Airline dispatchers are responsible for scheduling the flights for one particular airline and for making sure all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations are enforced. They draw up flight plans and confer with the pilot and flight engineer to determine that the flight can be made safely. Dispatchers also maintain contact with the crew after they are airborne to keep them advised of weather conditions, alternate landing plans, and necessary changes in altitude. Airline dispatchers are also called flight superintendents.
When drawing up flight plans, the airline dispatcher checks weather conditions at both the airport of departure and the airport of arrival. The dispatcher also checks the amount of fuel to be loaded, determines the best route and altitude for the flight, and selects alternative landing sites if bad weather occurs. The dispatcher also examines the mechanic's report to make certain required maintenance on the airplane has been completed.
If for any reason the dispatcher or pilot decides the flight cannot be made, the dispatcher must notify the passengers and crew and arrange for alternate flights. The airline dispatcher also keeps records of the availability of aircraft and equipment, weight of cargo and amount of fuel loaded, and the amount of time flown by each plane and each member of the crew.
After the plane has taken off, the airline dispatcher maintains contact with the pilot and crew. The dispatcher advises the pilot of changes in weather conditions or the need for a change in altitude or a change in destination. An airline dispatcher may be in contact with as many as 12 planes at one time and must be able to coordinate action should an emergency arise. If any plans are changed, the dispatcher must contact the other affected dispatch centers of the airline.
After the plane is on the ground, the pilot and flight engineer go over aspects of the flight with the dispatcher. They must notify the dispatcher of any actual weather conditions that were not predicted so that the dispatcher can alter current or future flights if necessary.
Airline dispatchers generally work for large airlines throughout the country. They are normally aided by assistant dispatchers, who help gather weather information.
Education and Training
You must have a high school diploma to become an airline dispatcher, and companies prefer to hire those applicants with at least 2 years of college experience. While in school, you should take courses in mathematics, physics, meteorology, and other related subjects. Any experience in flying or in working for an airport is helpful, although most applicants will need direct experience working for an airline.
You must take an exam given by the FAA to become certified as an airline dispatcher. To qualify for the exam, you must have worked for a year or more under the supervision of a certified dispatcher. Another way to qualify is to complete an FAA-approved dispatcher's course at a school or training center of an airline. A third way to qualify is to have spent 2 of the preceding 3 years in commercial air traffic control work, in other related airline jobs, or in air traffic control work in the military.
The exam includes both oral and written tests. The written test covers subjects such as federal aviation regulations, weather analysis, air navigation facilities, radio procedures, and airport and airway traffic procedures. Applicants taking the oral test must show their ability to interpret weather information. They must also demonstrate knowledge of airline routes, navigation facilities, and landing and cruising speeds of aircraft.
Airline dispatchers need to continue their training after they are hired. They take courses at special training centers and are checked at least once a year on certain skills. In addition, they must "fly on the line" as observers for at least 5 hours a year.
Most airport dispatchers are former assistant dispatchers. Assistant dispatchers do not always have to be certified, but they must have had at least 2 years of college or 2 years of experience in ground or flight operations in a job such as dispatch clerk or communications clerk.
Getting the Job
You should apply directly to an airline for a position as a dispatch clerk, air traffic controller, radio operator, or meteorologist. Almost all dispatchers and assistant dispatchers have been promoted from these jobs.
Employment Outlook
Those who want to become airline dispatchers generally enter the field as dispatch clerks, as air traffic controllers, or from similar positions. After acquiring some experience, they can be promoted to assistant airline dispatcher. Able and experienced assistant dispatchers are promoted to dispatchers. Dispatchers can be promoted to such positions as chief flight dispatcher, flight dispatch manager, flight supervisor, chief flight supervisor, and superintendent of flight control. Advancement is slow because the field is small and very few vacancies occur.
The employment outlook for airline dispatchers is only fair. Although the airline industry continues to grow, relatively few openings for airline dispatchers will occur. Because communications equipment is improving, one dispatcher will be able to cover dispatching operations for several airports. However, a number of openings will occur as a result of the need to replace experienced dispatchers who retire or change jobs.
Working Conditions
Airline dispatchers are responsible for the lives of thousands of people and the safety of millions of dollars' worth of equipment every day. They must gather and review information and make many decisions throughout the day. Many airports are heavily used, and congestion has made the job of the airline dispatcher more hectic. As a result there is a certain amount of tension involved in the job.
Dispatchers work a rotating cycle of day, evening, and night shifts. These shifts are 8 hours long. When working day or evening shifts dispatchers generally work for 6 days and have 3 days off. On night shifts they work for 6 days but then have 6 days off. They work in offices close to the airport managers so they can confer in the event of an emergency. Airline dispatchers must be able to work well with others and remain calm during emergencies.
Earnings and Benefits
Beginning airline dispatchers earn about $30,800 a year. Certified dispatchers with at least 10 years of experience average more than $60,000 a year. To compete with smaller, unionized airlines, many major airlines have introduced a two-tier wage system. Under this system, new employees are receiving lower starting salaries than was true in the past.
Dispatchers receive paid sick leave and vacations, life and health insurance, and retirement benefits. In addition, they and their families generally receive some free air transportation on the airline for which they work. They may also receive reduced fares on other airlines.
