Aircraft Dispatcher
Review the FAA eligibility criteria and the Aircraft Dispatcher course details. Ask SB Aviation directly about upcoming dates.
Sharing command of every flight
In the early years of aviation, pilots loaded mail, passengers and cargo and flew from point A to point B with no preplanned flight plan, little weather information and no firm plan if conditions changed en route. As accidents grew more costly, the federal government stepped in: in 1938, Congress passed the Civil Aeronautics Act.
The Act created a system of operational control with checks and balances, and a new airman certificate: the aircraft dispatcher. A certified, ground-based professional who, by regulation, shares responsibility with the pilot in command for the safe conduct of each flight.
Today, dispatchers authorize, regulate, control and monitor airline flights under government regulations and company procedures, to ensure the safest possible operation.
Who can become a dispatcher
FAA requirements under 14 CFR 65.53 and 65.57. Graduating from our approved course satisfies the experience requirement.
- Age
At least 23 years old to hold the certificate. You can take the tests from age 21.
- Education
Secondary education diploma or international equivalent.
- English
Read, speak, write and understand English, or hold a certificate with an appropriate limitation.
- Experience or approved course
Two years of qualifying aviation experience, or a graduation statement from an FAA-approved course like ours.
Experience requirements in detail · 14 CFR 65.57
(a) At least two years of experience in the three years before applying, in any combination of:
- Military aircraft operations as pilot, flight navigator or meteorologist;
- Part 121 operations as an assistant in dispatching air carrier aircraft under a certificated dispatcher, or as pilot, flight engineer or meteorologist;
- Aircraft operations as an air traffic controller or flight service specialist;
- Other aircraft operations duties the Administrator finds equivalent.
(b) Or a statement of graduation, issued or revalidated under 65.70(b), from an approved aircraft dispatcher course.
Read Part 65, Subpart C on eCFRInitial or recurrent
Individual or group basis, with a flexible schedule built around each candidate.
Initial training
The full FAA-approved course leading to the Aircraft Dispatcher certificate.
Recurrent training
For previously certificated dispatchers. Extended for those who have been away from the field for a while.
- WPT 01
Enroll
Pick a group start date or your own schedule.
- WPT 02
Course
200 hours on the Part 65 subject areas.
- WPT 03
ADX test
FAA knowledge test, usually in the first half.
- WPT 04
Practical exam
Scheduled after the course and the ADX test.
- ARR
Certified
Aircraft Dispatcher certificate.
What you will master
The 200-hour curriculum covers every subject area required by Part 65, Subpart C.
Join the next dispatcher class.
Ask SB Aviation directly about upcoming dates and course options.