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

 

[NoCopy]

Sorry for the delay, we had a snowstorm the last couple days and I worked from 4am - 7pm.

Anyways, WoW, this is super helpful, what the difference types of positions out there. I’m trying to learn how a SOC works and positions out there and this totally helps.

Much appreciated!

NC

 

[pljenkins]

Crew scheduling is a common path used to leverage a dispatch position in that company, but be careful to read the fine print. Airlines are wise to this and some of them will have a probational period where you are ineligible to move to dispatch for a period of time. Depending on your experience level and age, this could range from "non-factor" to "I'm too old for that sh*t".

Also make sure you have the intestinal fortitude to do crew scheduling. It's not a trivial job and can be soul destroying if you let it get to you, but the experience you get there will make you a better dispatcher as you will be a part 117 master!

 

[DeltaJulietTango]

Crew scheduling is a common path used to leverage a dispatch position in that company, but be careful to read the fine print. Airlines are wise to this and some of them will have a probational period where you are ineligible to move to dispatch for a period of time. Depending on your experience level and age, this could range from "non-factor" to "I'm too old for that sh*t".

Also make sure you have the intestinal fortitude to do crew scheduling. It's not a trivial job and can be soul destroying if you let it get to you, but the experience you get there will make you a better dispatcher as you will be a part 117 master!

United has an 18 month seat lock in Crew Scheduling...meaning you can't apply to another position in the company for 18 months.

Between that and commuting while also trying to fly enough to get my certificates, I turned down the offer.

Plus: I really like being out in the operation...

It was one of the hardest, but most honest, decisions I have had to make. I really like the company...I just don't think I'd make it 18 months in scheduling while also commuting and trying to fly. I'm not pleasant when I'm exhausted...and it also affects how healthy I am.

 

[thegoose]

United has an 18 month seat lock in Crew Scheduling...meaning you can't apply to another position in the company for 18 months.

Between that and commuting while also trying to fly enough to get my certificates, I turned down the offer.

Plus: I really like being out in the operation...

It was one of the hardest, but most honest, decisions I have had to make. I really like the company...I just don't think I'd make it 18 months in scheduling while also commuting and trying to fly. I'm not pleasant when I'm exhausted...and it also affects how healthy I am.

I was in UA Scheduling for a little bit while commuting to MSP, i gave up cause the schedule was not great for commuting also wanted to move closer to family.

 

[MIADX]

I was in UA Scheduling for a little bit while commuting to MSP, i gave up cause the schedule was not great for commuting also wanted to move closer to family.

Not sure if it's still a thing, but I had a commutable schedule with a trade partner and working doubles. The lack of JS authority was the real killer though.

 

[Joust4Life]

I work at a legacy carrier and work with our dispatchers and crews for our charter operations. Really interesting to see how we operate for our different sport and military contracts. Dispatch cert is really helpful in understanding regs and how to use flight planning software etc. Also, at our airline, one of the best positions to work in in order to make it into dispatch as we communicate with dispatchers regularly.