Advice: Dispatcher Certification Other Careers

[NoCopy]

Hi everyone,

I’m navigating a midlife career crisis and would greatly appreciate some insights.

After burning out from IT sales and corporate roles two years ago, I transitioned to a role as an aircraft deicer. My past internship at NWA in 2002 as an ME sparked a lasting interest in the airline industry, drawing me back to this field. Last fall, I earned my Aircraft Dispatcher certification and have been applying for jobs, but hiring is slow due to heavy competition.

Here’s my question: If I don’t start as a dispatcher or flight follower, what other airline career paths could leverage my dispatcher certification?

Much appreciate any advice or insights

Thank you!

NC

 

[TXAce]

I suggest trying to get a role in the operations center, where dispatchers work. Positions like Crew Scheduling, for example, can help you build relationships and increase your chances of moving into dispatch.

If you’re committed to becoming a dispatcher but can’t get into the OCC, any aviation-related role will improve your chances more than a job outside the industry.

Also look into 135 or 121 Supplemental roles as they can help you get your foot in the door. As you stated, the market is oversaturated, right now is a tough time but aviation is very cyclical.

 

[itsFLK]

To answer your question directly(kinda):

Dispatch School Instructor. You might not have experience but having passed the exams you should have a pretty solid knowledge base.

Unfortunately given the nature of the job there arent really any other career paths where you can use your certificate itself as leverage since the main value in it is being able to exercise operational control. Depending how things are structured internally there may be dispatch adjacent positions that technically require but doesn’t actively use the certificate… but youll typically need to be a dispatcher first. The only other suggestion would be to wiggle yourself into another supporting role in an airline Ops Center like Crew Scheduling, Load Planner, Aircraft/tail router, nav support, etc, and then apply internally when something opens up.

 

[DeltaJulietTango]

To answer your question directly(kinda):

Dispatch School Instructor. You might not have experience but having passed the exams you should have a pretty solid knowledge base.

Unfortunately given the nature of the job there arent really any other career paths where you can use your certificate itself as leverage since the main value in it is being able to exercise operational control. Depending how things are structured internally there may be dispatch adjacent positions that technically require but doesn’t actively use the certificate… but youll typically need to be a dispatcher first. The only other suggestion would be to wiggle yourself into another supporting role in an airline Ops Center like Crew Scheduling, Load Planner, Aircraft/tail router, nav support, etc, and then apply internally when something opens up.

To name a few careers where having a dispatch certificate can help you get the job:

Legacy carrier Crew Scheduling
Routing
Legalities
Auditing
SMS System Auditor
Part 139 Compliance