INTRODUCTION The position of Aircraft Dispatcher is one of the most prestigious, respected and desirable positions within an airline company.  The nature of the duties and responsibilities, combined with the requirement to hold a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aircraft Dispatcher License (the equivalent of an Airline Transport Rating), makes the Aircraft Dispatcher position one of the most highly paid professions in an airline.

TransCon Aviation is an FAA Approved Training Organization that meets and exceeds the rigid U.S. Government requirements for qualification as an Approved Dispatcher Training Facility. This programs is approved by the Veterans Administration (Call for Details).

THE DISPATCHER’S ROLE An Aircraft Dispatcher is an individual whose responsibility is to exercise positive operational control over each flight under his/her authority as assigned by the company .Operational control is the exercise of authority over initiating, conducting, or terminating company flights.  The Dispatcher shares the responsibility of operational control equally with the Pilot in Command of the flight. ALL AIRLINES operating in the United States are required by the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR 14 Part 121) to employ enough Aircraft Dispatchers to exercise operational control over all company flights. Dispatchers are sometimes referred to as Flight Superintendents or Flight Operations Officers.

THE DISPATCHER’S AUTHORITY The Dispatcher is authorized to conduct operational control by the FAA. This authorization is in the form of a Dispatcher’s Certificate.  This certificate is issued after the candidate is trained to the competence level required to exercise such authority.  The individual’s ability to serve in that capacity is demonstrated to the FAA by successfully passing written and practical examinations administered by the FAA or FAA Designated Examiners.  These examinations are normally taken after completing a Dispatcher Training Course conducted by an FAA Approved Training Center.

Excellent Salary:  Pay rates vary with each company. In general, industry averages begin near $25,000/yr. With semi-annual or annual pay adjustments to near $100,000/yr

Excellent Benefits:  Vacations average 2-6 weeks per year, based on longevity with the employer.  Insurance benefits may include medical, dental, vision, and life coverage.

Excellent Schedules:  Generally, dispatcher work schedules rotate days off with days of work, which range from 239 to as few as 219 days per year depending on the company.

Travel:  Travel via the airline for which you work is usually unlimited to you and your immediate family.  Travel for other family members is available with some restrictions.  Travel via other airlines is also available at reduced rates.