Aircraft Dispatcher

FAA-Mandated Training for aircraft dispatchers available through kent state university

Individuals interested in becoming an Aircraft Dispatcher must complete both training sessions: Part A and Part B.

  • Part A includes completing online coursework or waivers granted for previous education or experience
  • Part B includes a mandatory on-campus 3-week training session 
  • Please see below for additional information on each session 

Training can be taken for credit or non-credit. 

Interested in the credit option? Find additional information here. 

Interested in the non-credit option? Find additional information here. 

What does an Aircraft Dispatcher Do?

Aircraft Dispatchers are required to earn an FAA certificate and are primarily employed by airlines, usually in the Airline Operations Center (AOC) or Systems Operations Center (SOC).

They accomplish the load planning, weather, and fuel planning, air traffic control considerations, TSA and security compliance for the flight, routing, and they file the flight plan with the FAA. Dispatchers then prepare a "release" and release the flight to the Captain. They monitor the flight while it is in progress, and communicate with the crew on any weather, routing, security, or company issues that might arise and facilitate any needed changes. 

How do I become an Aircraft Dispatcher?
  • The FAA requires 200 contact hours of instruction and the receipt of a graduation certificate from an FAA certificated school under Part 65 of the Federal Aviation Regulations.
  • Kent State University has a Part 65 certified school housed in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering, Division of Aeronautics.
  • Applicants must be 21 yrs. of age by the completion of training to sit for the FAA ADX written exam and the FAA administered practical exam.
  • You must also be legally able to attend school in the United States, be English proficient per requirements in FAA Advisory Circular AC 60-28B, and pass all exams in the course(s) with at least a 70% score.
  • Issuance of a graduation certificate is at the sole discretion of the Chief Dispatcher.
Training - Part A
  • Consists of three learning modules that can be taken for Non-Credit or three Aeronautics courses (AERN) 45001, 45002, and 45003 (total 6 credits) that can be taken for college credit.
  • Can be accomplished online via interactive remote instruction.
  • The FAA allows up to 100 hours credit for previous training. Those who hold FAA piloting certificates or college courses work from other institutions such as Private Pilot Theory, Aviation Weather, Instrument Theory, etc., may be able to receive credit for some or all of Part A
Training - Part B
  • Can be accomplished in two learning modules for Non-Credit, or two courses AERN 45010 and 45020 which can be taken for college credit.
  • Must be done in-person and is conducted at Kent State University over the a 3-week period. This training includes the written exam and the practical exam. In-person training dates vary, see schedule, usually conducted during summer months
What does an Aircraft Dispatcher Do?

Aircraft Dispatchers are required to earn an FAA certificate and are primarily employed by airlines, usually in the Airline Operations Center (AOC) or Systems Operations Center (SOC).

They accomplish the load planning, weather, and fuel planning, air traffic control considerations, TSA and security compliance for the flight, routing, and they file the flight plan with the FAA. Dispatchers then prepare a "release" and release the flight to the Captain. They monitor the flight while it is in progress, and communicate with the crew on any weather, routing, security, or company issues that might arise and facilitate any needed changes. 

How do I become an Aircraft Dispatcher?
  • The FAA requires 200 contact hours of instruction and the receipt of a graduation certificate from an FAA certificated school under Part 65 of the Federal Aviation Regulations.
  • Kent State University has a Part 65 certified school housed in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering, Division of Aeronautics.
  • Applicants must be 21 yrs. of age by the completion of training to sit for the FAA ADX written exam and the FAA administered practical exam.
  • You must also be legally able to attend school in the United States, be English proficient per requirements in FAA Advisory Circular AC 60-28B, and pass all exams in the course(s) with at least a 70% score.
  • Issuance of a graduation certificate is at the sole discretion of the Chief Dispatcher.
Training - Part A
  • Consists of three learning modules that can be taken for Non-Credit or three Aeronautics courses (AERN) 45001, 45002, and 45003 (total 6 credits) that can be taken for college credit.
  • Can be accomplished online via interactive remote instruction.
  • The FAA allows up to 100 hours credit for previous training. Those who hold FAA piloting certificates or college courses work from other institutions such as Private Pilot Theory, Aviation Weather, Instrument Theory, etc., may be able to receive credit for some or all of Part A
Training - Part B
  • Can be accomplished in two learning modules for Non-Credit, or two courses AERN 45010 and 45020 which can be taken for college credit.
  • Must be done in-person and is conducted at Kent State University over the a 3-week period. This training includes the written exam and the practical exam. In-person training dates vary, see schedule, usually conducted during summer months
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