What is an aircraft dispatcher and how do you become one?
The FAA requires aircraft dispatchers to receive at least 200 hours of training and requires the student to pass a FAA written exam and a FAA practical exam. The training is very similar to what type of training an airline captain receives in a ground school. The FAA written exams actually pick from the same pool of questions for both the dispatcher and the captain.
IFOD offer several class type options to fit most students’ schedules and if we do not have one, we can customize an option for you. Here are breakdowns on the most popular class options:
5 Weeks Day class
- 200 hours of instructor based classroom training.
- Daily class from 8am to 4:30pm
- Some weekend classes are offered, but not required.
Cost $4,750
(includes all taxes, fees, exams, etc.)
Requirements (no previous aviation experience is required)
5 week class upcoming dates
May 22, 2023 | Jun 23, 2023 | |
Jul 10, 2023 | Aug 11, 2023 | |
Aug 21, 2023 | Sep 22, 2023 | |
Oct 2, 2023 | Nov 3, 2023 | |
Nov 13, 2023 | Dec 15, 2023 | |
Jan 8, 2024 | Feb 9, 2024 | |
Feb 19, 2024 | Mar 22, 2024 | |
Apr 8, 2024 | May 10, 2024 | |
May 20, 2024 | Jun 21, 2024 | |
Jul 8, 2024 | Aug 9, 2024 | |
Aug 19, 2024 | Sep 20, 2024 | |
Sep 30, 2024 | Nov 1, 2024 | |
Nov 11, 2024 | Dec 13, 2024 | |
Jan 6, 2025 | Feb 7, 2025 | |
Feb 17, 2025 | Mar 21, 2025 | |
Apr 7, 2025 | May 9, 2025 | |
May 19, 2025 | Jun 20, 2025 | |
Jul 7, 2025 | Aug 8, 2025 |
Tuiton Payment
8 Weeks Evening class
- 200 hours of instructor based classroom training
- Evening class from 5pm to 10pm
- Some weekend classes are offered, but not required
Cost $4,750
(includes all taxes, fees, exams, etc.)
Requirements (no previous aviation experience is required)
8 week class upcoming dates
Start date | Graduation date | |
Jul 24, 2023 | Sep 15, 2023 | |
Oct 16, 2023 | Dec 8, 2023 | |
Jan 22, 2024 | Mar 16, 2024 | |
Apr 22, 2024 | Jun 14, 2024 | |
Jul 22, 2024 | Sep 13, 2024 | |
Oct 14, 2024 | Dec 11, 2024 | |
Jan 20, 2025 | Mar 14, 2025 | |
Apr 21, 2025 | Jun 13, 2025 | |
Jul 21, 2025 | Sep 12, 2025 | |
Oct 13, 2025 | Dic 5, 2025 | |
Jan 19, 2026 | Mar 13, 2026 | |
Apr 20, 2026 | Jun 12, 2026 |
Tuiton Payment
Class Online
- 200 hours of instructional time
- 160 hrs online and 40 hrs instructor lead
- At your on pace within 6 months
Cost $4,750.00
( Includes all taxes, fees, exams, etc.)
Requirements (no previous aviation experience is required)
At your own schedule
Start date | Graduation date | |
Today | Within six months of Enrollment |
Tuiton Payment
3 Weeks Day class
- 120 hours of instructor based classroom training.
- Daily class from 8am to 4:30pm
- Some weekend classes are offered, but not required.
Cost $2,950
(includes all taxes, fees, exams, etc.)
Requirements (previous aviation experience is required, such as commercial pilot, ATC) and the ADX written exam must be completed before the first day of class)
3 week class upcoming dates
Start date | Graduation date | |
Jun 5, 2023 | Jun 23, 2023 | |
Jul 24, 2023 | Aug 11, 2023 | |
Sep 4, 2023 | Sep 22, 2023 | |
Oct 16, 2023 | Nov 3, 2023 | |
Nov 27, 2023 | Dec 15, 2023 | |
Jan 22, 2024 | Feb 22, 2024 | |
Mar 5, 2024 | Mar 22, 2024 | |
Apr 22, 2024 | May 10, 2024 | |
Jun 3, 2024 | Jun 21, 2024 | |
Jul 22, 2024 | Aug 09, 2024 | |
Sep 2, 2024 | Sep 20, 2024 | |
Oct 14, 2024 | Nov 1, 2024 | |
Nov 25, 2024 | Dec 13, 2024 | |
Jan 20, 2025 | Feb 7, 2025 | |
Mar 3, 2025 | Mar 21, 2025 | |
Apr 21, 2025 | May 9, 2025 | |
Jun 2, 2025 | Jun 20, 2025 | |
Jul 21, 2025 | Aug 8, 2025 |
Tuiton Payment
2 Weeks Day class
- 80 hours of instructor based classroom training
- Daily class from 8am to 4:30pm
- Some weekend classes are offered, but not required
Cost $2,350
(includes all taxes, fees, exams, etc.)
