Airline dispatchers

[pianokeys]

Hey all, new here on the forum.

Anyways, as per title, I have a few questions about dispatchers. A school in my province used to offer a 'course' in it. But not anymore. What kind of licenses/credentials does one need to have to be a dispatcher for a 'legacy carrier' like WS, AC, or QK for example? And is there any schools in Canada you could attend to become a dispatcher?

[A Regulator]

Use the search function as this has been asked and answered many many times. Briefly I will try and explain but call TC, Commercial and Business Aviation division and ask for the Inspector who looks after the dispatcher stuff. They can tell you as each region has someone. Next go to the TC web page and find your way to the civil aviaiton part and then click on manuals there you will find a copy of the dispatcer manuals for self study. I do not recommend this approach so the TC Inspector should have a list of places where to take a course. You can also do a google search for Canadian dispatcher stuff. When doing the search function use my log in id A Regulator to search for authors. Usually most of the companies use a contract facility either in Calgary or Toronto as I think Air Canada (Jazz etc) has the only in house dispatchers and they used to be in Toronto as they moved their facilities for overseeing their Europe operations to Toronto. (not sure if this is still accurate at this time)

[Darkwing Duck]

I believe SAIT in Calgary is offering a course for dispatch. There may be one at Georgian College as well. Both of these I am not positve on but it may be an area you could look at.

Also there are a number of companies that have thier own in house dispatch. Canadian North, First Air, Canjet, Air Inuit, Voyageur, Porter, Air Creebec, KFC just to name a few. AC and WS are not the only ones.

[pianokeys]

Thanks for the help guys, I'll get a hold of TC sometime soon and see what the 411 is on it. I totally forgot about the search function hahaha.

[Driving Comet]

I believe SAIT in Calgary is offering a course for dispatch. There may be one at Georgian College as well. Both of these I am not positve on but it may be an area you could look at.

Also there are a number of companies that have thier own in house dispatch. Canadian North, First Air, Canjet, Air Inuit, Voyageur, Porter, Air Creebec, KFC just to name a few. AC and WS are not the only ones.

Nothing specifically at Georgian, they only offer the aviation management program.

DC

[BDA]

There you go: (PDF file included)

You can phone 403-210-4266 or 403-284-7248


BDA

[DXR]

You will need to write the TC generic dispatch exams for Operations and Meterology. After that its company training to get a license. The license are company specific so if you are licensed at company A and leave to work for company B, you will have to be re-trained and a new license issued for company B.
These training schools are not a requirement, but a good idea.
There are 3 schools that offer "training" for the generic exams. These are exam prep courses only and do not actually teach you how to be a dispatcher, but help you get ready to write the exams. SAIT in Calgary has a course and I think its a few nights a week. Not totally sure on that, double check with them.
York University has a 2 week, full time course in Toronto. Last time I checked they provided it twice a year. Also Canadian Flyers might have something too. I think they are taught by the same instructor so check what the sched is like.
I took the York course years ago. Others have done the exams without taking these courses but these are usually pilots or others who have a background in the industry. Look at the TC site for the study and reference guide in the publications section.

Good Luck

[BDA]

You will need to write the TC generic dispatch exams for Operations and Meterology. After that its company training to get a license. The license are company specific so if you are licensed at company A and leave to work for company B, you will have to be re-trained and a new license issued for company B.
These training schools are not a requirement, but a good idea.
There are 3 schools that offer "training" for the generic exams. These are exam prep courses only and do not actually teach you how to be a dispatcher, but help you get ready to write the exams. SAIT in Calgary has a course and I think its a few nights a week. Not totally sure on that, double check with them.

Actually not quite. Our course (SAIT) teach beyond the exam. Ops people from major airlines come to the class and introduce what "Dispatch" is all about and what is require. Further, the OPS people from a reputable company give a full day intro into their "fligth dispatch software". Students have "hands on" training session by that company, dispatching aircraft across the world (training mode). The course is full-time (2 1/2 weeks Monday-Friday) in the spring and evening time in the fall (3 nights a week).

SAIT's course has been tailored to meet the MOT exam requirements AND what the industry wants. You are right that you do not need to take any course for the FD written exam.
You can walk in and write the MOT exam for free. It's up to you what you decide to do.


Best of luck

BDA

[A Regulator]

Just so that everyone knows, you do not get a "dispatcher licence" you will get a "dispatcher certificate". A certificate is not the same as a licence.

[beagle]

What if the certificate is issued by a state organisation i.e. Transport Canada. The certification becomes a requirement by law, i.e. CARS.

[sez]

I have a CPL and an Advanced Aviation Diploma and I am more interested in Dispatching or management position in the aviation industry. Do i still need to get a Dispatcher Certificate? I sent my resume to many companies and have not heard anything so far. I assumed I had an advantage since I have the Aviation background but It didn't work as I assumed so far...

[Darkwing Duck]

I have a CPL and an Advanced Aviation Diploma and I am more interested in Dispatching or management position in the aviation industry. Do i still need to get a Dispatcher Certificate? I sent my resume to many companies and have not heard anything so far. I assumed I had an advantage since I have the Aviation background but It didn't work as I assumed so far...

If you want to dispatch with a company that does either type A or B, you must have the exams written and passed. An aviation background, Advanced Aviation Diploma or CPL, ATPL, etc will look good on a resume, no doubt, but does not always get you into an interview. Think of it this way, I have a ton of aviation experience but not an AME ticket. I can change my oil, spark plugs, some minor to moderate repairs but would you want to hire me as an AME? I can tell you the diffence between several piston or turbine engines just by looking at them. I think I am good enough. Can I turn a wrench for a company? Without the exams or courses your just spinning your wheels. There are companies out there that do not require the exams if you do not want to write and can potentially hire someone who does not want to go through that hassel. But the pay is most times lower compared to the A and Bs.

PM me if you need any more info.