Dispatcher training?
 

Hello.

I've recently discovered that I may not be medically capable to fly for the airlines, and, as devistating as this may be as I've spent years earning my Commerical/multi/instrument ratings here in the US with a "first class" with no restrictions, things have changed. I've also put my CFI on delay till I can fully discover where I can legally go with my medical issues.

I've been really interested in dispatcher for quite some time (although, have not done too much research as I should have otherwise), and was wondering what training facilities in the San Diego area offer the training to make me airline dispatcher qualified.

Thank you all for your time and help.

Regards,

777ord

Have a look at Airline Dispatchers Federation - ADF .
With your Pilot Qualifications you are eligible for the short course.

I did the online distance education option from Sheffield School of Aeronautics (www.sheffield.com). It is very in-depth, and good priced.

Dispatcher Training
 

I would also recommend Airline Dispatcher FAA Certification been there and done the course.

Good course but learn the RED BOOK questions before you go...! Its a hectic 6weeks.

All,

Thank you for the great insight.

By the red book, I assume you mean GLEIM?

777
 

Sorry to hear your plight.

It is the Big Red GLEIM being referred to.

The ADX (required) exam draws a c500 question bank from the ATP question bank, but the good news is that it is only 80 questions to answer with a pass mark of 70%

Unless it has changed since 2006 that is?

Judging by you post, you may just have a copy of the 'Big Red Book' ;-)

Best of luck whichever way you need to go mate

Bored

I'd also speak with your local FAA office to see what credit you can get for already holding a FAA commercial licence and IR, it might be you can forgo any formal course and do self study, which is the ATPL/Aircraft Dispatchers certificate. Maybe do a three day, 'how to sit the exam' course prior to doing the writtens.

Getting the word out
 

I posted this on another forum but I want anyone choosing a school to read and consider this.

I attended Sheffield in 1998 and was wet behind the ears. I had no experience and the instructors they had at the time got me through it. Now, jump ahead to March 2011. I sent my wife to Sheffield to get her license. She has 10 years of aviation experience. Everything from ticketing, ramp, flight attendant, crew scheduler and 3 years in Continental SOC.

Long story short, her class at Sheffield had 25 students and 19 failed including her. The instruction there is pathetic. They take your $ and you're on your own. Whatever you do, do not waste your money on Sheffield when picking a school.

She took the 2 weeek course at Universal Weather in Houston and learned more there in 2 weeks than 5 weeks at Sheffield.
Not only did she learn, SHE UNDERSTOOD IT!

Dear Miarose,
As far as I know, Sheffield is well known place to get Dispatch License. I also checked testimonials on their site and I do not belive that Sheffield is not a place to spend a money. Can You please describe details what was bad in Sheffield for Your wife and others?
I gonna make my Distance Learning there this year and Your post is first negative opinion about them.

dont go!!!
 

look here..i was at sheffield in 2009 and it was the worst near 10,000$ i ever spent. they will take ur money and fail u! if u go there you are on your own!!
i had to retake the course at another school!!
Do NOT GO TO SHEFFIELD!!!
please!!!!
the instructors suck, they just want u to study the gliem on your own.
plus they treat foreigners like trash!
to make matters worse from the very first day they already tell u they will fail u
not to mention the fact tht the same pple who are instructors are also ur examiners! wheres the transparency in tht.
i only signed up to this forum to let everyone know not to go to sheffield..please!!

A Question if I may?
 

To the doubters of Sheffield?

If you or you wife fail, is it really the schools fault? If a pass is obtained at another school is that proof?

As a Sheffield graduate of the 2 week accelerated course, from Europe, knowing nothing of the US rules and regulations, I would say B got me through the nightmare in a simulated real time scenario.

I will never exercise the privilege of my (very basic) FAA ticket, however, unless a lot has changed, I thank Sheffield for a fair and honest assessment of my ability.

I attended, with +15 years experience in Operational Control, I had to prove the experience I had at the time, learn a lot and work 16 hours a day, to pass what I consider (FAA rules in EU) an irrelevant exam based on irrelevant regulations.

Do you still leave any establishment with a non-type rated ticket, saying only you are suitable to undergo the further training required to be a dispatcher, i.e. technical aircraft systems?

Bored

Wht are u on about?
 

