Weighing Career Options

[Rolling Thunder]

Hi there,

Another person with questions about this career. Here's the gist of it: After considering a career as a pilot ever since childhood I am now considering other aviation related jobs as well as other career fields. I had an issue getting my FAA medical and got a denial. I decided not to appeal for reconsideration. It was because of OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), but physically I'm very healthy and have no issues other than corrected vision. I have also had second thoughts about whether I really want to fly planes or be involved in more of a behind the scenes aviation support role, like dispatching.

I was wondering:

1) Will the FAA medical denial be an issue for getting into dispatching?

2) What are your primary duties/responsibilities as dispatcher? In other words what is a typical day like. What is the level of stress? I know the gist of it, but a little more detail would be nice.

3) What are the skills required for this job?

4) What do you think of the different schools: Ex. Sheffield, Jeppessen etc. Can you really go wrong choosing one over the other? Do most programs last about a month and cost around $8,000? It doesn't look like there are any in Arizona but if you know of any that would be convenient.

5) Lastly, what does the demand look like for dispatchers now and over the next several years?

I have looked over other recent posts but still had these questions. Your input and guidance is appreciated. If there is another post that answers any of these questions feel free to refer me to it.

Thanks!

 

[manniax]

I don't have time to answer all of your questions (and to be honest, some of the questions asked for rather detailed information that probably couldn't be fully answered in a discussion board post) but I will reply to a couple of them. There is no FAA medical requirement for being a dispatcher so that wouldn't be an issue for you. For a more detailed look at what a typical day is like, I would refer you to a dispatch school's website such as Sheffield's, they have a pretty good summary of how things work. As far as skills required, familiarity with how to operate a computer is a necessity, and understanding weather, but the biggest requirement I would say is having common sense. I attended Jeppesen and recommend them very highly, but if you're looking for a school in Arizona, there is one in Tuscon, called Flight Control Academy (http://www.flightcontrolacademy.com/) that seems reputable. I don't know anyone that works there or attends there but they've been around for a while.

 

[Rolling Thunder]

Thanks manniax for taking the time to give some insight. Flight Control Academy looks pretty reputable but I will look into others too. I will also check out Sheffield's website and other resources to gain more insight into the field.

Again, Thanks!