Expert: David A. NewMyer - 11/7/2005

Question
I was seriously planning a career as a flight dispatcher....I abandoned my first love (being a pilot) because of circumstances.....so i was left with being a dispatcher or a load master for a cargo airline....but i have heard horror stories.......any advise on the industry....and for those planning to be dispatchers

Answer
Hi, Fred:

Thanks for your question.  I will try to assist.

I am not sure what horror stories you have heard, but, I suspect that they have been about being a load master more than being a dispatcher....but, that is just a guess.

I would suspect that being a cargo load master for FEDEX, UPS or DHL might have some benefits but getting to that job will mean "paying some dues" and learning the cargo business first.  That means working in the air cargo field to the point where you know the rules and regulations and also how the general air cargo operation works.  That means an internship or an entry level job in air cargo.  Keep in mind that air cargo is a fast growing segment of aviation and airlines and will most likely grow at a faster rate than passenger airlines.  So, if you can get in on the ground floor and move up fairly quickly with a good company (as listed above), it could be a very good career choice.

As for the dispatcher side of industry, there are several schools that offer dispatcher training around the USA....make sure that you attend one that is properly certified and approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (and where the training can lead to certification and potential employment).  That is your best guarantee to getting a good job.  There are dispatchers at all levels of aviation but not all of them need to be certificated by the FAA....but, having the certificate (which takes around 200 hours of training) is preferable as it gives you an qualification that many do not have.  If you want to enter this field, the training is very good to have.

Some of the companies that offer dispatcher training are Flight Safety, Sheffield, Agschools and World Dispatcher Training.  Again, make sure that they are FAA approved and also ask them about placement before making a decision.

Best wishes to you,

David A. NewMyer, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Aviation Management and Flight
Southern Illinois University Carbondale