Aircraft Dispatcher Certification*
For the student interested in airline flight operations management, Embry-Riddle offers a program to prepare the student for Aircraft Dispatcher certification testing. Upon successful completion of the required curriculum and the FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Knowledge Test, the student will be eligible to take the FAA Dispatcher Practical Exam with instructor authorization.
Certificated aircraft dispatchers are employed by airlines to manage the ground-based tasks vital to successful airline operations. Dispatchers share responsibility with the pilot in command for preflight planning and preparation of the dispatch release, monitoring the progress of the flight, issuing safety-of-flight information to the crew, and canceling or re-dispatching the flight.
To carry out these tasks properly, dispatchers must be knowledgeable in aircraft performance capabilities, meteorology, operating regulations, air traffic control, and instrument flight procedures. They must also exhibit strong aeronautical decision-making skills incorporating the priorities of safety, passenger comfort, and economic considerations.
Certification Requirements
The Aircraft Dispatcher Certification program preparation is based on the successful completion of the following courses and the applicable prerequisites.
| ASCI 221 | Instrument Pilot Operations | 3 |
| ASCI 310 | Aircraft Performance | 3 |
| or ASCI 332 | Dispatch Aircraft Performance | |
| ASCI 321 | Commercial Pilot Operations | 4 |
| or ASCI 350 | Domestic and International Navigation | |
| ASCI 410 | Airline Dispatch Operations * | 3 |
| ATMG 202 | Introduction to Air Traffic Management | 3 |
| WEAX 201 | Introduction to Meteorology | 3 |
| WEAX 301 | Aviation Weather | 3 |
| Total Credits | 22 | |
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ASCI 410 serves as the capstone course for the Aircraft Dispatcher Certification program. Students cannot receive a signoff until they have completed and passed all required courses for the Aircraft Dispatcher Program. Students must be 21 years of age to take this examination.
This program is offered in the pursuit of a degree and not as separate training. To receive credit for any of the courses listed above toward the Aircraft Dispatcher certification program, the student must sign up in each required course, maintain a record of satisfactory attendance throughout each course, and earn a “C” grade or higher in all required courses. For more information, contact the Dispatch Program Manager in the Aeronautical Science Department.