So wht u r sayin is sOme one with no aviation experience dEserves to have a hard time?
How can u justify a testing system tht is carried out my your very same instructors? So say Eric has a personal problem with me he can decide to give me a hard time or better yet fail me
Other schools prepare u for ur oral and practical exams and have external FAA instructors and pilots or ops control personnel to do d testing.why dosnt Sheffield do tht.?
The house I stayed in was a good 45 min walk from the school! Imagine coming to school already tired from such a long walk. I was never for once late. Until this particular day it stormed heavily while I was walking to school. I had to take shelter underneath a tree for about 10 mins so the rain could subside . I got into class soaking wet and do u know I was actually penalized for coming late???
Long story short, Go to Sheffield at your own risk

I studied the Sheffield Distance + 5 days course several years ago and got the license with Sheffield and I haave several opinions about it.

I believe Sheffield is one of the best schools in Dispatcher training in USA. Many airlines send their employers to Sheffield and it can be a good proof.

boyesbingaman:
There were 2 instructors, Eric and Brett during my stay in FLL. They are both qualified as instructors and examiners. If the course is instructed by one, another will be examiners and vice versa. I am not sure the arrangement for your class but the abive is my case.

for all:
Perosnnaly I am pleased with the quality and in depth knowledge covered in Sheffield's course and I believe the Sheffield's standard is much much higher than what FAA requires.

My suggestion for the FAA ADX test, for anyone who interested in taking the course at Sheffield, try to study and pass the ADX exam in advance. You can get a Gleim or ASA ATP test prep easily from amazon. To be honest, I believe ADX test is just a game of memorising the quetsions and answers , you can remember the answers eaisly if you go through it several times. If you can get a pass before the start of the course at Sheffield, you can fully concentrate in sheffield stuff once u arrive.

There are schools which use ATP test prep as the major text book. I dont think it is a good approach but this is actually exisiting. LIke boyesbingaman mentioned, Sheffield just let you study the Gleim yourself as their major text book is not that. If anyone want to learn more, Sheffiled's approach would be better than just using Gleim as major text. Sheffield concentrate in instructing the in depth theories rather than the gleim.

For those who just want to get a pass and get the FAA license, I agree other schools will be better as the successfull rate (of getting a sign off to take the practical exam) is much higher in other schools than Sheffield. Only 60% in my class and the 6 weeks class got a sign off. I remember something like any FAA dispatcher school should achieve a successful rate of 70 to 80% in practical exam, and that 's why Sheffield rather not signning you off than failing anyone in exam. But for those who want quality instruction and showing to your future employers you are the top notch graduates , sheffield is for you.

To be honest, like what Miarose mentioned, Sheffield may not as good as other schools in offering a student friendly environment especially for those without any previous dispatch, piloting or ATC experiences. The design of the course in Sheffield requires intense concentration and hard work from Day 1. You need to set "full throttle" till the end of the course. And even for experienced guys, it is still a very demanding course for them, and no need to say about the students without any experience.

For those who failed in Sheffield, it doesn';t means they are lazy or incapable. Instead, some may get a pass if they have been given more time but unluckily it is not available. Like one Indian guy who failed the six week course during my stay in FLL, he said he did not have any experience in aviation, travel and spent a lot to USA, stuided very hard but still couldn't pass the course at Sheffield. It is really unlcukily for him but it is how Sheffield is running.

Again, for anyone who want to study at Sheffield, pre course preparation in Gleim and two FAA weather manuals is very important. It makes you easier to cope with the hugh demand in class.

again, for those who just want a licence,as well as reduce the chance of not getting a pass, try to consider whether Sheffield is for you. For those who want to graduate from a well known and quality school as well as showing to your future employers your capabilities, try to consider Sheffield.

Ok... I'm afraid I've listened to this absolute rubbish for long enough!

Sheffield is an ABSOLUTLY FANTASTIC school to go to. End of!

Prior to going there in March 2010 I had near zero aviation experience. I looked at other schools (Denver, Houston, etc...) I travelled from the UK and stayed in a hotel (which was a 20 minute walk away at most) and also completed the additional workshops in ETOPS, EWINS, etc... all out of my own pocket... AND I DON'T REGRET A SINGLE THING. IRRESPECTIVE OF MY GRADE ACHIEVED!

This was the first step of a major career change for me at the age of 30. It was the best thing that I ever did! I now work in Ops for a very prestigious UK airline and was selected for interview out of 150+ applicants on the results at Sheffield School of Aeronautics. The Ops manager was paid to go there some years prior when he worked for another airline. I have stayed in touch with all the staff and students at Sheffield and they've all been really friendly and helpful. Even after they took my $10,000+!

