New Dispatcher FAQ

[manniax]

I recently found out about the dispatch career option, and am very excited about it! However, I do have a few questions:
1. Do I have to be really good at multitasking? I tend to take my time performing tasks; do airline dispatchers have to be able to work really quickly?
2. Do dispatchers have to be naturally good at quick thinking, or is this a skill picked up in dispatch training?
3. Is the job always stressful, or does it have its down time?

1. Yes, I would say you have to be pretty good at multi-tasking, especially at a regional airline (which is where most people start out.)
2. Not quite sure what you mean here, but being able to learn a lot of information quickly does help. That being said, if you go to a reputable dispatch school and can get your license from them, you should be able to handle any future training at whatever airline you get hired by. Just be prepared to work hard in school and study.
3. There's definitely some down time. How much depends on where you work, and the weather. But there's definitely some times with high stress also.

 

[DispatcherSam]

1. No but it helps. It's a lot like driving and checking all your mirrors and gauges often.

2. Smart thinking is better than quick thinking. Smart quick thinking will come with experience. Best plan at first is to use those around you.

3. If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail. Most of my stress comes from things beyond my control. If you stay ahead of the game, it's relatively stress free, at least at my carrier.

 

[repoetic]

I have a random question:
Are the majors (and regional airlines) union shops? Like do unions control all workplace rules for everyone or are there dispatchers around who elect to not be part of the union negotiations for whatever reason?

 

[manniax]

I have a random question:
Are the majors (and regional airlines) union shops? Like do unions control all workplace rules for everyone or are there dispatchers around who elect to not be part of the union negotiations for whatever reason?

All the majors are union. I think most of the regionals are also but there are exceptions such as SkyWest. Also, even at unionized shops, the unions don't "control" all workplace rules for everyone, they are negotiated with the company.

 

[pljenkins]

I have a random question:
Are the majors (and regional airlines) union shops? Like do unions control all workplace rules for everyone or are there dispatchers around who elect to not be part of the union negotiations for whatever reason?

You can opt out of being a member of the union, but since you are working under the collective bargaining agreement you cannot completely opt out of paying dues (most will be at a reduced rate from full member). No union shop is allowed to negotiate outside of the CBA with an individual.

 

[kid dave m]

online training is my only option. I have a single engine private license. will that knowledge be enough to do an online course, or is all lost without the 6 week classroom course?

Thanks!

 

['Cap' Wilson]

online training is my only option. I have a single engine private license. will that knowledge be enough to do an online course, or is all lost without the 6 week classroom course?

Thanks!

Not all lost but very little of a private license is applicable to a dispatch course.

 

[Pilot121]

I'm just curious:
How many of you dispatchers have a private pilot's license? Would having one be helpful for dispatch? I'm wondering because I have a huge passion for aviation, and have recently started flying lessons, but it's not what I thought it would be. In your opinion, is dispatch a good way to foster that aviation passion?

 

[azmedic]

I am a pilot (medically disqualified though) and currently working on my ADX. I will say if you just have your Private it won't benefit you a whole lot when it comes to dispatch. Most of the dispatch course seems to be similar to instrument ground school using a 737. On a second note,how many hours flight time do you have so far? What's steering you away from flying?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Pilot121]

I am a pilot (medically disqualified though) and currently working on my ADX. I will say if you just have your Private it won't benefit you a whole lot when it comes to dispatch. Most of the dispatch course seems to be similar to instrument ground school using a 737. On a second note,how many hours flight time do you have so far? What's steering you away from flying?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have 3 hours logged so far. One of the things that steers me away is that I can't seem to really relax and enjoy the flying because I am so busy controlling/operating the aircraft. Also, something just seems inherently dangerous about GA flying to me. I know it's probably an irrational fear, but I can't seem to shake it off!

 

[azmedic]

That's perfectly normal. I was quite nervous my first few hours of flight training too (I was 14). Mention your concerns to your instructor and they should be able to help you out if you decide to continue with your flight training. Just some food for thought too,but there are a lot more pilot jobs out there than dispatcher jobs.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Pilot121]

That's perfectly normal. I was quite nervous my first few hours of flight training too (I was 14). Mention your concerns to your instructor and they should be able to help you out if you decide to continue with your flight training. Just some food for thought too,but there are a lot more pilot jobs out there than dispatcher jobs.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thank you for that information, and good luck on your ADX!

