FAA License + Remote Part-Time (20h/week) from Europe for a Civil Engineer/IT Teacher - Is it realistic?

rtr111

New Member
Hi everyone. I’m a 61-year-old Civil Engineer and IT/Informatics Teacher from Portugal (Europe). I am planning to enroll in Sheffield for the FAA Dispatcher License.

My goal is very specific due to my current tenure as a teacher: I want to work remote, part-time (approx. 20 hours/week, mostly weekends) from my home office in Portugal (GMT timezone) for US-based global trip support providers or business aviation (Part 91/135 operators).

Given my mature background in engineering, analytical skills, advanced IT knowledge, and the GMT timezone advantage for overnight US operations:

  1. Is this remote part-time model effectively realistic for entry-level FAA dispatchers with a strong technical/senior professional background?
  2. Which companies (like Universal, Jeppesen, UAS, etc.) should I target for this specific contractor profile?
  3. What is a realistic starting hourly rate for an independent contractor under a W-8BEN form?
I’m looking for raw, honest feedback before investing in the course and travel. Thanks!"*
 
I'm not saying it's a bad idea, and I don't know much about Europe but I'd suggest you talk to someone doing what you want to do. This place is mostly US based folks and although many here have international experience it's probably from the cockpit. If you're planning on just doing dispatch your options need to be exponentially expanded, you're local and you'll be asked to source maintenance. I know it's not in the job description but when things go sideways you're the first number the company is going to call. There's no free ride in 91/135, you'll have to pay your dues before your allowed to turn off your phone when you go to sleep.
 
I'd imagine the DX (dispatcher) job market is pretty competitive/saturated, to the point where a dude in Europe wanting to work part-time remote is probably going to be laughed out of the running. I'd try EU carriers, maybe they have appetite for this? I know remote is a thing at some operations here in the US, but I doubt it'd be the working hours you are looking for, especially as a brand new hire. Don't let me kill your dreams, and by all means, give it a shot since you never know until you ask. I just wouldn't plan on it.
 
Sheffield is closed.

An FAA dispatcher license is recognised by EU carriers.

 
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