Airplane Dispatchers

High School

Some college education is required to be an airplane dispatcher, so if you are interested in this career you should follow a college prep curriculum. Business administration and computer skills are vital to the job, so take any courses available in those subjects. While in high school, you can also pursue a student pilot's license, which is a great advantage, though not a requirement.

Postsecondary Training

Airplane dispatchers must have at least two years of college education in meteorology or air transportation studies. Two years of work experience in air transportation may replace the college requirement. Airlines prefer college graduates who have studied mathematics, physics, or meteorology.

About 51 schools around the country are licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration and offer dispatcher training. Visit https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/part65_7.pdf for information on these programs. Typical coursework covers meteorology, aerodynamics, aircraft performance, weight and balance, navigation, dispatch resource management, regulations, international operations, the National Airspace System, air traffic control, aeromedical factors, and addressing abnormalities and emergencies.