Yes it is hard work. Yes you have to study for the Gleim yourself. But its one multiple choice exam. You are told this from the outset. It is recommended that you complete the FAA ADX prior to attending Sheffield. This isn't possible for everyone (like me) as you have to take it in the USA.

All I hope is that anyone considering going to Sheffield School of Aeronautics makes the right descision and doesn't listen to certain first time posters!!!


p.s. Incase anyone was actually wondering... With near zero knowledge/experiencce prior to attending, I achieved a grade of 93% and 'walked' the FAA exam!

I did the distance and onsite course with Sheffield several years ago and got the license. I believe Sheffield is one of the best school in FAA Dispatch.

The course is very demanding but teach me a lot of theories and knowledge in dispatch. You need to self study the Gleim ATP test Prep and better get a pass before the start of the course. If possible, study the two FAA Weather manuals in advance and it helps your study in Sheffield. Especially passing the ADX test before hleps you to fully concentrate on the Sheffield course.

If you just want to get a pass and get the FAA license, other schools may be better, if you want to show your capabilities and you are the top notch to future employers, Sheffield is for you. Of course, you need to pay for the advantage you get..for a hard working stay in FLL.

Good school teach your the in depth knowledge but worst school just use Test Prep as the main text book, easier to get a pass with them but quality not assured.

I agree not all the students who failed to get a sign off for practical exams are lazy or incapable...instead, they are hard working but just can't achieve the Sheffield standard. One of the Indian guy who failed the 200 hours course mentioned he spent a lot to travel to FLL, studied very hard but still couldn't pass...it's sad but unluckily for him. though I think they may be able to pass if they have more time to study but not available.

Anyway, once again getting the license from Sheffield is not just for the license, it is for your future employment too. Base on how many airlines send their employees to sheffield and it is already a concrete proof of the Sheffield's Quality.

I receommend Sheffield for any serious future dispatchers, and of course there should be other good schools in USA too, but I dont have experience with them.

Oh on a twelve hour shift
 

Expected to correct MEL issues and file the perfect flight plan and that is just one flight.............I guess you wanted to pass as well as the Mrs

Understand, communicate in the real time world.

Is it that bad?

Dear colleagues,

Echo Disp mentioned two FAA weather manuals in his reply.
Can You please advise what are these manuals and where can I get it?

Appreciate Your help!

I would like to add that I initiated a program that sent staff from a European Airline on the FAA course at Sheffield. I investigated many options, Jepps in FRA, etc, but it was patentently obvious that this was the premier school to send my staff to. My rationale was that it was motivational and yes, FAA and EASA rules are different, but the staff came away with an internationally recognised qualification, in point of fact I think the only recognised qualification? I spent a couple of years dealing with Eric and his feedback for any area of individual staff improvement was invaluable. It was a win win situation, the staff came back with their licence and were much more confident in dealing with Pilot related issues, for example and as a Company we had more motivated, knowledgable and confident employees. Maybe I had a really good department but I only had one failure which was due to personal issues. The general failure rate in the on the many courses that I sent my staff on in the 2006-2008 period seemed to average about 15%.
To sum up, don't expect to pass just because you turned up and have some experience in the Airline industry, but if you show initiative and are prepared to work hard for a qualification that proves just that, then this is the school for you!

URRVCTR...
 

URRVCTR...

I believe the weather maunauls you are refering to are:

Aviation Advisory Weather Circular (Chapters 1-16 of the AC 00-6A)
Otherwise known as "Aviation Weather for Pilots and Flight Operations Personnel"
AND
Aviation Weather Services Manual (AC-00-45G CHG1 Rev July 29, 2010)

I'm sure you could download them from the FAA or NOAA (Probably for a fee!) or try looking on amazon.

I think I downloaded and printed mine (must be 500 pages combined) but have the AC-00-45F so its out of date now. Bloody Global Warming!!!

Rick1982,

Thanks a lot for Your help!
Appreciate it!

Distance Learing with Sheffield
 

Let me give my experience with EM and the Sheffield school...

Enrolled in distance learning with Sheffield spent a few dollars; in industry from 86', Operations and Dispatch (ICAO) all my carrier, decided to get FAA ADX rating...

ADX distance learning is not the way to go - when you need assistance Eric and the team are not always available for consultation, and by the time you need to get to new module you are already late for the previous one.

You have a feeling that they are swamped with students, they cannot give you attention you think you deserve for the buck you paid...

And do not come with an attitude - I know what I am doing, there is no way that I will fail.... You are in for a shock...

