FAA-what next?

[Lozza]

having finally amassed enough dough to go to the good ol' US of A and do the FAA,I need some info about where to start once I've done it.
I've been told a charter operators out of LGW would be the best bet in terms of a starting point.
if anyone knows anyone or could shed any light,it would be much appreciated.

Ta very much.

[Whooaahh]

It all depends on what YOU want to do. I learned the trade from the ground up, starting without any formal qualifications so once I had the FAA ticket I had a much wider experience than just dispatch.

Very few companies will hire you just 'cos you have the licence...they will be looking for experience as well.

I would suggest applying to the aforementioned charter companies at LGW BEFORE you commit to the US$10,000 plus expenses the licence will cost you. If your not tied to working in the UK, then Farnair in Switzerland is regularly on the lookout for Ops staff.

Whooaahh!!!

[no sig]

Lozza
Whooaahh has a point, the FAA ticket is not a guarantee of a job in the UK, it is valuable don't get me wrong, but I would think that you might be better advised to get an operational job in aviation first, ramp, ops or the likes and work away at the dispatch licence after a year or so of learning a bit about the job.

Although not quite so impressive as the FAA Aicraft Dispatchers licence, the UK City and Guild courses in Aviation Studies and particularly the Ops/Dispatch certificate are also a valuable qualification to study.

[Lozza]

thanx for the advice fellas.I should have mentioned that I have done ramp dispatch(weight+balance/load planning/briefing)for nearly for 4 yrs with 2 major airlines at LHR.with this in mind,any further advice?
all replies gratefully appreciated!

[moodymoosey]

Lozza,

I have never noticed FAA dispatchers licence being a pre-requisite for UK charters so would not bother if you are going to stay in UK. This is mainly due to the fundamental differences in the FAA and JAA/CAA rules.

However, I have often noticed Middle East operators specify FAA disp licence as min requirement for ground jobs over there.

I think you will find a JAA licence coming along sooner or later - it's just whether or not it's worth the wait.

[Whooaahh]

Good advise... I seem to have a "Royal Flush" with the FAA Ticket, C&G Aviation Studies, plus C&G Advanced Aviation Studies.

When I re-entered the job market 2 years ago, even with 15 years experience, nobody had any jobs to offer me and I'm now selling Aviation Services.

I still miss the smell of Jet A1 on a cold February morning.

Anyone willing to offer me a real Dispatch job yet? No?...Damn!!

Oh well, back to my spreadsheets!!!

Whooaahh!!!