What is a Dispatcher?
The Aircraft Dispatcher in cooperation with the pilot, furnishes a flight plan that enables the aircraft to arrive at its destination on schedule with the maximum payload and the lowest operating cost. The flight dispatcher considers enroute and destination weather, winds aloft, alternate destinations, fuel required, altitudes, and traffic flow. The dispatcher's signature along with that of the pilot, releases the aircraft for flight. This individual maintains constant watch on all flights dispatched and is the go-between for the pilot and ground service personnel. The flight dispatcher keeps all personnel informed concerning the status of the flight, and must be familiar with navigation facilities over airline routes and at airports as well as with takeoff, cruise, and landing characteristics of all types of aircraft operated by the airline. Dispatchers work at dispatch centers usually located near the primary hub airport for that airline. Other similar jobs are flight follower, scheduler, assistant dispatcher and flight operations coordinator.
There are three ways to become a dispatcher at GRCC:
2 Year Degree
This degree in Aviation Technology focuses on radar air traffic control (ATC) and aircraft dispatch. While these are really separate areas of employment, they both require similar skills and preparation. Both controllers and dispatchers must have knowledge of airspace, facilities, procedures, charts, navigation, aircraft performance, airport procedures and regulations, and good radio communication. Combining the two fields gives the student two good employment choices.
Airline dispatchers work for an airline and plan flights, order fuel, determine the weight and balance of the aircraft, follow the aircraft to destination, and communicate with the flight crew during the flight. The dispatcher keeps track of the weather at destination and alternate airports and makes most of the decisions regarding routing and diversion of the aircraft. Dispatchers must be certified (licensed).
Green River is an FAA-approved dispatcher school. Call for a list of dispatch locations you can visit in the Seattle area. Dispatchers are not required to pass an FAA Airmen physical.
1 Year Program
The program will prepare students with no background in aviation for the FAA Aircraft Dispatcher practical examination. This examination must be taken within 90 days of graduation.
FAA Minimum
The Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate Program consists of a total of 200 hours of coursework which is done in four 50 hour Stages. Each Stage is a separate course. Stage 4 must be taken last. Stages 1, 2 and 3 may be satisfied by experience evaluation. You must take the FAA written exam and practical exam within 90 days of completing Stage 4. Stage 4 cannot be challenged.
