Dispatcher Practical test

[leartwenty4]

I just recently found out a little bit about getting a dispatcher rating and I am looking for a little clarification from the people in the know.

From what I have read there is a written test (much like the pilots ATP test), so many hours of schooling or so much time in a specific job, and a practical test with the FAA.

How tough was the FAA test? I read the PTS for the practical on the FAA site. I will confess my ignorance and say that until I read that and I think it was 65.57, I had no idea that there is a practical test. Is the practical a formality when they hand you your license, or a several hour slugfest with an FAA examiner?

Has anyone here gained their experience on the job being a flight follower or pilot or the like, instead of going to a school?

Just an ignorant pilot trying to find some answers. Leartwenty4

 

[twabudman]

Mine was UGLY......8 hr oral with the FAA....ugh....

 

[rvsm410]

Written and Oral, test...usually you will take the written about half way through your dispatch class...this is an 80 queston test, out of a possible 1580 questions....

The oral and practical test is with an FAA examiner and scheduled for 8 hours, generally they take about 5..these can be real tough because they are ad-lib tests...you will be required to perform a hand calculated flight plan and release..

Good luck, but learn the stuff....

 

[SKC]

The written IS the ATP test (plus an additional 10 dispatch questions in the bank). Just study the Gleim book and you'll be fine.

My oral was a tad over 3 hrs. The length is totally dependent upon the examiner and what he's looking for, how long it takes you to do your flight plan, etc.

 

[rod guhzhinya]

Manual flight plan was difficult and took about 3 hours, then 3 hour oral with FAA examiner. All in all it was pretty hard but I felt totally prepared, there was no surprises.


Rod

 

[Bart Simpson]

I got my dx license from a cereal box. No studying and/or testing required.

 

[T/SF34/A]

Dx

Did You Actually Have To Buy The Box Of Cereal???

 

[Bart Simpson]

Does stealing cereal from kids qualify as a purchase?

 

[leartwenty4]

Thanks twabudman, rvsm410, SKC, rod guhzhinya. I think I understand a little more now. Did all of you go through schools or did any of you get the experience requirement first then take the test? Thanks for the replys, Leartwenty4

 

[propsarebest]

I took the FAA allowed "short course", which basically means that you take the written before you show up at the dispatch school.

PM me for more info if u like.