750XL
23rd May 2012, 00:18
Hi All,
I'm currently working as a 'dispatcher' for a ground handling agent in the UK. This doesn't involve much more than co-ordinating the turnaround, doing weight and balance and also having a good understanding of dangerous goods.
Career opportunities within handling agents are very limited, which is why I've been looking at obtaining an FAA Dispatch Licence.
Could anyone tell me whether there are actually any careers within the UK/Europe with an FAA Dispatch Licence?
Secondly, are there any FAA Dispatch schools in the UK?
Thanks :ok:
JohnieWalker
23rd May 2012, 04:48
Having a FAA Dispatcher License isn't an instant job provider, you know...
In Europe some CAA's require licenses (Germany, Austria, Czech, correct me if I'm wrong), some don't, some AO's require (if not enforced by CAA), some don't.
Here's a job posting as an example stating that some UK based AO is looking for Licensed Dispatchers : Apply for the Operations Licensed Dispatchers job posted by Intaway Resourcing | AviationJobSearch.com (http://www.aviationjobsearch.com/jobs/airline_office/uk/operations_licensed_dispatchers-117979.html) .
So, it's good to have one when you start poking around, then again, someone might hire you and send you for the training (quite little possibility though)...
There are no outside-US based FAA schools, there is however possibility to take online course, you'll still have to visit US to sit residency hours required by FAA and pass the exams, but it will take less money and time from you :)
Here's one school providing online learning: Distance Learning Option for Foreign Students | Airline Ground Schools (http://www.agschools.com/distance-learning-option-foreign-students)
Another one being Sheffield : FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certification School-about Sheffield (http://www.sheffield.com/)
May I be corrected if I'm wrong.
Brgds.
Bigbluebroxi
23rd May 2012, 11:26
This is something Ive been considering aswell. Its $5k to do the 5 week course at sheffield, so its a lot of money with no guarantee of a job afterwards.
Anymore information would be appreciated, for example typical salary range, places who hire regularly and in particular how difficult for a UK resident it is to get a job in north america after completeing the course.
Regarding the initial question, I believe Jeppesen do some sort of course in the UK, however you need to sit the final exam in the US.
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