Aircraft Dispatcher’s Path to Become a Pilot Essay.
For this discussion, identify at least two FAA required training topics common to both the Part 121 Flight Dispatcher and the FAR Part 121 Pilot. In your response, analyze and explain the reasons for the similarities. Include supporting details such as depth of knowledge in your analysis.Aircraft Dispatcher’s Path to Become a Pilot Essay.
For full credit, post your initial response (approximately 250 words)
Between the flight dispatcher and a pilot, there is a thin line as the pilot control the affairs in the sky the latter takes charge of ground operations. The annual beginning salary for a Flight dispatcher at a regional airline starts near $40,000. After a certain year of experience, salaries can exceed $100,000 with flight dispatcher managers attaining even higher pay.
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It is not just about boarding an airplane, with the pilot taking off into the air, and a few hours later touching down at your place of destination. There are several people involved in this process. Removing these people from the process makes the flying and landing of a plane impossible.
One of such important personality in this process is the Flight Dispatcher (also known as Airline dispatcher). Amongst many things, when it comes to the safety of an aircraft, the flight dispatcher plays a vital role. Suffice it to say that the flight dispatcher works hand in hand with a pilot, on several shared responsibilities.
Here today we are going to cover the Responsibilities of a flight dispatcher, Training schools that offer courses for Flight Dispatching. Scholarship Programs on Flight Dispatching, Gears and Tools Use for Flight Dispatching and the contributions of Flight Dispatchers to the Aviation Industry.
Day to Day Responsibilities of a Flight Dispatcher
Believe me, it’s not an easy job as a flight dispatcher according to Mark from UPS Airlines The responsibilities include;
Coordinating of flight plans and paths
Estimation of the total amount of fuel needed for a trip
Considering aircraft performance and loading, weather, wind, and thunderstorm forecasts, ensuring the safe passage of an aircraft and its passengers in accordance with FAA regulations.
In fact, it is right to say that a flight dispatcher is the second eye of the pilot during a flight.
The fascinating thing about this piece is its emphasis on how one can become a flight dispatcher. So, here is what it takes to be a flight dispatcher
1 Understand the Duties First when it comes To Be A Flight Dispatcher
If you are intending to pursue a career here, To Be A Flight Dispatcher, you have to acquaint yourself with the rudiments of the duties of a flight dispatcher. Based on the duties that have been discussed here so far, understand that each one of them comes with a great deal of responsibility.
A mistake in the estimation of fuel required for a flight could be detrimental to a flight. Being a flight dispatcher always requires accuracy. You must also know that the lives of people are in your hands. Therefore, make adequate research and determine if this is what you want.
The flight dispatcher starts his/her shift with checks on the status of weather both current and forecast and for both the aircraft routes and destination. For this reason, they need to confidently interpret weather data, NOTAMS, and other forms of information relating to aircraft in flight
2 Finding an FAA-approved Flight Dispatcher Training School
Before you can apply to an FAA-approved training school, you must possess 5 GCSEs at C grade including Maths and English or a good high school education. Having a degree in Air Transport or Airline Operations or Meteorology is beneficial to prospective students. From the FAA website, you can get a list of the schools where you apply. You can as well study online
flight dispatcher
Schools that offer Flight Dispatching courses
ATP Flight School
Sheffield School of Aeronautics
Airline Dispatcher School
Phoenix East Aviation
BAA Ground Handling
3 Programs, Tuitions, Expectations
If you have the above requirements, then you can apply and choose the courses of your choice. All the information’s are available on the training schools’ websites. Course tuition at training schools is usually costly, ranging from $4000-$5000. Some schools provide financial aid. After application and acceptance, you will be made to do a 5 to 6 weeks intense and rigorous training (200 hours plus of training in total).Aircraft Dispatcher’s Path to Become a Pilot Essay.
Recommended Scholarship Programs for Flight Dispatchers
Airline Dispatchers Scholarship Federation
NBAA Dispatchers Scholarship
Fly Canada Fight Dispatcher Scholarship
Emirates University Flight Dispatching Scholarship program
61 Aviation Scholarship Programs in 2019- 2020
4 The Flight Dispatcher Exams and Certification:
After the 6 weeks of intense training. You will be made to prepare adequately for the FAA Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX) Certification Exams. The exam comprises of 80 questions, which you must complete in 3 hours. It includes assessment in 6 basic areas in the oral/practical sessions: flight planning, pre-flight and take-off procedures, in-flight procedures, landing procedures, post-flight procedures, and emergency procedures.
flight dispatcher
5 Airlines Requirements Flight Dispatchers Should Have before Applying For Jobs
Getting your certification qualifies you for applying for a job as a flight dispatcher. You can apply to the airline of your choice through their career’s website. However, the requirement to become A flight dispatcher may vary from one country but there are some things which are always common every flight dispatcher must possess before applying
It is expected that every flight dispatcher must have the knowledge
Meteorology, Air Traffic Control, Communications, Aerodynamic, Aircraft Systems, Weight and Balance, minimum Equipment list, Emergency Procedures, Security, International Operations, Regulations, Icing, Flight Planning, and Dispatch Resource Management.
