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What does an Aircraft Dispatcher do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

An aircraft dispatcher is responsible for the safety of the passengers and crew of an aircraft. They work with the pilot to plan the flight and ensure that the aircraft is safe to fly.

Aircraft Dispatcher job duties include:

  • Schedule and dispatch aircraft and crews
  • Coordinate ground handling services
  • Monitor flight progress
  • Maintain contact with pilots in the air and on the ground
  • Resolve problems that arise during flights
  • Prepare flight plans and weather reports
  • File flight plans with air traffic control
  • Load aircraft weight and balance information
  • Calculate fuel requirements

Aircraft Dispatcher Job Requirements

To become an aircraft dispatcher, one must have a high school diploma or equivalent. They must also complete a certified training program and have at least two years of experience in air traffic control or a related field. In addition, they must pass a written exam and a practical exam administered by the FAA.

Aircraft Dispatcher Skills

  • Time management
  • Communication
  • Organizational
  • Prioritization
  • Stress management
  • Flexibility
  • Teamwork
  • Conflict resolution
  • Critical thinking
  • Problem solving
  • Multi-tasking

Related: Top Aircraft Dispatcher Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become an Aircraft Dispatcher

There are a few steps you must take to become an aircraft dispatcher. First, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Next, you will need to complete a training program that is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). After you have completed your training, you will need to pass a written exam and a practical exam administered by the FAA. Once you have passed these exams, you will be issued a certificate that allows you to work as an aircraft dispatcher.

The first step to becoming an aircraft dispatcher is to have a high school diploma or equivalent. This is because dispatchers need to be able to read and understand complex flight manuals and other technical documents. They also need to be able to effectively communicate with pilots, air traffic controllers, and other personnel.

Next, you will need to complete a training program that is approved by the FAA. There are many different schools that offer these programs, so it is important to do your research to find one that is right for you. The training program will teach you everything you need to know about dispatching, including how to read and interpret weather reports, how to calculate takeoff and landing weights, and how to develop flight plans.

After you have completed your training, you will need to pass a written exam and a practical exam administered by the FAA. The written exam covers topics such as air traffic control procedures, navigation, and emergency procedures. The practical exam is designed to test your ability to effectively dispatch an aircraft in various scenarios. Once you have passed these exams, you will be issued a certificate that allows you work as an aircraft dispatcher.

Related: Aircraft Dispatcher Resume Example

Related: Aircraft Dispatcher Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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