Where to go to Dispatcher school?

I just researched over their website and I've decided to apply for the 1w eek course, do I need to take the atp befordhand? I read on here that asa is best tool for passing right?
 
CRJInTheHeartOfTexas said:
I just researched over their website and I've decided to apply for the 1w eek course, do I need to take the atp befordhand? I read on here that asa is best tool for passing right?
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1. If you really did read over the information for the course, then you would know the answer. (i'm not gonna give it to you but I'll give you a hint.. You do not need to pass the ATP)
2. Based on your history in this forum by applying for a 1 week dispatcher course, I've come to the realization that you must be trolling. There is no way that based on what you've demonstrated in this forum that you would be successful in a 1 week course. You need a full 5 week course.
3. If you are not trolling us then you would be better served by writing me a check for half of what iFOD is charging. You will get the same result and be out less money, plus the satisfaction of adding to MT's beer fund.
 
MT said:
1. If you really did read over the information for the course, then you would know the answer. (i'm not gonna give it to you but I'll give you a hint.. You do not need to pass the ATP)
2. Based on your history in this forum by applying for a 1 week dispatcher course, I've come to the realization that you must be trolling. There is no way that based on what you've demonstrated in this forum that you would be successful in a 1 week course. You need a full 5 week course.
3. If you are not trolling us then you would be better served by writing me a check for half of what iFOD is charging. You will get the same result and be out less money, plus the satisfaction of adding to MT's beer fund.
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you don't understand. the 1 week course is only 1850 which would help a great deal with my financial situation. i cant afford the 5 week class. with enough self study I feel like I coud pass the class. is financial aid availble for dispatch schools?
 
CRJInTheHeartOfTexas said:
you don't understand. the 1 week course is only 1850 which would help a great deal with my financial situation. i cant afford the 5 week class. with enough self study I feel like I coud pass the class. is financial aid availble for dispatch schools?
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Unless you have bee lying about your background. IFOD will not take your money because they will not accept you into the 1 week program. Did you read the admissions requirements? Do you meet the qualifications and background that they state for the program?

Let's think about this rationally for a minute. If for some reason IFOD accepted you into the accelerated program without meeting the qualifications, IFOD get's your $1850 regardless of if you pass or fail, likely fail. How does that help your financial situation? Now you're out $1850 and have nothing to show for it.

Do your research on financial aid for dispatch school. I'm sure you will find some information.
 
MT said:
Unless you have bee lying about your background. IFOD will not take your money because they will not accept you into the 1 week program. Did you read the admissions requirements? Do you meet the qualifications and background that they state for the program?

Let's think about this rationally for a minute. If for some reason IFOD accepted you into the accelerated program without meeting the qualifications, IFOD get's your $1850 regardless of if you pass or fail, likely fail. How does that help your financial situation? Now you're out $1850 and have nothing to show for it.

Do your research on financial aid for dispatch school. I'm sure you will find some information.
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I saw Sheffield doesnt. Do most peopel just take out a private loan? Im trying to avoid that due to bad interest rates since it won't be a private student loan- just a higher interest loan.
 
CRJInTheHeartOfTexas said:
I saw Sheffield doesnt. Do most peopel just take out a private loan? Im trying to avoid that due to bad interest rates since it won't be a private student loan- just a higher interest loan.
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Best bet might be an introductory credit card. Something with no interest for the first year.
 
CRJInTheHeartOfTexas said:
Can someone pls explan the ifod progrwam, im curious what pre recs u need to be succceesful.
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Short version: if you have to ask, you're not qualified.

It's for people with Aviation background. Perhaps a pilot, former military aviation like ATC or a Navigator, etc. Someone with substantial aviation knowledge and has already passed the written. If you can't say those things, you're not anideal candidate.

I understand the financial aspect of it. I had a lot of things line up for me when I took it that made it possible. It why I didn't take it back in 2009 when I first considered it. I posses above average intelligence. I am a long time aviation geek and I have a 15+ year background in the ground operations side of Commercial Aviation. I'm fairly certain I would not have completed the 1 week course successfully. There is a lot of benefit to the 5 week course. I highly recommend you start saving and take it when you can afford it.

Talk to Mark or Kash at IFOD. They will most likely refuse you. They're not going to take your money and send you packing empty handed. They want you to succeed because they succeed only when you do.
 
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I just passed my practical and oral at IFOD today actually and still can't believe I am going home with a dispatcher license. The above post hit the nail on the head. The biggest and most important prerequisite of all is remembering that you get out of the program what you put into it, as with anything in life. It's 3 weeks of being fed information from a fire hose with a short break to take the written test followed by another couple weeks of information and then plan on at least a 4 hour combined oral/practical exam. Although there are great instructors who will go the extra mile at IFOD the course re enforces self reliance and common sense as does everyday life.
 
CRJInTheHeartOfTexas said:
I saw Sheffield doesnt. Do most peopel just take out a private loan? Im trying to avoid that due to bad interest rates since it won't be a private student loan- just a higher interest loan.
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You can get a career training loan through Sallie Mae. The payments are super affordable.

On another note....are you high? First off, as a Dispatch Trainer, I recommend that you take the full 5 week course and attend said course at the location--do not do distance learning. You obviously have no clue as to what goes on in this industry which means that when you drink from this fire hose, you are going to have to give this training 110% of your time and energy otherwise you WILL fail.
While I understand financial strains, you need to be willing to lay down a little coin in this industry and accept making meager wages knowing that in the end this career WILL pay off. This is not a get rich quick industry or career field. @MT is right...you need to do your own legwork and figure everything out for yourself. If you came into my airline and required this much spoon feeding, you would fail your first competency check and get bounced right out of the company.
 