It is expected that candidates are also familiar with flight dispatch and Airport operation software tools which include flight planning system, crew, and Aircraft performance Analysis.Aircraft Dispatcher’s Path to Become a Pilot Essay.
6 Salary and Benefits:
As a Flight Dispatcher, You will work both inside and outside the airport. The salary structure ranges from $50, 000-$80, 000 yearly. Work rate is 40 hours per week with overtime, both day and night. Other benefits may include health and life insurance, staff travel and pension, depending on the airline. However, the salary of a flight dispatcher varies from country to country
Australia
The basic salary of a flight dispatcher in Australia is AUD 155,000 Australian dollars.
Canada
In Canada the salary is C$35,000 rising to C$557,000 Canadian dollars.
UAE
The basic salary for dispatchers in Dubai ranges from AED 14,000, rising to AED 208,000, Arab Emirate Dirhams.
Egypt
Another Arab nation, the salary of an aircraft dispatcher is 114,000 Egyptian Pounds.
Germany
The National average for an aircraft dispatcher in Germany is £17,000 Euros.
India
In India it is set at Rs 407,000 rising to RS 1,000,000
Malaysia
The national average salary a flight dispatcher earns in Malaysia is 135,000 Ringgits
New Zealand
The average is 101,000 New Zealand dollars for an aircraft dispatcher in this country.
South Africa
The national average for aircraft dispatcher is 342,000 Rand
United Kingdom
£15,000 rising to £47,000-pound sterling for senior flight dispatcher
United States
The national average salary of a flight dispatcher in the USA is $30,000 rising to $90,000 us dollars
What are the contributions of Flight dispatchers in the Aviation Industry?
What are the contributions of Flight dispatchers in the Aviation Industry?
Now because they don’t fly the planes per say, doesn’t mean they don’t work are not recognized in the Aviation industry. For instance, the flight dispatchers arrange the clearing of passenger aircraft and the loading of cargo Aircraft.Aircraft Dispatcher’s Path to Become a Pilot Essay.
They also see to the refueling routine maintenance checks and other maintenance services required on the aircraft. It is inevitably obvious aircraft or flight dispatchers are essential to the smooth running of any Airport in the world.
For every Aircraft that takes off from any Airport requires a team of people who ensures its departures are safe and on time and that’s where the flight dispatcher comes in. Finally, one thing is for sure as far as the Aviation industry remains buoyant, there will always be demand for flight dispatcher.
Aircraft dispatchers work for airlines and other scheduled carriers to ensure the safety of flight. They share the overall responsibility for the safety of each flight with the captain and work to maintain safe, efficient operations for their company. It takes only about five to six weeks of training to obtain your Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate.
Aircraft Dispatcher Responsibilities
Aircraft dispatchers work with many different departments and personnel in an airline to manage a flight’s safe, on-time departure and arrival. While an airline pilot is in charge of one flight at a time, a dispatcher oversees many aircraft at once.
Some of the responsibilities of an aircraft dispatcher include:
Producing flight plans while considering every aspect of the flight, such as fuel, winds, weather, maintenance issues, weight and balance, and airport delays
Managing weather delays and routing or re-routing aircraft as necessary
Ensuring each aircraft is properly equipped, or that the flight planning is properly adjusted for maintenance issues
Monitoring flight progress and alerting the captain of changes in weather, airport delays, runway closures, etc.
Canceling or delaying flights when necessary
Determining the best course of action during an emergency situation
Prerequisites for Aircraft Dispatcher Training
To apply for an FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certification, you must be at least 23 years old and be able to read, speak and write English.
Dispatcher candidates must accrue 200 hours of training on specific topics. Then, students must pass a written knowledge test, a practical flight planning test, and an oral exam.
You can take the FAA Aircraft Dispatcher knowledge test at the age of 21.
Aircraft Dispatcher Training
The FAA has mandated that all its dispatcher courses provide a minimum of 200 hours of training to aircraft dispatcher students.
There are numerous aircraft dispatcher certification programs that are FAA-approved. Most of these offer either a five-week or six-week course that includes the 200 required hours. Some people, such as air traffic controllers and airline pilots, can get the dispatcher certificate with fewer hours of training since many of the training topics overlap.Aircraft Dispatcher’s Path to Become a Pilot Essay.
