Flight Dispatcher: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path
Learn about the key skills, qualifications, and career path for a Flight Dispatcher
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Practice Now »What is a Flight Dispatcher?
A flight dispatcher plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of flights by preparing flight plans and coordinating with air traffic controllers for departures and arrivals. In this role, you'll maintain communication with pilots throughout their journey, providing them with essential information such as weather updates and any required changes to their plan.
Skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to work under pressure
- Attention to detail
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Knowledge of aviation regulations and procedures
- Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks
- Proficiency in using computer systems and software
- Flexibility and adaptability to changing situations
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Decision-making skills
Qualifications & Education
- GCSEs/S grades
- A levels/H grades
- BTEC/SQA award
- Advanced GNVQ/GSVQ Level III
- Relevant aviation experience (may lower academic requirements)
- Minimum age of 18 to begin training towards obtaining a licence
- Minimum age of 21 to obtain a full air traffic controller licence
- Good eyesight
- No hearing or speech defects
- Medical examination required
- 74 weeks of training consisting of courses of study and supervised practical experience
- Award of a Civil Aviation Authority licence upon completion of training
Career Path
Frequently Asked Questions
To become a flight dispatcher in the UK, most employers require qualifications at SCQF level 5 or relevant work-based experience and qualifications such as a City & Guilds Diploma in Aviation Operations on the Ground (SVQ level 2/3). It is also possible to enter a NQ Check-in to Travel (SCQF level 5) with no formal qualifications.
To become an aircraft dispatcher in the UK, you must be at least 23 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent education, be able to read, speak and write in English, log the FAA mandated minimum of 200 training hours, and pass a written knowledge test, a practical flight planning test and an oral exam.
Yes, flight dispatcher is a good career in the UK as it is in high demand and expected to continue growing in the next few years due to the increasing number of people flying and airlines expanding their operations.
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