Classroom training is the only way to go... 6 weeks of pure blood sweat and tears...


So I lost the money, need to enroll into 6 weeks course.

There is no easy way out...

A plain shame to fib for your wife's lack of ability
 

RE: I attended Sheffield in 1998 and was wet behind the ears. I had no experience and the instructors they had at the time got me through it. Now, jump ahead to March 2011. I sent my wife to Sheffield to get her license. She has 10 years of aviation experience. Everything from ticketing, ramp, flight attendant, crew scheduler and 3 years in Continental SOC.

A: Unfortunately, ticketing, ramping, flight attending, crew scheduling, and fetching papers or doing revisions within an SOC can't help someone who was either lazy, a procrastinator, or both in addition to not seeking free tutoring after class daily (she did not come close).

RE: Long story short, her class at Sheffield had 25 students and 19 failed including her. The instruction there is pathetic. They take your $ and you're on your own. Whatever you do, do not waste your money on Sheffield when picking a school.

A: False. We have NEVER had a class failure rate like that. We've had probably 2-4 classes with a fail rate or 45-50% over the past 15-20 years, typically the success rate for the course is 70-85%. The FAA practical exam rate however exceeds most because Sheffield actually does not commit perjury on the applicant's Application for Dispatcher certificate - we only sign off those who are qualified. The airlines worldwide seem to appreciate that, as well as the FAA. Fortunately, most people who read this guy's account, including many following replies could tell his 'story' was rubbish. Sure - to stay in business 64 consecutive years, we screw people and flunk them at will - makes complete sense. First, the failure's hubby neglected to mention that students drop out for family emergencies, illness, military duty recall, etc.. He failed to note how many in his class had those circumstances, returned, and passed. He failed to notice how many airlines, individuals, and other companies have used Sheffield School, were successful, and provided testimonials online, which are all dated and verifiable. He failed to note that we counsel any students having a difficult time, and even offer a pro-rata refund for a large portion of the course. And..whoops..he neglected to mention that 2 students in his class and 1 student in her class actually attended other schools before attending Sheffield - one was already certified. Feel free to contact me, and I'll send email copies of the last few requests from grads of other schools looking for refresher training, a job, or both because their diploma mill can't cut it.

RE: She took the 2 weeek (sic) course at Universal Weather in Houston and learned more there in 2 weeks than 5 weeks at Sheffield. Not only did she learn, SHE UNDERSTOOD IT!

A: She may have understood their version of dispatch training. She failed herself at our school. Her success may have actually been linked to ALREADY sitting through comprehensive material at Sheffield, departing with a full Sheffield notebook, having the ADX test already passed, then attending a different or less comprehensive course. Feel free to have her return to Sheffield at any time to see if she could pass any of our class tests or better yet - send her here for an FAA-witnessed oral exam and simple flight. If she passes PTS standards, I'll pay her transportation and air fare. If she fails, her results will be posted here and anywhere I feel like posting it, including video of what would be long uncomfortable pauses. That's the deal. Sign your name next time, coward.
Eric Morris-President-Sheffield School of Aeronautics (est. 1948)

A plain shame to fib for your lack of ability and study
 

RE: look here..i was at sheffield in 2009 and it was the worst near 10,000$ i ever spent. they will take ur money and fail u! if u go there you are on your own!!
i had to retake the course at another school!!
Do NOT GO TO SHEFFIELD!!!
please!!!!

A: Do I really need to counter this? Seriously? Feel free to read my reply to the sad hubby above which should be posted soon.

the instructors suck, they just want u to study the gliem on your own.

A: Actually, Sheffield prefers to spend most of the class time instructing real-life material and concepts; therefore, we send Gleim prep material to students electronically to get ahead before they arrive, the students can ask questions after class regarding same material, can still study during the class until they feel comfortable to take the ADX test. We cover flight logs in class, and include ADX snippets throughout our instruction. Some students study, and some waste their time going to bars and watching TV - sad, but true. Some of our students went to ADX prep-only courses...at other schools - you can do the math as to what their total tuition became by attending a mill prior to Sheffield. We instruct students in order to help them find work, and keep it - not just for some piece of paper - I thought it was a good idea...

RE: plus they treat foreigners like trash!
A: Which obviously is why most of our students are international and Sheffield has the largest international airline customer list in the world.

RE: to make matters worse from the very first day they already tell u they will fail u.
A: Wrong again. We tell people on the first day that they need to study hard to pass. We want a 100% pass rate, but it is impossible if everyone does not study hard, and seek free tutoring daily after class, if needed. We feel it is fair to forewarn students so they don't lose all their money and they can drop out if they want. I call it good business. We were established in 1948, so it seems to be working.

