Flight Dispatcher Questions
 

Howdy,

In the event I lose my medical, knock on wood, I have been considering getting my ADX cert this coming summer. I have a few questions that need some answers to so please give me your thoughts and comments.

I think you should definitely get the license. Know that to obtain the Dispatcher Certificate you must be 23 years of age, but if you complete a course prior to turning 23, along with passing the written exam, you can obtain the license upon reaching 23. Refer to FAR 65 Subpart C.

The rules may have changed, but I completed a course when I was 21. I did it years ago when I was also working on my ME Commercial. When I turned 23 I went to the local FSDO with all original documents (written, FAA Oral examination forms, etc) and they issued my license on the spot.

It does not matter where you complete a course, especially if you're flying as well.

A regional would probably be the first to pick you up, and possibly a "flight follower" for 135 operators of large 91/91k operations.

The certificate does not expire as far as I know, but again refer to Part 65.

I had the same train of thought as you, and figured the dispatcher license could serve as a valuable backup. Also keep in mind, that if you have very little 121 operational understanding, this will give you a great education for a deeper understanding that can help you down the line when preparing for 121 pilot interviews, your ATP, etc. It is also a great additive to your resume, whether or not you ever use it. The more licenses on your resume the better and it may help you out regardless of ever using the certificate. I've had great conversations during interviews because of additive licenses I've obtained, because it shows that I am motivated and want to learn more about the industry and my profession, and not necessarily limiting myself to understanding how to fly only.

If you can make it happen definitely do it. If you're still in flight training, do it concurrently and will only help your training knowledge and experience. Whether or not you ever use it, chances are it will benefit you somehow, even if you don't realize.

Feel free to send a PM with any questions.

Awesome, this is some great info. I've been giving this a lot to though lately too. I just passed the ATP 121 written exam today.

Anybody know how different the Dispatcher written exam is from the ATP 121 Airplane?

It's been, well, many years years since I took the ADX. It has dispatcher duty time questions on it. And there were no in-flight performance problems.

So if you know that a dispatcher can be on duty 10 hours, requires 8 hours off in 24, gets a 1/7 like pilots and their schedule has to written so that there is overlap for briefing the shift change, you should be good to go. And if it's an international duty station you can be on duty 16 hours.

They've changed the requirements for the practical test since I took it. Now you either need to complete a dispatcher school (I've seen two weeks if you have a commercial pilot certificate) or have 2 years working in a 121 dispatch office or two years as a 121 or military pilot. So if you take the test now while you're spooled up on everything, it'll expire before you get the 2 years of 121 time.

It has been some years, but it was identical. The exact same prep book and exact same test. So unless they have changed the written exams you should take it right away seeing as how you will probably even get many of the same questions.

And just to make everyone clear who's considering this. Make sure you first talk to a dispatch program and read FAR 65 Subpart C. Make sure the rules are still the same about taking a course and the written and it still being valid until you turn 23. Like I mentioned before, I did all this about 8 years ago while I was 21 and was allowed to wait til 23 and then walk into the FSDO. If the rules still apply or if you're 23 and you have the time and means to take the course while flying, go do it...highly recommended. Especially to those who have no 121 experience or education and are looking to get into the field.

I take the ADX tomorrow then start the week long class this Sat in CVG. My company is willing to pay for it so it is a no brainer.