dispatcher school

[LAFrequentflyer]

Ladies / Gentleman,

New to the aviation world...Currently a PPL , active duty AF mission support officer looking at all options for retirement job...

http://www.airlinedispatcher.com/

Anyone have the good/bad/ugly on the above school. Interested in all aspects of aviation as possible second / retirement career.

Appreciate your inputs.

Sincerely,
LA

 

[propsarebest]

Lots of people tht I work with went there. They all seemed to like it. I haven't heard anything real bas about them.

 

[SKC]

They recently underwent a mgmt change, so Wateska doesn't own it anymore.

I went there and have no issues with either it or the new guys there (still see him pretty regularly).

 

[LAFrequentflyer]

Is it difficult to break into the dispatcher ranks?

My background is with computer networks (maintenance, engineering, running 24/7 ops in a real-time critical setting as NCOIC , now OIC managing all aspects of training, maint., engineering, and day-to-day firefighting...I'm familiar with and enjoy high stress customer / resource management jobs...

Thoughts?

V/r,
LA

 

[SKC]

Don't expect to start off at a major. Plan on a regional carrier or smaller charter airline. Get 4-6 years of experience, then look at a larger one.

 

[LAFrequentflyer]

Thanks...

-LA

 

[Bart Simpson]

No way you'll get in the majors for a very, very long time. Not a good industry to be in unless you like the atmosphere.

 

[SKC]

Let me clarify....don't expect to get to a major in 4-6 years. That's just a minimum time frame.

 

[CRJDispatchKid]

As previously stated the school has had a few staffing changes. See the new website at:

http://www.airlinedispatcher.net/


That's where I did my schooling. Teachers are good and the owner has a lot of connections.

 

[PA44Jockey]

Dispatcher Pay Scales

Does anyone know of a site with pay scales on it?

 

[propsarebest]

Does anyone know of a site with pay scales on it?

wdff.homeip.net

but I think its been down for a few days due to MX

 

[SKC]

Will Dispatch for Food is back up (I just hit it). (Link is in previous post.)

 

[787]

What about Flight Safety @ LGA?

 

[8AF]

I will only go to this two: Sheffield or FlightSafety
If you made it through Sheffield you can walk into any interview with confidence (the tech portion)
When I was working at the regional, the difference between Sheffield grads and grads from other school are obvious.

 

[787]

Can anyone speak to Jeppeson's school?

 

[propsarebest]

I didn't even know Jepp had a school, but with the Jepp name, i can gaurntee that its overpriced.

 

[SKC]

Never heard of a Jeppesen school.

 

[8AF]

Just don't go to Sierra.

 

[propsarebest]

Sierra is outta business

 

[8AF]

The website is still up.
http://www.sierraacademy.com/programs02.htm
Anyway, if that same instructor (in 1999) is still there the FAA should close it down. (ADX training)

 

[propsarebest]

looks like they are open once again, bt now at Livermore instead of Oakland. They orginally shut down in 2002 or 3.

 

[propsarebest]

Now it seems we hire internally. :erm:

:angryfire

 

[SKC]

the difference between Sheffield grads and grads from other school are obvious.

Yep, Sheffield grads have bigger loans to pay off.

 

[Sandi3229]

Its not mentioned here, but I fully endorse Airline Ground Schools in Florence, KY. Had a great experience with them!

 

[DX Jake]

I went to the now called "IFOD". It was "ok". For me it was a lot of memorizing on my own. Once you get your written out of the way... it's a piece of cake. I recommend buying the ATP written book, and taking the written on your own. As for the comments about getting into the majors... you never know what can happen. I lucked out with SWA, in a short period of time. Good luck!

"... what do you mean you don't want PHL as an alternate?"

 

[787]

What is life like at WN? PM me if you like.

 

[RVSM]

IAs for the comments about getting into the majors... you never know what can happen. I lucked out with SWA, in a short period of time. Good luck!

"... what do you mean you don't want PHL as an alternate?"

Hey Dangermouse,
Back to work Rookie.

 

[gonefishin']

I went to Wateska U in 2000. Within the first week of class, 3 carriers came in to interview. Three weeks into the six week course, I had a job. We had around 25 people in the class, and maybe five weren't offered a job upon graduation. Overall, it was a good course that got me into a field that I really enjoy.

 

[405]

Yep, Sheffield grads have bigger loans to pay off.

You get what you pay for at Sheffield and you're better prepared for the job.

 

[SKC]

You get what you pay for at Sheffield and you're better prepared for the job.

Personally, after working with grads from multiple schools, no one is really well prepared for the job. They have the very basic information, but each airline has new rules to learn and live by (ops specs).

Some pay $2000, while others pay $5000, and yet they both have to essentially start over when it comes to the ACTUAL training that is administered at each company.

Basically, go where ever you feel the most comfortable. Everyone gets the same ticket, and everyone has to go through Indoc and Initial at whatever airline that hires you.