Requirements (previous aviation experience is required, such as commercial pilot or ATC and the ADX written exam must be completed before the first day of class)
2 week class upcoming dates
Start date | Graduation date | |
Jun 12, 2023 | Jun 23, 2023 | |
Jul 31, 2023 | Aug 11, 2023 | |
Sep 11, 2023 | Sep 22, 2023 | |
Oct 23, 2023 | Nov 3, 2023 | |
Dec 4, 2023 | Dec 15, 2023 | |
Jan 29, 2024 | Feb 9, 2024 | |
Mar 12, 2024 | Mar 22, 2024 | |
Apr 29, 2024 | May 10, 2024 | |
Jun 10, 2024 | Jun 21, 2024 | |
Jul 28, 2024 | Aug 9, 2024 | |
Sep 9, 2024 | Sep 20, 2024 | |
Oct 21, 2024 | Nov 1, 2024 | |
Dec 2, 2024 | Dec 13, 2024 | |
Jan 27, 2025 | Feb 7, 2025 | |
Mar 10, 2025 | Mar 21, 2025 | |
Apr 28, 2025 | May 9, 2025 | |
Jun 9, 2025 | Jun 20, 2025 | |
Jul 28, 2025 | Aug 8, 2025 |
Tuiton Payment
1 week Day class
- 40 hours of instructional time
- Daily class from 8am to 4:30pm
- Some weekend classes are offered but not required.
Cost $2,350.00
( Includes all taxes, fees, exams, etc.)
Requirements (previous aviation experience is required, such as commercial pilot or ATC and the ADX written exam must be completed before the first day of class)
1 week class upcoming dates
Start date | Graduation date | |
Jun 12, 2023 | Jun 16, 2023 | |
Jul 31, 2023 | Ago 4, 2023 | |
Sep 11, 2023 | Sep 15, 2023 | |
Oct 23, 2023 | Oct 27, 2023 | |
Dec 4, 2023 | Dec 8, 2023 | |
Jan 29, 2024 | Feb 2, 2024 | |
Mar 11, 2024 | Mar 15, 2024 | |
Apr 29, 2024 | May 3, 2024 | |
Jun 10, 2024 | Jun 14, 2024 | |
Jul 29, 2024 | Aug 2, 2024 | |
Sep 09, 2024 | Sep 13, 2024 | |
Oct 21, 2024 | Oct 25, 2024 | |
Dec 2, 2024 | Dec 6, 2024 | |
Jan 27, 2025 | Jan 31, 2025 | |
Mar 10, 2025 | Mar 14, 2025 | |
Apr 28, 2025 | May 02, 2025 | |
Jun 9, 2025 | Jun 13, 2025 | |
Jul 28, 2025 | Aug 1, 2025 |
Tuiton Payment
Aircraft Dispatcher Program Details
As an Aircraft Dispatcher student, you will get hands-on experience in advanced flight planning. Upon completing the Dispatch course, you will be an expert in reading and interpreting METAR’s, TAF’s forecasts, and many important aviation weather charts, which are used in daily airline Flight Dispatch offices. Both Domestic and Global Navigation Systems are covered thoroughly, as well as the North Atlantic Track System (NATS). NOTAMs and Pilot Reports are also covered during the course.
You will study both Low and High altitude IFR En-route charts, Instrument Approach Plates, and you will determine legal approach and landing minimums. Boeing 737-800 Aircraft Systems are studied in detail, along with take-off performance factors and Runway Analysis. Our graduating students are very well prepared to successfully pass the FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Written and Oral/Practical certification exams. 8 hours per day (day program) 5 hours per day (evening program) in the classroom and you will receive intensive training. Our job is to do a complete review of aviation topics, and then enhance your knowledge and skills in more advanced topics. The following areas are covered in class: Aviation Weather Theory, Weather Charts, Boeing 737-800 Aircraft Systems, Weight and balance, Boeing 737-800 Cockpit Instruments, Domestic and Global Navigation Systems, IFR High Altitude En-route Charts, IFR Approach Plates, ILS Category I,II, and III Approach and Landing Minimums, the U.S. Air Traffic Control System, Special Use Airspace, FAR 121 Airline Regulations, Advanced Flight Planning, and Airline Operational Control Concepts.
Our goal is to highly polish and fine-tune your skills in preparation to meet the FAA examiner. Most of our advanced students are diamonds in the rough, each having very strong, and yet different, diversified aviation backgrounds. Our job is to identify weak spots and strengthen those areas. Plan Monday through Friday classroom training with the instructors, and study hard at night in your hotel room. It will take you about two hours to do the practical (flight plan), then another hour or two for the Oral Exam. This is the primary course we offer, thus success rate is extremely high.
FAA approved On-Line Program
Institute of Flight Operations and Dispatch – IFOD is proud to announce the new FAA approved on-line Aircraft Dispatcher Certification program!!!!!