RE: not to mention the fact tht the same pple who are instructors are also ur examiners! wheres the transparency in tht.
A: Never had someone whine about that one, but here goes: The FAA approved us as examiners because we have the most experience with instruction and practical exams in the world - no individual or school comes close. It's also nice to have an examiner who is familiar with your type, intensity of instruction, the materials, and having familiarity with the schools flight plan forms is nice. No outside examiners have the ability to conduct a proper, consistent exam without assistance from me, which I've done for 4 outside examiners who are also on call, if needed. We are monitored by the FAA and have NEVER had a problem.

RE: i only signed up to this forum to let everyone know not to go to sheffield..please!!
A: And it was a pleasure to rebut 'ur mis-pilled nonsinse.'
Sign your name next time, coward.
Eric Morris-President-Sheffield School of Aeronautics (est. 1948)

The spelling should say enough but...
 

RE: How can u justify a testing system tht is carried out my your very same instructors? So say Eric has a personal problem with me he can decide to give me a hard time or better yet fail me

A: Well, if FAA approved because of our experience, and controlled and monitored by the FAA for PTS assurance, it is a good idea. If you'd like, I can recite flight school requirements or future airline training requirements which mandate methods that we are already authorized to perform. If you were a problem child at my school, you would have been warned or dismissed - we do not want bad distractions in our class. This happens once every 10-12 years, maybe. If we really sensed any personal issue, as a professional courtesy, you would have been examined by another person, who referred to a DADE. In the past, when a student would blame others for their own problems or blame the school, I simply give them my FAA inspector's contact info. There's never anything to hide and everyone in this profession knows that about Sheffield.

RE: Other schools prepare u for ur oral and practical exams and have external FAA instructors and pilots or ops control personnel to do d testing.why dosnt Sheffield do tht.?

A: answered already here and in another reply to be posted soon.

RE: The house I stayed in was a good 45 min walk from the school! Imagine coming to school already tired from such a long walk. I was never for once late. Until this particular day it stormed heavily while I was walking to school. I had to take shelter underneath a tree for about 10 mins so the rain could subside . I got into class soaking wet and do u know I was actually penalized for coming late???

A: That was my favorite. First, Sheffield housing consists of 1-2 houses that are MAXIMUM 15-20 minutes of a walk to the school. One other house is a MAXIMUM 5-7 minute walk. We offer to pick up students if the weather is bad. If the student chooses not to do so, there is this thing called an umbrella which is in the housing, that could help. Nobody is penalized for being late for oversleeping, stormy weather, etc.. unless it appears to be a daily issue. Then you simply make up time - it is quite simple.

RE: Long story short, Go to Sheffield at your own risk.

A: If you are lazy, a procrastinator, or an idiot, blamer, or whiner...y'know I kind of agree with this guy.
Sign your name next time, coward.
Eric Morris-President-Sheffield School of aeronautics (est. 1948)

2 weather manuals
 

You can download from:
Airline Dispatcher Resources
The high quality and bookmarked pdf links are password-protected for future/current Sheffield students, but the other links are ok too, if attending elsewhere.

Just don't go crazy reading them all. If you're coming to Sheffield, I'd pre-study for the ADX and selected sections of those books, which I can list if you want. Just email me anytime.

E. Morris
Sheffield School

New dispatch School in europe
 

Hi There.

AT&C are starting up a new dispatch course here in Europe with two major airlines.

Check it on AT&C - Aviation Training and Consulting


Best regards jic.

Sheffield School, Florida
 

Its funny when people know they are wrong as they have to get personal. Idiot.

Gee - you burned me
 

I will try to keep this simple since I don't write in rap and this person may have issues with non-acronyms. I wish you the best of luck, health, and happiness. I also would like to thank you - somebody just saw your post, and decided we "MUST be that good if an idiot hates us so much." (no worries - I told her that you likely had personal issues and an upsetting childhood.) How can I ever repay you? Anyway, I need to go make another one of those dreadful bank deposits soon all because of you.

Thx Merrick
 

I appreciate the comment against nonsense. Some things are too absurd to respond to. However, it should make the rest of us thankful for who we are and what we are not.

Lufthansa Flight Training Academy is going to run a Flight Dispatcher in Riga, Latvia in May.

Description and syllabus:
http://www.lidousers.com/LFT_BTI.pdf

P.S Actually course start mentioned above postponed until May 7, registrations until April 1.

