Officially enrolled for Dispatch school!

[herpderpto]

I am officially enrolled for Sheffield's 5-week course next month. I feel like the baby of this forum since I have a looooong ways to go to become a dispatcher.

I am currently studying for the ADX, which seems to be just memorization. I can't wait to get that over with and start studying things that are more relevant to dispatching. In the meantime, can anyone tell me what I should expect for those 5 weeks? How was your experience at dispatch school, or maybe Sheffield in particular? What I should expect the months after? What I can do to prepare myself for the seemingly intense 5 weeks? Websites that I can look at for job openings (I know Sheffield helps with that process a bit)?

I am just a little worried since I have no aviation background, and this is a huge step in a new direction for me career-wise. I am open to moving, but would rather stay on the West Coast. Are there regionals in every state? Is it a matter of just being patient and applying for jobs in certain cities? Or am I going to have to be even more flexible in relocating?

I am extremely nervous and excited. Thank you all in advance for easing some of that. I always feel a little bit better about my decision after browsing through this forum and seeing how much everyone enjoys their careers in dispatching.

 

[jayd1038]

I am just a little worried since I have no aviation background, and this is a huge step in a new direction for me career-wise. I am open to moving, but would rather stay on the West Coast. Are there regionals in every state? Is it a matter of just being patient and applying for jobs in certain cities? Or am I going to have to be even more flexible in relocating?.

I have yet to do dispatch school but the one thing I can share with you is the list of locations for where the regionals are located/i.e. where you would be working. Not sure if you saw that in the FAQ sticky thread but here it goes.

List is compliments of MT:

"MSP x 2 (Endeavor and Compass)
ATL (Expressjet)
SGU (Skywest)
ATW (Air Wisconsin)
PHX (Mesa)
DFW (Envoy fmr American Eagle)
STL x 2 (Trans States and GoJet)
DAY (PSA)
CLE (Commutair)
HYA (Cape Air)
IND x 3 (Republic, Shuttle America, Chataqua)
SBY (Piedmont)
FLL (Silver)"

 

[herpderpto]

I have yet to do dispatch school but the one thing I can share with you is the list of locations for where the regionals are located/i.e. where you would be working. Not sure if you saw that in the FAQ sticky thread but here it goes.

List is compliments of MT:

"MSP x 2 (Endeavor and Compass)
ATL (Expressjet)
SGU (Skywest)
ATW (Air Wisconsin)
PHX (Mesa)
DFW (Envoy fmr American Eagle)
STL x 2 (Trans States and GoJet)
DAY (PSA)
CLE (Commutair)
HYA (Cape Air)
IND x 3 (Republic, Shuttle America, Chataqua)
SBY (Piedmont)
FLL (Silver)"

Thanks! I've seen this list, but are those the ONLY regionals that will hire new dispatchers? Doesn't seem like a lot of opportunities for new dispatchers.

 

[jayd1038]

Thanks! I've seen this list, but are those the ONLY regionals that will hire new dispatchers? Doesn't seem like a lot of opportunities for new dispatchers.

That I cannot say, sorry I am not very knowledgeable about it, I'm sure many on here can come and chime and help better than I.

I will say the resounding theme among the experienced in here I've noticed in my short time on here is the first job is the hardest to get. I would assume because of no experience, not a large market, kind of a combo of things I'm sure.

That being said, I am sure someone will come along soon and help clarify things for you with far more understanding than I have haha.

 

[SpaceBeagle]

There are options other than the regionals, so don't limit yourself there! You have your cargo airlines (Kalitta, ABX, Southern Air, etc.) and charter airlines (such as Xtra, NetJets).

The first job really is the hardest to get, and you have to keep your options open. As far as prepping for the course, it sounds like you are doing the right thing. Study for that ADX exam...it's the hardest part of the course in my opinion.

 

[Sliced_Bread]

can anyone tell me what I should expect for those 5 weeks?

I don't remember the exact breakdown. Your first 3ish weeks will be spent learning weather, FARs, and AIM. The last 2 weeks will be learning the 727, flight planning, and basically putting all the pieces together. Oh, and studying for the final of course. You'll have homework most nights and a test at the end of each topic.

How was your experience at dispatch school, or maybe Sheffield in particular?

I really enjoyed my time at Sheffield. We had a big class, but we all got along really well. Don't be afraid to take a break from the studies occasionally and hit the town or just hang out and relax with your classmates. There won't be a lot of time for it so take advantage when those opportunities present themselves, your mind will thank you and possibly your career down the road.

What I should expect the months after?

See a job? Apply.

What I can do to prepare myself for the seemingly intense 5 weeks?

GET THE ADX DONE! Before you even set foot in Florida if possible. It will be a huge weight off your shoulders. Also, buy a calculator.

Websites that I can look at for job openings (I know Sheffield helps with that process a bit)?

Your best luck will be checking each airlines websites. I also like indeed.com and jsfirm.com

I am just a little worried since I have no aviation background, and this is a huge step in a new direction for me career-wise.

That may help you actually. A lot of folks go to school with a lot of confidence due to being a pilot or ATC or whatever and do very poorly. Attitude can be important.

I am open to moving, but would rather stay on the West Coast. Are there regionals in every state?

Nope, regionals are scattered all over as shown in previous posts. On the west coast you're fairly limited, I can only think of Horizon off hand. (Be warned, they don't hire smokers)

Hope that helps, feel free to pm me. Good luck!

 

[MAK49]

Am I the only one that feels like these courses are way too short? I am in Alaska and only one school offers the course, but spread out over 5 months. I personally enjoyed that much better, taking the course I realized if I had taken it at another school in a span of a few weeks I probably would've been so lost and probably not have done so good in the end. Granted, I've yet to get my license, still working on that part.

 

[Huhhhh]

Congrats on taking the first step by enrolling... Dispatching is a fun and exciting career! Allegiant is in Vegas and will be hiring next year (no experience needed). Skywest is in Utah and Frontier is in Denver.

 

[Boydsj]

The first job really is the hardest to get,....

Seriously, tell me about it. I can concur with this notion.

 

[MT]

Thanks! I've seen this list, but are those the ONLY regionals that will hire new dispatchers? Doesn't seem like a lot of opportunities for new dispatchers.

Those are the only regionals. 90% of new dispatchers go to regionals. There are other options as SpaceBeagle said but many of the large supplemental carriers like to see a little dispatch experience before hand. You still can get hired with no experience by them, but it is rarer.

Your options on the west coast in general are very limited. You have Alaska (SEA), Horizon (PDX), Virgin American (SFO).