Recommended FD school in EU or US?
 

Hello everyone,

Lately I've started to think about attending a Flight Dispatcher course (to be honest, hoping it would provide me with useful experience to later on get into ATC).
I've eyed a few different schools in the US, plus a pair in Europe, but I was wondering which one would people already working in the field recommend, since I've also heard that some of them aren't really worth all the money they ask for.

What's your opinion?
Thanks in advance!

For my $0.02 - AGS in Cincinatti.
They have a good distance learning program, followed by a 1 week residential class.

If you want to work in ATC, apply to an ATC school and dont waste your money on dispatch training. Two completely different disciplines.

Heh, if only it were that simple... ^^; I'll grow old before I manage to get into a national ATS academy, and private ATC training costs over 50,000 USD. However, if I could get into some other aviation-related occupation (one that I still like a lot), that would give me a little edge for the future, especially considering that a Dispatcher course doesn't cost more than 7000€ and would allow me to prepare for the way more expensive one.

Ihadadream, care to share more about distance learning? I admit that I'm still a bit skeptical about e-learning, but it would help me to save quite a lot if it is worth it.

No problems Falcio.
I had an aviation background - that probably helped. But that said, it's fairly straightforward.
I enrolled with AGS and they sent me a nice big binder neatly broken into different topics. Also given a login to review powerpoint and prerecorded lectures.
When you feel ready, book the week in over in Kentucky, the first 4 days are reviewing what you already know. The final day (Friday) is the examination with the FAA. I had arranged an early examination to get out at a reasonable time.
PM me for more information or with other questions - it worked well for me, they can also assist with placement if required.

FAA Dispatcher training
 

Hi,

I was lucky to be put through an FAA Dispatcher course back in 2007 by my then employer in the UK easyjet. They sent us to Sheffield Aeronautics School in Florida. The course was six weeks live-in and the toughest thing I had done in years (I was about 36 at the time and this was my first academic stint since leaving school at 17/18..!) However the course does not just spit out people who passed the tests...as some schools do...it gives you a lot of extra knowledge you need to actually do the job. They had back then just started doing a distance learning course as well and I believe they have since increased the various options available in this regard. Give them a look....they will not be the cheapest but their name alone will be a plus point on your CV as they only pass you if you know your stuff.

Good Luck,

Steve

Thanks for the tip, Steve.
If you don't mind me asking, did you find yourself having to look for a job after finishing the course? Or has your employer sent you there with the specific purpose of giving you a job as a dispatcher or follower?
I've heard several people say that it's really hard to find a job outside of the US when you have no experience aside from your training course.

I second the recommendation for Sheffield in FLL. From personal experience I would avoid anything that starts with J and ends with eppesen.