Newbie Questions

R

Ryan89

Well-Known Member
I start flight dispatcher training in a month. I already paid for school in LA because it was on the FAA approved list and I have family very close so I would have a free room. After reading some on the forums I'm wondering if choosing based just on location was a mistake. Would Sheffield or another well known school have made a big difference for me trying to find a job in the future?


2nd question: as far as the travel perks go, I know there is about a 6 month probation and stand by based on seniority... But I'm wondering if I do get a job at a regional, will I still be able to go on stand by for majors for international flights? Do most regionals have some type of agreement with majors?

Thanks
 
Your school selection can give you a leg up on other newly minted dispatchers. If you are considering whether or not you should go to Sheffield, then go to Sheffield. You won't regret it

Flight benefits tend to kick in anywhere from day 1 to 30 days for you and your dependents on the major airline you are contracted with.

Other airline reduced rate travel usually becomes available after 6 months.

Buddy passes are usually a year or never. I prefer never.
 
Well I already paid so I'm stuck with my choice for school.

Can I take it from your answer that all regionals are contracted with a major for the flight benefits?
 
Ryan89 said:
Well I already paid so I'm stuck with my choice for school.

Can I take it from your answer that all regionals are contracted with a major for the flight benefits?
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No. Most are, but it varies by regional airline. You'll have to take a look and examine it on a case by case basis.

Also, international standby may not always be free. Depending on the nature of your benefits with whatever major airline your regional partners with it could still cost you some money up front. It will definitely be better than full airfare but it's not the same as domestic travel on benefits.
 
Ryan89 said:
I start flight dispatcher training in a month. I already paid for school in LA because it was on the FAA approved list and I have family very close so I would have a free room. After reading some on the forums I'm wondering if choosing based just on location was a mistake. Would Sheffield or another well known school have made a big difference for me trying to find a job in the future?


2nd question: as far as the travel perks go, I know there is about a 6 month probation and stand by based on seniority... But I'm wondering if I do get a job at a regional, will I still be able to go on stand by for majors for international flights? Do most regionals have , some type of agreement with majors?

Thanks
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In my opinion, it doesn't matter where you go to school. All aircraft dispatcher candidates have to demonstrate the knowledge outlined in the Practical Test Standards. Yes some schools have a "better" reputation than others. You can counteract that by doing some networking now and while you're in school.
 
Big difference? Nope. Just stick to what works best for you and it seems you already have.

As BoilerOps has said above, flight benefits and probationary periods will vary by who you work for.
 
I have read on some other threads that it didn't really matter which school you went to as far as getting that first job goes. I am in the process of buying the books and just received the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical knowledge from ebay. The first page has the year 2008 on it but the seller tells me it's the newest edition, how can that be?
 
Badis said:
I have read on some other threads that it didn't really matter which school you went to as far as getting that first job goes. I am in the process of buying the books and just received the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical knowledge from ebay. The first page has the year 2008 on it but the seller tells me it's the newest edition, how can that be?
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Anything can be anything on eBay...
 
I just checked the FAA website, it turns out the latest version IS the 2008 one! This version supersedes the 2003 one. I shouldn't have bought it at all, it's available pdf for free on the FAA website.
 
Pick a school based on what you want. I didn't go with my local one because they wanted a 2 year commitment. Why do that when I could go elsewhere and be done in 6 weeks?
 
Based on the content of the pilot's handbook I see why some schools require a longer commitment... it's a LOT to master in 6 weeks!
 
True - It may be a lot to master in 6 weeks.
It depends on ones background, ability to learn and willingness to put in the effort.

That is my less than 1/2 of a nickels worth.
 
I never cracked open the Pilot's handbook once. I'd spend my time studying weather, then the ATP materials. Not that the information in the Pilot's Handbook isn't good information, but there is a lot to learn and most of what you need is not in that book.
 
BayouMLU said:
I never cracked open the Pilot's handbook once. I'd spend my time studying weather, then the ATP materials. Not that the information in the Pilot's Handbook isn't good information, but there is a lot to learn and most of what you need is not in that book.
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Lucky you! I have to start from scratch, the only aviation knowledge I have comes from my 250 hours of flying time... as a passenger and 50 hours of watching "Air Disaster" episodes. Besides, isn't a dispatcher supposed to be "the pilot on the ground"?
 
Badis said:
Lucky you! I have to start from scratch, the only aviation knowledge I have comes from my 250 hours of flying time... as a passenger and 50 hours of watching "Air Disaster" episodes. Besides, isn't a dispatcher supposed to be "the pilot on the ground"?
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You'll be fine. I simply meant to assist in prioritizing the information you'll need. The book you choose is a good one.
 
Should I wory about studying the common NOTAM contractions or is the test more focused on format with the contractions provided? My class doesn't start for a month but th school sent me online PDFs so I can start studying now. Should I focus on weather?
 
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