Ask me anything if needed.

Training Courses:
 

One of the best for BA/GA sector are a company: AirlineDispatch

PM if you want any additional info.

We have had a graduate from Sheffield and he wasn't any better than an experienced neophyte. Having said that I'm sure that they produce good dispatchers, this gentleman "just" had some other personal peculiarities not compatible with an indoors job.:eek:

Dispatcher Training
 

Dear 777ORD,

I hope you are able to get your medical issues resolved in a favorable manner. I am an airline pilot and instructor,and I also teach Dispatch at FlightSafety LGA (NY). I was a dispatcher for more than 10 years at JFK for Iberia and Swissport (a handling company), and found the Dispatch career very,.very rewarding. I have had the privilege of working with many graduates of Sheffield, Pan American and FlightSafety, and found all of their skills solid and sharp. Give FSI (LGA) a call, and call Sheffield in FLL and compare for yourself. Happy hunting and enjoy the world of dispatch. Remember: "A pilot flies the airplane, a dispatcher flies the airline!"

You can also pursue the CFI/CFII/MEI and give instruction, such as instrument ratings,BFRs,IPCs, and ATPs, as long as your "student" holds a valid category and class Airman Certificate. Stay in the air if you can.

By all means AVOID working with the FAA, unless you wish to be a ATC Professional. The FAA has the world's best ATC, bar none. But their other employees, especially the FSDO personnel, are the dregs of humanity.

May God Bless you and Guide you in your career search. Enjoy instructing and dispatching,and hopefully I'll see you in the sky some day.

Sincerely,
Heavy D
New York,USA

Gleim red books
 

which one is it: ATP FAA Knowledge test 2013 or ATP FAA Written test? Or both?

Book name & test name
 

Q: which one is it: ATP FAA Knowledge test 2013 or ATP FAA Written test? Or both?

A: The test is technically referred to nowadays as ADX Knowledge Test (used to be "written.") One test prep book sold is Gleim's 'ATP'. The ADX (airline dispatcher) questions are buried in the ATP book since they are nearly the same test. An applicant for the FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate must specifically pass (at or above 70%) the ADX knowledge exam. That is one prerequisite among others.
Eric M.
Sheffield School of Aeronautics (est. 1948) - FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certification School-about Sheffield

Resurrecting this post as I'm having a big dilemma here.

I'm in Italy, i.e. where Dispatchers are not licenced but just taught the job at the same price of US FAA approved schools. I was happily looking to Sheffield's for my training but now I might have found a sponsor for the training in Italy. I really don't want to waste my time for a course that doesn't licence me, so I was thinking whether is possible to be trained here and get the FAA licence by doing an official FAA exam in the US ?
In other words, can I get the Dispacher's licence being trained in Europe and tested in the US ?

Training & exams
 

Yes, but you must pass the ADX exam and receive 'credit' by the FAA via FAR Part 65.57 or receive course credit via a Part 65.61d from an Aircraft Dispatcher course operator - via 65.61d, you still cannot simply take an FAA practical exam. At Sheffield, we've seen people arrive here with varying backgrounds and varying experience. Some work hard and do well. Some are lazy or lift too many "12-ounce" weights and do poorly. So what we do is mandate that everyone who intends to take less than 200 in-classroom hours of training pass the ADX exam and complete online training, then complete a pre-selected amount of residency in-classroom training, which could be 3-weeks or less. THEN, if they are signed off as 'passing the course", they have a ticket to begin an FAA AD practical exam. If that exam is passed, then they are FAA AD certified. From what I've witnessed any prior training before Sheffield's means very little. Any training following Sheffield's seems to be relatively easy based on hearsay.
Good luck and contact us anytime.
Eric Morris - Sheffield School (est. 1948)

Thanks Eric for the info (we are already in contact via email and I'm appreciating all the help from Sheffield).
What is hard for me to understand is why should I attend a proper 328hours Flight Dispatcher course in Italy (see the study curriculum for yourself at http://training.alitalia.it/it/flight-training/altri-corsi/FDB/flight-dispacher-base-training-course.html in Italian) and then have not a licence or a certificate, while in the US I get it all for less time/money. It sounds to me that even studying in Italian (or in any other language/country) would be useless, unless I study in English and do the FAA exam. Really, why in the world this option to study in my country even exist if it's useless? I mean, why do they ever teach you something if THEY are not certified to do that?
Please explain to me why this world is wild at heart and weak on top.