FAR 121 dispatchers question

[F/O]

Just wondering if anyone knows how many flights a dispatcher can legally be responsible for at the same time??

Thx

 

[FlightTraker]

It has been a while since I worked a desk, but I do not believe there is a limit. Where I used to work, I could have up to 25 planes under my belt at one time. (they are not all in the air at one time) Not to bad on a good day, but when the wx went down........ouch.



FlightTraker

 

[AZaviator]

I know there's a reg on that, but I forget exactly how it is stated. I believe it says something to the fact that a dispatcher can dispatch as many flights as he/she is able to handle. I know thats vague, and hopefully a current dispatcher can clarify it. I haven't dispatched in over 4yrs. Basically, there isn't a specific number a dispatcher is limited to, as long as they can handle the load.

 

[SKC]

As previously stated, the only regulatory statement regarding workload is that you can't have more than you can safely handle. There isn't a black and white number. I can work a desk of 10 trans-con aircraft and have the same workload as 5 short-hop propies. So, the feds couldn't really stick an exact number on paper that works for all situations.

 

[Markm1811]

How many is 2 many

I asked the GOC manager last night if there was a number of planes max. He said that there might be a company requirement but as far as FAA regs. Nada...

Mark M

 

[Snakum]

Just curious, because I don't think I could take the pay cut, and at my age no one would hire me anyway , but ...

1) Did you guys enjoy your job as a dispatcher?

2) Does it pay better than a regional FO to start?

3) Are there only certain schools in the US allowed to train dispatchers, or can it be done independantly?

4) What is the hiring outlook like for the next 20 years? The same as all aviation positions (i.e. bad )?


I ask because my youngest son enquired about it.

Minh

 

[dispatchguy]

Nope, no FAR at all

 

[SKC]

1) Did you guys enjoy your job as a dispatcher? Yes, still do

2) Does it pay better than a regional FO to start? Most likely. Regional dx'ers start typically in the mid-20s, with majors probably in the 30s.

3) Are there only certain schools in the US allowed to train dispatchers, or can it be done independantly? Only approved sources can train/issue certificates.

4) What is the hiring outlook like for the next 20 years? The same as all aviation positions (i.e. bad )? Not any worse than the tech industry


I ask because my youngest son enquired about it.

Minh

Hope that helps

 

[DX Rick]

) Did you guys enjoy your job as a dispatcher? Depends on the weather Most of the time I love it, it's a blast. But then there is fog, the Sh!t hits the fan

2) Does it pay better than a regional FO to start? About the same pay.

3) Are there only certain schools in the US allowed to train dispatchers, or can it be done independantly? Yes, Flight Safety has a program. I went through a University here in Chicago. 10 week course.

4) What is the hiring outlook like for the next 20 years? The same as all aviation positions (i.e. bad )? I believe its pretty open right now. Most jobs start you off in Operations. Which could become suicidal after a while. If you make it through Op's Dispatching is a breeze......kind of. I have spoken with a few UAL dispatchers. Majors want a guy who has worked different parts of the country, cargo, jet, trans con and about 5 yrs of expierence. Where I have just worked the midwest area for two yrs. I would be laughed at if I applied at the majors.