Training for an FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate will include:
Meteorology
Weather and Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) collection, interpretation, and usage
Interpreting weather charts and forecasts
National Weather Service products and services
Wind shear and microburst awareness and avoidance
Air navigation during IMC and the National Airspace System
Air traffic control procedures
Aircraft performance and weight and balance calculations
Aerodynamics
Human factors
Aeronautical decision-making
Crew Resource Management (CRM)
Written Exam for Aircraft Dispatchers
The FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Knowledge test is an 80-question test. You’re given three hours to complete it and must pass with a score of 70 percent or higher. You must be at least 21 years old to take the exam, and a passing score is valid for 24 months.
Knowledge tests can be taken at any approved testing center. There are testing centers located at most large airports.
Practical and Oral Exams for Aircraft Dispatchers
The practical exam for the Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate includes a detailed flight planning exercise.
With minimum details, you’ll plan a flight as a dispatcher would in real life, taking into account weather, air traffic control procedures, company requirements, aircraft maintenance issues, aircraft performance, weight and balance, fuel management, airport information and so on. You’ll be evaluated on the entire scope of the flight.
The examiner will ensure you have the knowledge associated with the tasks in the practical test standards, which are outlined by the FAA.
Any tasks or areas of importance that are not covered while reviewing your flight plan exercise will be covered during an oral exam in which an FAA-designated examiner will ask questions, and you’ll answer them.
After completion of a dispatcher certificate program, the FAA knowledge test, and the FAA practical and oral exams, you’ll be issued a temporary Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate, and you’ll be employable.
For the most part, aircraft dispatchers either spend a short time as dispatchers or they have long-lasting careers. Some will hop around the aviation industry, and some will become private or sport pilots.
The common love for aviation and aptitude for technical calculations make the two very similar. Career dispatchers will usually get a pilot’s license to operate smaller passenger aircraft, but young dispatchers can make the jump straight to become a pilot.
Aircraft dispatch is a good start for anyone who wants to become a pilot but is unsure, doesn’t have the funds, or wants to learn more about the aviation industry before committing.
Aircraft dispatcher jobs and pilot responsibilities are very similar, and they remain in contact throughout the flight.
Another reason why aircraft dispatchers eventually become pilots is because the knowledge base is similar.
Careers in the aviation industry tend to be long-term, so it’s not typical for older pilots to land jobs as captains on major commercial airlines. A younger aircraft dispatcher may have more time, patience, and less family commitments to begin a career as a pilot.Aircraft Dispatcher’s Path to Become a Pilot Essay.
Some airlines may support training and encourage an aircraft dispatcher to pursue a pilot’s license. Oftentimes, it’s up to the dispatcher to pay for training or use their own time to train, and then take the required certifications.
Having experience as an aircraft dispatcher will increase your chances of an airline hiring you as a pilot. It never hurts to have more experience to assist your career. Knowing the ins and outs of another major aspect of flying can be extremely beneficial for pilots.Aircraft Dispatcher’s Path to Become a Pilot Essay.
Any prospective pilots who want to get a leg up on the competition should know that it’s also common for flight school graduates to apply for aircraft dispatcher jobs. Doing so is an attempt to “get their foot in the door”. However, this is ill advised if you plan on hounding chief captains for job opportunities, only to leave when a different opportunity comes up. When working with airlines, it’s easy to build a reputation on begging for a job, which is not an idea situation you want to find yourself in.
You can choose to go to school for aircraft dispatching and be patient before becoming a pilot. You may find it easier to get hired by a major airline as an aircraft dispatcher first, so higher ups can recognize your name when you decide to shoot for a pilot position.
If you already have an aircraft dispatch certification, you may already meet the age, education, and language requirements to begin your journey to become a pilot.
In order to take the next step and become a pilot you must:
Be cleared medically. You need a third-class medical certificate from an Aviation Medical Examiner.
Pass the computerized aeronautical knowledge test (with a grade of 70% or higher).
Accumulate the required number of flight hours during training.
The good news is: you will already be comfortable on the cockpit because of your time on your FAM rides because you’re starting to accumulate hours.
Ask fellow aviation lovers for recommendations on flight lessons and speak to pilots for greater insight and advice.
For a recreational pilot license, you need:
30 hours of flight
15 hours of flight training (minimum 40-hour training for Sport License)
2 hours of flight training to an airport 25 NM away
3 hours of solo flight time
3 hours of flight training in preparation for the flight test within 60 days prior to the check ride
While you can pursue a recreational certificate, we recommend that any pilots in training pursue the Sport Pilot/LSA and get their private certificate. It will be a much more rewarding experience and the only real path to eventually becoming a commercial pilot, if that’s your end goal.
We hope that this guide will serve as a good starting point for your journey to fly the blue skies of the United States!
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