOA to get your license with the intent to hire you into dispatch upon successful completion (regionals). I wouldn't suggest just outright quitting your job... What happens if you don't pass or find a job as quickly as you'd like?
I'm currently a FA at jetBlue. Used to work for a regional for 2 years prior to this. I'm in the process of talking to people at jetBlue to see what my options are. I understand it's a gamble, but it sounds like I'd be better off taking a 5 week course since this will be mostly all new material for me. I'm not exactly making the big bucks as an FA anyways, so I won't be losing much.
Reek
Well-Known Member
The fact you work at JetBlue is a big plus. If you can keep your job while obtaining your license you can probably transition to dispatch when an opening comes available; most shops value internals due to proven record. Most entry level dispatchers would have no shot at JetBlue... something to keep in mind. Otherwise outside of JB you would basically be building resume points from scratch.
CPZ9900
Well-Known Member
Well I guess you could get your dispatch license via one of the distance ed programs, then maybe get into the SOC via screw scheduling? Just something to think about... You could alway get your license and set up shop at a regional for a few years if you're financially able to do so.
CPZ9900
Well-Known Member
Then you just need to be willing to re-locate. married/kids? If not, then you should be okay with that...
pljenkins
Resident Knucklehead
zmmz said:
Well, it certainly sounds like you are going about this the right way. You seem to have realistic expectations in terms of your need to relocate and how the money is going to look in the short term. The only advice I can think to give you is to try to accomplish as much study as you can prior to the start of class, and make sure that for the 5 weeks you are there you commit completely to the process. Eat, sleep and live the subject matter. Ask questions and keep asking them until you understand the answer. Realize the the goal of the 5 weeks is to obtain the license. You will learn to be a dispatcher at your first job. For now, remember what the immediate goal is; the license.
pljenkins
Resident Knucklehead
zmmz said:
http://www.sportys.com/pilotshop/ai...IplfhmfriGyexdTRfeEoVC0Q7Hcmrl4iqQaAoRA8P8HAQ
I hope that link works. Of not, find the ASA Airline Transport Pilot study guide. It will effectively walk you through the written exam. I leaned heavily on this guide in preparation for class. It has all the questions and answers you might encounter in the written.
Reek
Well-Known Member
Choose a school and study study study. Stay committed and strive to be the best. To reach the goal of a major is simply differentiating yourself from everyone else- become the best with your knowledge, experience and attitude. Good luck.
Burrito
Position And Hold My Beer
This this this this this.
And I dunno who on this forum has beefs with this user (or if it's all in good humor or whatnot) but take note.
I took an LOA after I applied for a Flight Follower's seat at [a company that was sold to Ameriflight and rhymed with Swiggins] to go get my dispatcher's cert. Sure, Part 135 and flight following doesn't necessarily require a ticket, but it really, really helps in the long run. Especially with a career move - did I really want to fuel and de-ice planes forever? Eehhhhhh......no.
So, I came back after 5 weeks in Florida, had my seniority and enough vacation time for several three-day weekends in the mountains, and then went nuts applying everywhere. Took a full year to get in where I currently am, but now I'm here, and the resume can look all the better with five years' experience on the line underneath it.
Don't go quitting just to get a license.
ChitownMike
Well-Known Member
Feel free to PM with any questions about Jeppesen I graduated in October from there.