how to become airplane dispatcher?
 

I have a lot of spare time...since airlines are not hiring it seems to me that I will have even more free time in the future...
I'm thinking of getting Airplane Dispatcher Certificate, can somebody tell me how do I become a dispatcher. Im from Chicago, if it helps.
Thanks to all,

Do you have your ATP? If so, you can take the fast track and get it in no time. Under FAR Part 65.57 it says...

Experience or training requirements.

An applicant for an aircraft dispatcher certificate must present documentary evidence satisfactory to the Administrator that he or she has the experience prescribed in paragraph (a) of this section or has accomplished the training described in paragraph (b) of this section as follows:
(a) A total of at least 2 years experience in the 3 years before the date of application, in any one or in any combination of the following areas:
(1) In military aircraft operations as a --
(i) Pilot;
(ii) Flight navigator; or
(iii) Meteorologist.
(2) In aircraft operations conducted under part 121 of this chapter as --
(i) An assistant in dispatching air carrier aircraft, under the direct supervision of a dispatcher certificated under this subpart;
(ii) A pilot;
(iii) A flight engineer; or
(iv) A meteorologist.
(3) In aircraft operations as --
(i) An Air Traffic Controller; or
(ii) A Flight Service Specialist.
(4) In aircraft operations, performing other duties that the Administrator finds provide equivalent experience.
(b) A statement of graduation issued or revalidated in accordance with §65.70(b) of this part, showing that the person has successfully completed an approved aircraft dispatcher course.

If you have no experience, you have to do a minimum of 200 hours of course work. FAR 65.61

It looks like Lewis University offers a program in the Chicago area. Let me know if you need anymore information on being an ADX.

If you have any questions, you can also contact Bruce McIntosh at +1 815.838.0500. He's ADX Inspector of the Chicago FSDO.

I graduated from Lewis University two years ago. I dont have my ATP. I didn't know they were still doing it...I know that at some point they didn't have enough students to keep the program running...but maybe things have changed since then...I will check it out. IF they will have something over the summer...and I will be still unemployed then I might sign up for it.
Thanks a lot for your response,

MM

Good luck, man! If you have any questions about the coursework, let me know!

Tommy

A few more questions
With an ATP and 12 years of experience for a 121 operator, how long is the dispatcher course.
What is entry level pay for a carrier like Alaska Airlines?

Thanks

Entry level pay is just what you think it is...

Just want to make sure that you can hang with the operation and not leave a year or two later.

A DX course all depends where you go. Just take the ADX (virtually your ATP written all over again) and start learning the regs.

And remember...when in doubt...the answer is OpSpecs!