Hi

Sorry if this is in the wrong section, I wasn't sure where it would be appropriate to place this question.
I was thinking of going to a flight dispatch program and was having a fair amount of trouble finding online info on this occupation. Specifically what and where are the entry level jobs. Would a new graduate actually be hired by a regional airline as a junior dispatcher? Anyone out there actually do this for a career?

Thanks everyone

 

Follow up question:

Can you build time as a regional FO and, provided you have a Dispatch License, work as a dispatcher on your days off? This would be an interesting way to "moonlight". Is this possible or has it been done?

 

http://www.agschools.com/

Try this link, it may answer some of your questions. I do believe you can get hired with a Regional, but the pay will be low. Check PSA and Pinnacle's websites. Seems like they are always looking for dispatchers and they usually post qualifications needed and pay.

 

Ryan,

where are you from? Big Sky is looking desperately for dispatchers. Job location is in Billings, MT. I know over the last several months they have seriously juiced up the pay and benefits to attract people.

Just a thought if you are interested.

 

You cannot work for the same Airline and work as a Dispatcher and also fly as an FO. Duty time would constantly interfere. You could however work as a Dispatcher full time and fly part 91 part time to build time and/or instruct.

I would say it would be incredible rare to work as a dispatcher for an airline and then get hired as an FO at the same airline.

Pay for dispatchers at the regional level are very low- probably about 18-23k year with few raises. Major usually start about 28k and slooooowly move up, but top out nicely around 70k a year for the most.

Most regional Dispatchers are desperate to leave the regionals for the majors that competition is pretty tough to get on ant any major.

Sitting behind a computer and building flight plans 8-10 hours a day wears you out. If I could do it all over again I would have just concentrated on building time and getting on with a regional.

A fair website is www.dispatcher.org/

A