So, just what is an Aircraft Dispatcher?
In the United States, the FAA created the aircraft dispatch (DX) position during the evolution of commercial aviation. Early jetliners were designed to carry a flight crew of three - two pilots and one flight engineer. The flight engineer carried responsibility for flight planning, weight and balance management, fuel planning and management, and such mundane tasks as cabin temperature control. As airliners evolved, the need for that third person in the cockpit declined and largely transitioned to the ground into the FAA licensed position of Aircraft Dispatcher. By taking some of the workload off the pilots, they can focus on the necessities of flying the plane. And, having a dispatcher do the pre-planning and flight planning, including in-depth weather review, freed more time for pilots to fly.
Although there are several specific tasks assigned to dispatchers, the first is the preparation of the flight plan and release. This document, which is signed by both the DX and the Captain or Pilot in Command (PIC) must travel with the PIC during the flight to the destination and be kept by the airline for three months after the flight. Experts at weather interpretation, the dispatcher plans a flight course to avoid adverse weather, closed airspace, or other enroute restrictions, while maximizing aircraft performance and fuel conservation. Dispatchers must know anticipated passengers counts, cargo, aircraft weight and balance, and any pending maintenance requirements for a flight.
Skills necessary include math, ability to learn regulatory processes, and problem-solving skills. It helps if you are calm-natured, as irregular operations days get frenzied.
Certification is done by the FAA, and dispatchers must either already have certain piloting certifications to take a shortened course, or spend 200 hours (six weeks) in a classroom instruction in everything from meteorology to Federal Aviation Regulations, route planning charts, weight and balance calculations, and ultimately manual flight planning. The full six week classroom course costs about $4K at most schools, plus housing and food. At the end, the candidate must pass both a written practical, and an oral exam administered by an FAA inspector.
Candidates must be at least 23 years old.
Starting positions are generally with smaller or regional airlines, just like pilots. After as little as one, but generally three years experience, a dispatcher can apply for any open positions with larger carriers. The job involves shift work, and like every other job in aviation, seniority rules. The most junior people work the least desirable schedules and flights. Starting pay ranges from about $23K per year to $30K per year at some of the larger regionals. Pay tops out around $60K at the big regionals and $100K at the majors. Like all shift workers, dispatchers can trade, or pick up shifts, and are eligible for overtime. However, federal rules do mandate rest periods and shift lengths for safety.
Also, while the FAA requires aircraft dispatchers at commercial air carriers, many other companies and businesses employ dispatchers as part of their safety programs for air travel. These include companies with aviation departments, concierge companies, and charter or cargo air carriers. Opportunities may also exist to work abroad as an FAA Dispatcher's license may open doors to work credentials.
Benefits? In addition to standard insurance, retirement, and pass privilege benefits at most airlines, dispatchers are authorized to ride the flight deck jumpseat when available.
Copyright 2010
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