Aircraft Dispatcher
Credential: Aircraft Dispatcher
Credentialing Agency: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Aircraft Dispatcher is an entry level certification and is required for all Aircraft Dispatchers to demonstrate and pass a written and oral exam to receive their license. This certificate also introduces the applicant to an array of crucial components within the FAA and airport operations. Most applicants will attend an Aircraft Dispatchers five (5) week course and take multiple field trips to local area airline operational control centers. Upon completing the course, the student will be an expert in reading and interpreting Meteorological Terminal Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR), Terminal Area Forecast (TAF) forecasts, and many important aviation weather maps, which are used in daily airline Flight Dispatch offices. Both Domestic and Global Navigation Systems are covered thoroughly, as well as the North Atlantic Track System (NATS). NOTAMs and Pilot Reports are also covered during the course.
More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.
Aircraft Dispatcher
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility Requirements (View Details)
- Credential Prerequisite
- Experience: 2 years
- Education: High School Diploma/GED
- Training
- Membership
- Other
- Fee
Note: This credential may have multiple options for becoming eligible. Listed are the minimum requirements based on the minimum degree required. To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.
Exam Requirements (View Details)
- Exam
- Written Exam
- Oral Exam
- Practical Exam
- Performance Assessment
AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
800 Independence Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20591
Phone: (866) 835-5322
Contact Page
Training and/or Experience REQUIREMENTS
A total of at least 2 years’ experience in the 3 years before the date of application, in any one or in any combination of the following areas:
- In military aircraft operations as a—
- Pilot;
- Flight navigator; or
- Meteorologist.
- In aircraft operations conducted under part 121 of this chapter as—
- An assistant in dispatching air carrier aircraft, under the direct supervision of a dispatcher certificated under this subpart;
- A pilot;
- A flight engineer; or
- A meteorologist.
- In aircraft operations as—
- An Air Traffic Controller; or
- A Flight Service Specialist.
- In aircraft operations, performing other duties that the Administrator finds provide equivalent experience.
Applicant must provide a statement of graduation issued or revalidated, showing that the person has successfully completed an approved aircraft dispatcher course in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulation 65.70(b).
Eligibility REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must meet requirements listed under Title 14 - Chapter I - Subchapter D - Part 65 - Subpart C—Aircraft Dispatchers.
Other REQUIREMENTS
The Aircraft Dispatcher credential has the following other requirements:
-
To be eligible for an aircraft dispatcher certificate, a person must—
- Be at least 23 years of age;
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language;
- Pass the required knowledge test;
- Pass the required practical test;
- Meet the experience or training requirements.
Written Exam
-
Regulations
- Subpart C of CFR
- Parts 1, 25, 61, 71, 91, 121, 139, and 175 of CFR
- 49 CFR part 830
-
Meteorology
- Basic Weather Studies
- Weather, Analysis, and Forecasts
- Weather Observations, Analysis, and Forecasts
-
Navigation
- Study of the Earth
- Chart Reading, Application, and Use
- National Airspace Plan
- Navigation Systems
- Airborne Navigation Instruments
- Instrument Approach Procedures
-
Aircraft
- Aircraft Flight Manual
- Systems Overview
- Minimum Equipment List/Configuration Deviation List (MEL/CDL) and Applications.
- Performance
-
Communications
- Regulatory requirements
- Communication Protocol
- Voice and Data Communications
- Notice to Airmen (NOTAMS)
- Aeronautical Publications
- Abnormal Procedures
-
Air Traffic Control
- Responsibilities
- Facilities and Equipment
- Airspace classification and route structure
- Flight Plans
- Separation Minimums
- Priority Handling
- Holding Procedures
- Traffic Management
-
Emergency and Abnormal Procedures
- Security measures on the ground
- Security measures in the air
- FAA responsibility and services
- Collection and dissemination of information on overdue or missing aircraft.
- Means of declaring an emergency
- Responsibility for declaring an emergency
- Required reporting of an emergency
- NTSB reporting requirements
-
Practical Dispatch Applications
- Human Factors
- Applied Dispatching
Practical Exam
- Flight Planning/Dispatch Release:
- Regulatory Requirements
- Meteorology
- Weather Observations, Analysis, and Forecasts
- Weather Related Hazards
- Aircraft Systems, Performance, and Limitations
- Navigation and Aircraft Navigation Systems
- Practical Dispatch Applications
- Manuals, Handbooks, and Other Written Guidance
- Preflight, takeoff, and Departure:
- Air Traffic Control Procedures
- Airports, Crew, and Company Procedures
- Inflight Procedures:
- Routing, Re-routing, and Flight Plan Filing
- En Route Communication Procedures and Requirements
- Arrival, Approach, and Landing Procedures:
- ATC and Air Navigation Procedures
- Post Flight Procedures:
- Communication Procedures and Requirements
- Trip Records
- Abnormal and Emergency Procedures:
- Abnormal and Emergency Procedures
Exam Preparation Resources
There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the Aircraft Dispatcher examination:
-
Best Sources
- 14 CFR Part 65 -- Certification: Airmen other than Flight Crewmembers
- Aircraft Dispatcher Practice Test Standards
- Airline Transport Pilot, Aircraft Dispatcher, and Flight Navigator Knowledge Test Guide
- Code of Federal Regulations - Sec. A 65. 1
- FAA Airmen Testing Resources
- FAA Application For An Airman Certificate and/or Rating
- FAA Aviation Manuals
- FAA Catalog of Training
- FAA-Approved FAR Part 65 Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Courses
Testing Information
Testing for this credential is handled by PSI. The test centers are located in the U.S.
To find out more, use the following links on the PSI website:
For more information on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) testing process, visit the agency website.