Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

Aircraft Dispatcher

Credential: Aircraft Dispatcher  GI Bill resource
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:    high

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

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Option 1:

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.

Option 2:

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.

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.
Note:  To be eligible to take the aircraft dispatcher knowledge test, a person must be at least 21 years of age.

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:

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.

In Demand

This certification is considered in demand. The U.S. Department of Labor sponsored CareerOneStop's analysis indicates the certification is frequently mentioned in online job postings.

Click for external link to CareerOneStop's Credentials Center.

COOL Bucks

See your installation Education Service Officer for credential exam information and coordinating instructions.

COOL Summary

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COOL Summary

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COOL Summary

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COOL Summary

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COOL Summary

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COOL Summary

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COOL Summary

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COOL Summary

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Some

Credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the military occupation (at least one critical task but less than 80%)

Most

Credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the military occupation (at least 80%)

Other

Credential is related to this military occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will likely require additional education, training, or experience

CA Eligible

This certification is eligible for CA.

Star

Star credentials are MOS enhancing, as designated by the Proponent. MOS enhancing credentials are directly related to an MOS or ASI, are taught either partially or completely as part of a Program of Instruction (POI), and improves the MOS technical proficiency.

Skill Level

The Skill Level reflects the level, based on MOS training and/or experience, the Soldier should be the most prepared to successfully earn the credential. See the Table Legend for details about each level.

Navy Bucks

Credential voucher or reimbursement for credential exam, re-certification, or maintenance fee has been approved for payment through the Navy's Credential Program Office. To get a voucher request form, click Menu at the top of any page, then click "2 Complete Voucher and Apply" under Credentialing Steps.

CG Bucks

Current Coast Guard policy states all credentials listed on CG COOL may be reimbursed assuming the enlisted service member meets the eligibility requirements as outlined in the Coast Guard Voluntary Credentialing Program Policy (COMDTINST 1540.1(series))

Early Career

1-3 years experience; Enlisted E1 through E4

Mid Career

4-10 years experience; Enlisted E5 through E6

Late Career

10+ years experience; Enlisted E7 through E9

Early Career

1-3 years experience; Enlisted “A” School through E5

Mid Career

4-10 years experience; Enlisted E6 through E7

Late Career

10+ years experience; Enlisted E8 through E9

Early Career

1-6 years experience; Officer O1 through O2

Mid Career

6-12 years experience; Officer O3 through O5

Late Career

12+ years experience; Officer O6 and Above

GI Bill®

Reimbursement for exam fees has been approved for payment through the GI Bill.

Note: GI Bill approval data is updated quarterly. For the latest information, visit the WEAMS Licenses/Certifications Search page. Make sure to select "Both" in the LAC Category Type drop-down before searching.

Click to go to the external link for GI Bill licensing and certification information.

ANAB (ANSI)

This credential has been accredited by ANAB (ANSI).

Click to go to the external ANAB web site.

ICAC

This credential has been accredited by ICAC.

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ABSNC

This credential has been accredited by ABSNC.

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NCCA

This credentialing program has been accredited by NCCA.

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IAS

This credential has been accredited by IAS.

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Low

May be difficult to attain: minimum education requirement is a Bachelor's degree, and/or minimum experience is 10 or more years.

Note: In some cases “years of experience” refers to time actively on duty or while holding a certain occupation or prior certification and not always in consecutive calendar years. Additional years required for certain preliminary stages may not be included in this classification. For requirements measured in hours, 1080 hours was considered a year. For days, 365 days was considered a year. Please review all prerequisites and requirements for eligibility, and additional information for details.

Medium

Moderate ease of attainment: minimum education requirement = Associate's and/or prerequisite and/or minimum experience = more than 2 years and less than 10 years of experience.

Note: In some cases “years of experience” refers to time actively on duty or while holding a certain occupation or prior certification and not always in consecutive calendar years. Additional years required for certain preliminary stages may not be included in this classification. For requirements measured in hours, 1080 hours was considered a year. For days, 365 days was considered a year. Please review all prerequisites and requirements for eligibility, and additional information for details.

High

Highly attainable: minimum education requirement = HS or less and/or minimum experience = 2 years or less experience and no additional requirements.

Note: In some cases “years of experience” refers to time actively on duty or while holding a certain occupation or prior certification and not always in consecutive calendar years. Additional years required for certain preliminary stages may not be included in this classification. For requirements measured in hours, 1080 hours was considered a year. For days, 365 days was considered a year. Please review all prerequisites and requirements for eligibility, and additional information for details.

MOS is Military Occupational Specialty
ASI is Additional Skill Identifier
WOMOS is Warrant Officer Military Occupational Specialty
AOC is Area Of Concentration Officer
Functional Area
Branch

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Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job

Registered Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship program is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. Go to the Apprenticeship Finder and enter career path or location to find apprenticeship opportunities.

Click here for External link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance
Click here for External link to: My Next Move salary info for Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance

Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job

Click here for external link to: My Next Move for Veterans State Map for Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance

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Updated: April 30, 2021
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