Aircraft Dispatcher
Credential: Aircraft Dispatcher
Credentialing Agency: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Aircraft Dispatcher certification is for individuals who exercise responsibility with the pilot in command in the operational control of a flight. Aircraft Dispatchers assist in planning flight paths, taking into account aircraft performance and loading; enroute winds; thunderstorm and turbulence forecasts; airspace restrictions; and airport conditions. Aircraft Dispatchers usually share responsibility for the exercise of operational control, which gives them the authority to divert, delay, or cancel a flight. Candidates must meet the training and experience eligibility requirements as listed in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Candidates must pass a written and practical exam.
More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.
Aircraft Dispatcher
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Attainability:
Eligibility Requirements (View Details)
- Credential Prerequisite
- Experience: 2 years
- Education
- Training: Minimum of 200 hours of training
- Membership
- Other
- Fee
Note: This credential may have multiple options for a Service member to meet eligibility requirements. Requirements listed here are 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
Exam Administration (View Details)
- In-person exam
- Remote proctored on-line exam
- Third-party test vendor
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
Candidate must have a total of at least two years experience in the three 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 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.
Candidate must provide a statement of graduation issued or revalidated, showing that the he/she has successfully completed a minimum of 200 hours of an approved aircraft dispatcher course.
Eligibility REQUIREMENTS
Candidate must meet the following eligibility requirements as listed under the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 14 - Chapter I - Subchapter D - Part 65 - Subpart C—Aircraft Dispatchers:
- Candidate must be at least 23 years of age;
- Candidate must be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language;
- Candidate must pass the required knowledge test;
- Candidate must pass the required practical test; and
- Candidate must meet the experience and 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 - Subpart C -- Aircraft Dispatchers
- Aircraft Dispatcher Practice Test Standards
- Airline Transport Pilot, Aircraft Dispatcher, and Flight Navigator Knowledge Test Guide
- FAA - Aircraft Dispatcher Advisory Circular
- FAA - Order 8900.1 - Flight Standards Information Management System (FSIMS)
- FAA - Practical Test Standards (PTS)
- 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
An additional resource is O'Reilly Learning Safari Books Online, a searchable digital library that provides online access to thousands of books, training videos and conference sessions. See the Educational Resources section on the Related Sites page here on COOL to learn how to get free access.
Testing Information
-
Exam Administration
Credential exams may be administered in-person at a testing site, proctored on-line remotely, or have options for both. If an exam is administered through a test vendor, the third-party test vendor box will be checked. The following test administration options apply to the Aircraft Dispatcher credential where checked:
- In-person exam
- Remote proctored on-line exam
- Third-party test vendor
For more information on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) testing process, visit the agency website.
-
Third-Party Test Vendor Information
Testing for this credential is handled by the following vendor:
PSI
The test centers are located in the U.S.
To find out more, use the following links on the PSI website: