• The Aircraft Dispatcher is a licensed airman certificated by the Federal Aviation Administration.
• He/She authorizes, regulates and controls commercial airline flights according to government and company regulations to expedite and ensure safety of flight.
• He/She is also responsible for economics, passenger service and operational control of day to day flight operations.
• He/She analyzes and evaluates meteorological information to determine potential hazards to safety of flight and to select the most desirable and economic route of flight.
• He/She computes the amount of fuel required for the safe completion of flight according to type of aircraft, distance of flight, maintenance limitations, weather conditions and minimum fuel requirements prescribed by federal aviation regulations.
• He/She prepares flight plans containing information such as maximum allowable takeoff and landing weights, weather reports, field conditions, NOTAMS and many other informational components required for the safe completion of flight.
• He/She prepares and signs the dispatch release which is the legal document providing authorization for a flight to depart.
• He/She delays or cancels flights if unsafe conditions threaten the safety of his/her aircraft or passengers.
• He/She monitors weather conditions, aircraft position reports, and aeronautical navigation charts to evaluate the progress of flight.
• He/She updates the pilot in command of significant changes to weather or flight plan and recommends flight plan alternates, such as changing course, altitude and, if required, enroute landings in the interest of safety and economy.

Aircraft Dispatchers work with the pilot in command in pre-flight planning, monitoring the progress of the flight, and issuing information that may affect the safety of the flight.   The Aircraft Dispatcher makes critical decisions with the pilot in command to ensure the flight is in compliance with all Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) company policies and procedures.

According to www.dispatcher.org (June 2004) Dispatcher's salaries vary greatly among airlines with senior dispatcher's at major airlines easily earning over $100.00 per year.  In 1999, a few dispatcher's were known to have earned close to $150,000 with overtime. Entry level positions at smaller carriers start in the $25,000 per year range and feature 8 hour shifts, 5 days a week. 

Graduates form dispatch schools will find a good job market, but realistically should not expect to be hired off the street by major airlines such as American, United or Delta.  Newly certified dispatchers typically start their career with regional carries in order to gain experience.  Advancement opportunities for dispatcher usually come in the form of salary increases, with experience dispatchers may be promoted to supervisory positions.Industry Prerequisites