Due to the great demand for Aircraft Dispatchers in the Aviation industry, IFOD made the decision to create the best Dispatcher Online program available in the aviation industry.
This will assist everyone, who for personal or professional reasons, have not been able to attend a full time dispatch class and be part of the incredible Dispatch world.
IFOD has been a pioneer in the aviation education industry, with an extensive history and reputation that is backed up by our very successful graduates all over the world. IFOD’s staff and management are convinced that this new dynamic online option will offer the same quality of education that has provided for the last 30 years.
Distance will no longer be an obstacle to meet your aviation dreams and goals.
IFOD is here to help you achieve it!
Check us out at www.airlinedispatcher.com or call us at 817-435-4363
- Meteorology
- Weather Theory
- Weather Charts
- Aeronautical Information Manual
- Instrument Approach and Navigation Procedures
- Communications
- Air Traffic Control
- Federal Aviation Regulations
- Practical Aircraft Dispatching including Flight planning
- Aircraft and Engine Performance
The program is FAA-approved and fast-paced, taking place over the course of just five weeks. The FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Knowledge Test is usually administered during the first half of the aviation dispatch program, and the FAA Practical Exam is administered following successful completion of the course and after passing the ADX Knowledge Test
Accelerated
IFOD offers a Three Weeks, Two Weeks and One Week Accelerated course to those individuals who have a very strong aviation background and meet FAR Part 65 requirements. We strongly recommend the Two-week program in order for the student to “cement” the knowledge gained in lectures. The FAA allows our school to evaluate each student’s background and experience, and then credit them for prior aviation experience. We will require your Resume and copies of your training, licenses or certificates that you hold. We will evaluate your aviation background, and then advise you if you are qualified to attend one of our Accelerated Training programs. You’ll receive a reply from the IFOD evaluation staff usually within 1-3 working days.
Who Qualifies for the Accelerated Course
· Assistant Dispatchers
· Military Navigators
· Commercial Pilots with Instruments
· Military Pilots & Airline Pilots
· USAF WSO (Weapons Systems Officers)
· Navy RIO (Radar Intercept Officers)
· Air Traffic Controllers
· NFO (Naval Flight Officers)
· Flight Engineers
· Military & Airline Meteorologists
The individuals listed above qualify for our Accelerated Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate Programs. You must have spent two out of the last three years doing the job to automatically qualify. If your experience is more than two years old, then contact our school to be further evaluated. In many cases, depending on your total overall prior aviation experience, we may be able to qualify you.
Airline Assistant Dispatchers – If you are an Assistant Dispatcher for a scheduled airline, and you have been working under the direct supervision of an FAA licensed Aircraft Dispatcher for at least two out of the last three years, then you automatically qualify for our Accelerated Program. We require that you bring a letter from your airline dispatch office manager or supervisor (on company letterhead) that states that you have been performing the duties of Assistant Dispatcher for at least one year or more, and his letter will be placed in your permanent student record. This is a requirement from the FAA Flight Standards District Office.
Extended Range Twin-Engine Operations
IFOD offers a complete course in International Flight Planning Operations & Extended Range Twin-Engine Operations (commonly referred to as ETOPS). It’s offered in conjunction with our FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate courses, and is included as part of our complete Flight Dispatcher training program.
The ETOPS program is an essential segment of our total over-all Airline Dispatcher training curriculum. It gives our students the edge out in the airline industry.
Remember, the instructors at IFOD are very experienced, major airline Flight Dispatchers. We’ve got years and years of experience in the international flight operations arena. It’s what we do every working day. We were involved in earliest days of ETOPS, when it was in the testing phase with the FAA, and we actually participated in the certification process.
Choose our school. Think about it. Why go to some school that just teaches theory, and has never done it in the real world.
This is a fact for our competition, however, it’s true.
Some schools feel it necessary to charge several hundred dollars for this training course. However, here at IFOD we feel that it is important that each of our graduates be trained in this international curriculum, therefore we include it as the conclusion of our regular program at no fee.
All of our graduates attend this training course and receive an International Flight Operations / ETOPS Certificate of Completion.
What you'll learn about ETOPS (Extended Twin Engine Operations)
- The FAA’s 60 Minute Rule
- The 75-minute, 120-minute, 180-minute Rules and as of January 2007 the 240minute Rule
- Decision Making & Selection of En-Route Alternates & Weather Minimums
- Equal Time Points & Critical Fuel Requirements
- International Flight Planning & Route Selection Criteria
- North Atlantic Track System – NATS & En-route Plotting Charts
- FAR 121 Federal Aviation Regulations / Flag Air Carrier Rules
- Extended Range Entry Points
- Engine Loss / Emergency Procedures – Diversion to En-Alternate
- Jeppesen JetPlan Flight Planning on Over-Water Routes
- International NOTAMS – Notices to Airmen
- Long-Range Navigation Systems – Inertial Navigation (INS) &
- Captain/Flight Dispatcher Joint Authority/Decision Making