Aircraft Dispatcher
Students may earn an Aircraft Dispatcher Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree or may complete their FAA Aircraft Dispatcher certificate as a stand-alone or elective course. Our Aircraft Dispatcher courses are taught by instructors with years of experience in the industry. After you complete this training, we will administer the FAA Knowledge Exam and Practical Test on the Catonsville Campus.
Aircraft Dispatchers are typically employed by airlines, Fixed Based Operators (FBO) or corporate flight departments. They are responsible for numerous aspects of flight planning, including flight routing, weather forecasting, aircraft performance and loading, fuel calculations, and the scheduling of aircrew and aircraft. These professionals typically work in a flight operations center and perform flight following to provide assistance to pilots if weather conditions or other criteria necessitate route changes. Aircraft dispatching is a rapidly expanding field with excellent employment prospects.
The Aircraft Dispatcher degree prepares students for employment as airline or corporate aircraft dispatchers, cargo operations and fixed base operator (FBO) management. Careers are also available with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Department of Transportation (DOT) and other government agencies.
Note: Aircraft Dispatcher training may be completed in concert with the Aircraft Dispatcher Associate of Applied Science degree program or as a stand alone course.
How to apply to the Aircraft Dispatcher program
- Submit an application for admission.
- Once you are accepted, take the placement tests for Math, English, and Reading (if you have prior college experience you may be exempt)
- Meet with an Academic Advisor to chart your pathway and transfer any college courses that you have previously completed.
- Contact the Financial Aid, Veteran's Affairs (VA), or International Student Services offices if you want to take advantage of these resources.
- Register for classes— Review the schedule of classes and determine a schedule that works for you. Each semester, all aviation students will need to meet in-person with an aviation faculty member for advising and approval to register.
