Where to go to Dispatcher school?

MT said:
Everyone is gonna throw in their alma mater and its really gonna come down to what you think is best after your research. So allow me to be as unbiased as I can coming from a guy who's conducted a few dispatch interviews in the past.

Sheffield does indeed live up to the hype and more often than not when I conduct interviews, the Sheffield guys are leagues ahead of the competition. Sheffield is one of those things that excites me to see on a resume.

IFOD and Jeppesen round out the top three. I've seen plenty of quality candidates from here too but have learned that there are some things they don't teach that a dispatcher really needs to know in an interview. They're not part of the PTS, but still darned important.

Would stay away from Flight Safety. Perhaps it's coincidence, but the weakest dispatchers I've met came from here.

Academy College is also an up and coming program that puts a lot of focus on creating working dispatchers and not just getting the license. They're 12 weeks instead of the standard 5 but from what I've read, they essentially employ you as fictional dispatchers at the airline and teach you to think in that manner. They're grads have no real track record from the ones I've seen, most are really good, but met a few that concerned me.

Good luck no matter what your choice!
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I will agree with MT, it will come down to what you think is best.....with you being in the Navy and having 4900hr as a navigator, that will help you.

I myself went to Sheffield and learned a lot from my experience there....But in reality and in the end, it's what you learned and have read from the material in school that will help you in the interview and while in training.

But when it comes down to jobs - you will have to relocate at some point, I got lucky with my first gig since we have two airlines here and a buddy of mine got hired on with an airline where he lives.

BTW - GO NAVY!
 
Hondo Calrissian said:
I will agree with MT, it will come down to what you think is best.....with you being in the Navy and having 4900hr as a navigator, that will help you.

I myself went to Sheffield and learned a lot from my experience there....But in reality and in the end, it's what you learned and have read from the material in school that will help you in the interview and while in training.

But when it comes down to jobs - you will have to relocate at some point, I got lucky with my first gig since we have two airlines here and a buddy of mine got hired on with an airline where he lives.

BTW - GO NAVY!
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Thanks for the input. I understand that I will eventually have to leave if I take such a job. However I am insulted about being called a Navigator:) Not really, but my job was much more difficult. I was a Flight Engineer. IBNFE 8235. Thanks again.
Fly Navy!
 
E6Birdman said:
I'm thinking about going to an Aircraft Dispatcher school in a couple of years and would like your inputs. I looked on the FAA's website and saw a list of schools that are certified. Thoughts?
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It doesn't matter where you go in the long run - once you leave with your ticket, you will learn how to dispatch by your airline. I have interviewed from Sheffield, IFOD, ATG and Jepp - all have their unique qualities.
 
LawDXer said:
It doesn't matter where you go in the long run - once you leave with your ticket, you will learn how to dispatch by your airline. I have interviewed from Sheffield, IFOD, ATG and Jepp - all have their unique qualities.
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While I would agree on part of this statement, I feel that I was better trained by going to Sheffield. I am now into my 4th week of OJT and feel really relaxed...I have since week one.
 
Looking at attending IFOD accelerated course. I am retired airline pilot. Does anyone know of a dispatcher being hired at near 60 or older. I also have to say as a person new to the field this forum has been a great place to get information.
 
Gregp602 said:
Looking at attending IFOD accelerated course. I am retired airline pilot. Does anyone know of a dispatcher being hired at near 60 or older. I also have to say as a person new to the field this forum has been a great place to get information.
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I have heard of people being hired over 50 but usually had experience dispatching. However your airline experience should help - but I wouldn't expect to get hired on at a major unless you're friends with a hiring manager at one. The airline you retired from may be a good place to apply, if you know the management there.
 
manniax said:
I have heard of people being hired over 50 but usually had experience dispatching. However your airline experience should help - but I wouldn't expect to get hired on at a major unless you're friends with a hiring manager at one. The airline you retired from may be a good place to apply, if you know the management there.
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Thanks for the info my first choice would be Hawaiian or Mesa in Phoenix.
 
Gregp602 said:
Thanks for the info my first choice would be Hawaiian or Mesa in Phoenix.
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womanpilot73 said:
Hawaiian does if you are an internal hire...
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Hawaiian has hired no/low experience dispatchers before (internal and external), but only for assistant dispatcher positions. (Which btw there is a current posting up right now. Hawaiianair.com/jobs). You can upgrade to dispatcher accordhing to seniority..

New hire dispatchers will normally require some type of International experience.
 
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Keola said:
Hawaiian has hired no/low experience dispatchers before (internal and external), but only for assistant dispatcher positions. (Which btw there is a current posting up right now. Hawaiianair.com/jobs). You can upgrade to dispatcher accordhing to seniority.. New hire dispatchers will normally require some type of International experience.
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Thanks K...I knew you got on as an internal but forgot it was for the assistant position. ;-)
 
Once again thanks for the great info. In my position assistant dispatcher would be a great start. This forum has been a great place to get a feel for what the Dispatcher position is like and what is involved in obtaining the rating.
 
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Anyone hear anything about Airline Ground Schools in Cincinnati, Ohio? I have been looking into their program since it allows me to take almost all the classes online and only report in person for 6 days. How are they standard wise and do they have a good track record or are they another "mill" so to speak?
 
GTCC in Greensboro NC is starting a Dispaching Course in October. Its six weeks long 8-5 Monday-Friday. Cost is $800.00
 
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