 

[manniax]

I have 3 hours logged so far. One of the things that steers me away is that I can't seem to really relax and enjoy the flying because I am so busy controlling/operating the aircraft. Also, something just seems inherently dangerous about GA flying to me. I know it's probably an irrational fear, but I can't seem to shake it off!

I agree with that some nervousness at first is normal. I'd be more worried if you weren't nervous. I think I am personally happier dispatching than I would be as a line pilot, but if you have the "bug" for flying, then by all means, pursue that goal! There certainly is a lot of demand for the job, as @azmedic pointed out. (Disclaimer - I do not have a pilot license.) If for some reason you find that flying isn't your thing after a while, then you can check out your dispatch or ATC options.

 

[crow]

I have my PPL and Instrument Rating. I was certainly more comfortable with the process of getting the ADX than I would have been otherwise, but I don't know if it was that that helped with the material or my degree in Aviation.

 

[Pilot121]

I agree with that some nervousness at first is normal. I'd be more worried if you weren't nervous. I think I am personally happier dispatching than I would be as a line pilot, but if you have the "bug" for flying, then by all means, pursue that goal! There certainly is a lot of demand for the job, as @azmedic pointed out. (Disclaimer - I do not have a pilot license.) If for some reason you find that flying isn't your thing after a while, then you can check out your dispatch or ATC options.

How much longer do you think I should give flying a try? Should I at least solo before I decide whether or not flying is for me?

 

[azmedic]

Definitely at least solo. Do you feel maybe there's some disconnect between you and your instructor? Sometimes just finding a new instructor can create a whole different experience. I had a few instructors that my personality didn't mesh with,and I had a few that I am still friends with to this day. If aviation is truly your passion id say at least solo and try to finish your PPL,once you have it its yours for life. Now that I can't fly I miss it dearly,but I still take comfort in knowing I put the work in and got my ratings.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Pilot121]

Definitely at least solo. Do you feel maybe there's some disconnect between you and your instructor? Sometimes just finding a new instructor can create a whole different experience. I had a few instructors that my personality didn't mesh with,and I had a few that I am still friends with to this day. If aviation is truly your passion id say at least solo and try to finish your PPL,once you have it its yours for life. Now that I can't fly I miss it dearly,but I still take comfort in knowing I put the work in and got my ratings.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I actually switched instructors and the one I'm with now is great! That's a good point about the PPL - I'll always have it for life. One thing that I have an issue with is I don't really see what I would do with a pilot's license if I don't make it a career. What did you do with your pilot's license?

 

[azmedic]

Honestly some of my favorite flying was just taking a buddy or two up in a 172 and doing a day trip just for the hell of it. Line flying isn't for everyone,several friends of mine tried the airline thing and hated it. Some went to 135 Ops,some do part 91 traffic watch type stuff and others just decided they wanted to teach. There are tons of career paths you can take,and while having your PPL won't necessarily help you with a lot of jobs,it won't hurt you either.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Pilot121]

Honestly some of my favorite flying was just taking a buddy or two up in a 172 and doing a day trip just for the hell of it. Line flying isn't for everyone,several friends of mine tried the airline thing and hated it. Some went to 135 Ops,some do part 91 traffic watch type stuff and others just decided they wanted to teach. There are tons of career paths you can take,and while having your PPL won't necessarily help you with a lot of jobs,it won't hurt you either.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Awesome! I really appreciate all of your help.

 

[manniax]

Having a PPL or instrument rating on your resume is a plus, I think (depending upon who is reviewing it) when applying for a dispatch job - especially your first one as it indicates familiarity with charts, etc. more than what a non experienced non pilot dispatcher might have. However - if you have TOO many ratings/licenses, it can be a red flag to some companies that you really would rather be a professional pilot rather than a long term professional dispatcher. (This is mostly based on anecdotal evidence but it does make sense to a degree.) I do work with a couple of people now who used to be pilots at regional carriers and decided that lifestyle wasn't for them, long-term, so too many licenses isn't an automatic dealbreaker either.