New Dispatcher FAQ
- Thread starter MT
- Start date
bbmikej
Well-Known Member
1.) If you get offered a job, the company you work for will take your fingerprints and do a background check on you.
2.) A good number of more recent dispatchers went to school for ATC and got let down by the FAA when they changed hiring requirements meaning that degree counted against you. They ended up in dispatch because it was the closest to ATC.
From what it seems like, once youre in you get the benefits immediately
Mainline_or_bust
Airplanes fly on PFM, Change my mind
ATC requires a second class medical. In my case when I couldn’t fly, I also couldn’t become a controller. There’s a background check I believe which is the same as pilots, you have access to the cockpit so that makes sense. Jumpseating is pretty much right away usually, some air carriers have a brief period before warning benefits for families and friends but I think that’s even uncommon.
Just_plane_crazy
New Member
If I live in KY and I'm applying to a job out west somewhere, do I buy a plane ticket to fly out there or do they just do phone interviews?
who'swho
Don't hesitate. Penetrate!
Most places will fly you out on their tab. If they won't I would think twice about the company.
jose1337
Well-Known Member
You would probably wait about 6 months to be off probation and be able to use ZED fares on other airlines, but after HR has you set up you should be able to use your flight benefits on company metal and the JS
nyk
Well-Known Member
I was involved with their transition from Phoenix to Greensboro. It was a mess and this was back in 2016 so things may have changed. There was times were we didn't even know the aircraft was off the ground or if it had landed yet. They did a lot of deportation type flights in addition to other customers I can't remember. The flight tracking system was not your conventional gnat views which made it more difficult to track but it was color coded, not that it helped any. Again this is my opinion and things I'm hoping have changed but if not I would ask for a visit and check out the operation if you can.
Huddy17
Well-Known Member
Hey dispatchers, anyone have any work experience with coworkers that are currently in the Guard/Reserve? Like many, I've been excited to learn about this profession but I'm currently in the USAF Reserve and not sure how that would be viewed by possible hiring managers down the line. I know they can't "technically" hold military service against me but if I became a newly certified dispatcher and still needed at least "one weekend a month and 2 weeks a year" off from a new employer, would that cause many headaches in an Ops Center? My USAF job is a flying position so in addition to the standard time off I'd also have to fly a mission every 5-8 weeks. Would this be too complicated for me to ask of a future employer in this line of work? Thanks for any info/opinions ya have for me!
who'swho
Don't hesitate. Penetrate!
I've worked with reservists. Didn't seem to be an issue for the hiring managers.
TN-DX
Well-Known Member
We have at least 3 here in my shop that I can think of. One that just got hired in the last class and had drill in the middle of training. No issues at all
autosave36
Go High Go Fast and Hold.
Id have to think your military service will only benefit you, especially because it's a flying job. Delta loves military service and ive even seen them grant an interview to a guy who had been fired by their wholly owned because he was ex army.
bbmikej
Well-Known Member
There is a surprisingly high number of reservists/retired military. Most managers understand and will give you any days off you need for your military service.
autosave36
Go High Go Fast and Hold.
Which by the way isnt meant to come off as salty or anything. Just to say that youre going to have a real good chance to be successful in the field. I read my post and it didnt have the best optics
manniax
Well-met in the Ka-tet
I had one manager that didn't seem to like the fact I was in the Guard - we tried to work the schedule around so I could go on my days off instead of on the designated "weekend" although that led to me seeing the members less. I was able to get it to work, but it took a bit of effort. While employers aren't legally allowed to hold it against you, some of them can be less understanding than they should be. I ended up getting out of the Guard completely after I left that airline so I don't have any recent experience to pass along to you.
Huddy17
Well-Known Member
awesome, thanks for the opinions/responses. I know a lot of our pilots fly for the airlines without issue but I'd imagine their schedules are a little different than dispatchers. Anyway, it's nice to hear the positive feedback. I know the military service could help to an extent with networking and such, I was just concerned about causing any issues early on being a rookie and needing more time off than everyone else. I fly on C-5s so our trips don't always go quite on time, haha. But thanks again, your opinions are much appreciated!