The Aircraft Dispatcher is an integral member of an airline’s flight operations department, sharing responsibility with the crew for preflight planning and preparation of the aircraft release. Once the airplane departs, the dispatcher is responsible for monitoring progress of the flight, issuing safety-of-flight information to the crew, and canceling or re-dispatching the flight if deemed necessary by his office or the crew. The dispatcher is included in decisions involving equipment failure, weather variations, or traffic delays encountered during the flight.

To properly carry out these tasks the dispatcher, like the flight crew must be knowledgeable in the aircraft performance capabilities, meteorology, operating regulations, air traffic control, and instrument flight procedures - and be able to make sound judgments incorporating company economic and scheduling considerations.

Most airlines employ large dispatcher staffs at several locations to provide 24-hour flight operation coverage. New employees begin as assistants and take on more responsibility as they master the airline’s own procedures and computer network.

To help students thoroughly understand the duties and responsibilities of a licensed Aircraft Dispatcher, Sierra Academy of Aeronautics provides the most comprehensive course of its kind in the United States. Students attend class seven hours per day, five days a week and are able to complete the entire program-including all FAA certification checks-within seven weeks.

Training is conducted in phases, beginning with basic aeronautical principles and progressing through airline transport operations. Instruction covers each step of a commercial flight plan, including preflight loading, weight and balance, fuel requirements, route of flight, en route weather, and post flight reporting. Students are taught every aspect of the dispatcher position, with continual emphasis on safety, efficiency, and economy of airline operation.

Sierra Academy’s thorough, intensive approach to aircraft dispatcher training gives graduates the knowledge and FAA Credentials needed to qualify for airline employment. Programs are regularly conducted for career-oriented individuals as well as for contract training groups representing airlines throughout the world.

Instruction covers airplane nomenclature, flight controls, basic aerodynamics, and principles of flight. Weight and balance computation, a critical part of preflight planning relates principally to jet transport operations.

Students learn to read and interpret surface weather charts, low and high altitude weather charts, satellite returns, and textural weather reports in order to follow and predict the movement of weather patterns. Instruction covers wind patterns, turbulence, cloud formation, fronts, fog, thunderstorms, and the effects of structural icing. International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) weather report interpretation (METAR) emphasizes the differences between international and U.S. report formats.

A thorough examination of ATC jurisdiction is followed by instruction on high altitude procedures and communications; departure, en route, and approach plates. Students learn about radar services, radio procedures, the types of communication and navigation facilities available throughout the world, along with airline procedures and requirements.

A basic indoctrination into the complex operational procedures of the FAA Air Traffic Control systems for the United States and International flights.

In this flight operation phase of instruction, knowledge previously learned in the course is incorporated into the development of accurate, efficient flight plans for commercial flights. Starting with basic visual plans, students progress rapidly to instrument flight plans incorporating high altitude operations. Instruction emphasizes safety, economy, and accuracy in flight operations.

Following a thorough coverage of all basic concepts, students advance to international flight planning – using ICAO procedures and regulations – and flight planning for specific aircraft.

Both reciprocating and turbine engines are discussed in detail. Students learn to read and interpret performance charts and to determine the effects of altitude on engine output. This knowledge is vital to the dispatcher’s ability to determine cruising altitudes that will allow optimum aircraft performance.

As the most popular turbojet aircraft in use worldwide, the Boeing 737 is an excellent choice to practice dispatching procedures and flight planning. Sierra Academy of Aeronautics’ students become familiar with the aircraft’s performance as well as the following systems:

Students learn to relate their knowledge of the Boeing 737 and equipment to other aircraft, allowing them to competently dispatch any complex, turbojet airplane.

In final preparation for the FAA oral and practical examinations, students use the knowledge gained throughout the program to practice airline dispatching – using appropriate charts and weather information supplied by the instructor. Emphasis is placed on accurate calculations, with actual flights planned safely, efficiently, and in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations.

California –Southern Sacramento Valley, San Jaoquin Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area – renowned for its unique beauty and many attractions.

Only 2 hours from Sierra Academy of Aeronautics facility is downtown San Francisco, with famous attractions such as Fisherman’s Wharf, the cable cars, Chinatown, the ferryboats, and Golden Gate Park. All are readily accessible by Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART).

Across the Golden Gate Bridge is Marin County with Mill Valley, Sausalito, Angel Island, the majestic redwoods of Muir Woods and beautiful Pacific Ocean beaches. Just north is the wine country, with the premium wine growing regions of Napa, Sonoma, Valley of the Moon, and Mendocino.

Monterey Peninsula to the south offers some of the most stunning coastline in the world. This is Steinbeck country, featuring Carmel, Pebble Beach, Cannery Row and Big Sur.

It’s less than 3 hours  from the coast to the foothills of the rugged Sierras and the historic towns of the Old West built during the Gold Rush. Restored buildings, stagecoaches, and museums tell the tale of the frontier and lure to the Golden State. A two hour scenic drive through the Sierra Nevada Mountains takes you to world famous Yosemite Valley, Lake Tahoe, Squaw Valley, Heavenly Valley, and Reno.

Trips to Disneyland and the Hollywood movie sets can be arranged with one-hour commercial flight to Orange County and Los Angeles.

To see that your stay in California is as enjoyable as it is professionally rewarding, the staff at Sierra Academy of Aeronautics will assist with maps, guide books, and touring advice.