Flight Dispatcher

Print

Work Tasks

• Plan flight routes after looking at the weather, winds, fuel needed, traffic flow, and other factors
• Tell pilots when it is okay to take-off and land
• Watch all flights and talk to pilots during the flight to make sure there are no problems
• Ride with the flight crew to see flight routes, conditions, and airports so they are familiar with them
• Work in airline operations offices for all kinds of airlines
• Work with computers, calculators, weather information, teletype machines, telephones, intercom systems, loading reports, and flight plans

Salary, Size & Growth

• $37,000 average per year ($17.75 per hour)
• A small occupation (6,800 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (1.3% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A 4-year degree; good vision, hearing, and enunciation.
• Employers Prefer: A 4-year degree in air transportation or meteorology
• Skills/Courses: Must know airline communications, meteorology, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations on airline operations.
• Certification/Licensing: A license from the FAA is required.