FWIW, I came into this profession with zero aviation background but I consider myself to be decently above average when it comes to learning new information quickly. I had to spend nearly every waking moment for 6 straight weeks learning and studying in hopes that I would pass just to obtain my license. I would even dream about being in dispatch class when I slept, and I had mostly no distractions from the outside world to hinder me. And it took a lot out of me to pass that class for my license. So if CRJ is a real person with genuine interest in the field, based on what I've read, I would say to look elsewhere because it sounds like a waste of time for everyone involved.
 
i really don't remember most the stuff i got in dispatch school, but one of the few advantages to one school over another is having a manager that went to that school and decide to do most of his hiring / recruiting from there.
 
If you are dependent on financial aid for dispatch school, then look at Sinclair Community College, Green River CC, UND, or Lewis University. Those are all colleges that you can fill out a FASFA for and recieve financial aid in order to get your dispatch license. Also check out MTSU.
 
I am currently enrolled in Salt Lake Community College in Utah. They have an AS degree in aerospace/aviation technology with different tracks, including a dispatch track. It is all eligible for financial aid and tuition and living expenses are cheap in Utah. Granted, you would have to become a UT resident to qualify for in-state tuition.
 
I was laid off at my previous job prior to deciding to attend a dispatch course. I bit the bullet and paid the $$$ for the 6 week course and it has been the best decision career wise.

If you can't pay cash for a course, then I would suggest, as a lot of others have, you find an interest free credit card and throw the course fees on it. This way you get started now instead 1-2 years from now.
 
Have been following the forums and threads for a while....
I have to say that I am more than thankfull.....

Me being a graduate in Aeronautical engineering have had difficulties in starting up the career, hence this course Of Aircraft dispatching.
I am Still in doubt whether Ifod or Sheffield???

My worries are only abt gaining the job i am ready to put my all into the program!!! Since i am from india and here dispatchers are not in demand... I am confused as where would i get an opportunity to start my career.

Suggestions/assistance please??
 
The big question for you is are you legally allowed to work in the U.S. ? If so, then you have as good as chance as anyone in getting hired.
 
Gonna have to train online. No other way. Pan am has a 3 to 6 month class, which is good for me since i work full time. Anyone have any experience with their course? Thumbs up or down?

Thanks,
 
Hi. New Here, but I live in Flower Mound, TX just north of DFW and was looking to go to school after several years of my neighbor encouraging me to try it out. he told me he went to a school about 18 years ago in Bedford, TX and to use his name when I went to visit. The school is called ATP Flight School and when I went to take a tour they said they had bought out the previous school, Higher Power Aviation, which I think might have bought out the school as well. I was wondering if I should still adhere to his recommendation. I already have all the paperwork lined up and was prepared to enroll in night classes M-R 5-9 PM for 4 months and quit my previous job to go into this and so the school has me in a situation of allowing my lender to provide $1700 for living expenses for 4 months which I don't quite see as a plausible option for me. The admissions person didn't really seem to understand my concern and since this "technically" isn't the school my neighbor recommended to me I started to explore options and wound up at this forum.

1. Is there any feedback on the ATP Flight School out of Bedford, TX?

2. The next school I looked at from the recommendations here was Sheffield which only offers a 5 week course for a long term options. I'd rather have something longer set up to really be able to study learn and just think about the actual questions that I have as I'm kind of particular about preparation and learning your craft as best as you can and as a newcomer to aviation I'd note have minded a bit of an extended course to ensure maximum absorption, but beggars can't be choosers I suppose. I noticed the school was a bit cheaper that what seems to be an untalked about school (searched for it) on the forum. I'd be forced to graduate more quickly, which wouldn't be bad, from what I assume is a better school for about $2000 more?

3. Continuing on in reading this thread I noticed talk about a "Big 3" and saw that IFOD was located in Irving, TX literally on the next highway exit from ATP and also seems to be about $1000 cheaper and a mile closer. It seems to be well talked about by all except for one member on this thread, but notice using the search function on the forum that it seemed to have a lot flack giving to it from what I've seen. Then again this thread is old and time changes things.

4. It seems like "Airline Flight Dispatcher Training Center" operates out of American Airlines Training & Conference Center, but I'm guess no affiliation. The website was pretty antiquated, but then again IFOD wasn't anything spectacular either.

ATP is almost too polished and gives me that money churning tech school vibe of a UTI when Lincoln Tech was effectively as good, but seems very focused on pilot training as well. I just don't see the merits and if I can't cover living expenses through the student loan then I assume I'll be forced to do a 5 week program anyway. Any advice on this particular crossroad? Before I found out about IFOD from this thread I thought Sheffield made sense, but perhaps ATP is a better school than I expect and I should remain on that direction. It was neat to see a cockpit simulator, but have very little idea as to how beneficial it would actually be. One of the instructors was awesome to talk to on the phone (ex-military helicopter pilot) and sounded quite enthusiastic about his job, but I really don't know how big a difference any of that makes. It's a bit odd to have two schools within 16 miles of me. Any advice or recommendation on the state of dispatch schools in 2016?
 
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