Aircraft Dispatcher Keeps Flights Safe and on Schedule

By Holly Henley, Communications Specialist at The Ohio State University

Recent graduate, Adit Baruah, earned a Federal Aviation Administration Aircraft Dispatch certificate after completing The Ohio State University Center for Aviation Studies’ dispatch program. In this Q&A, he shares industry insights, career outlook, and his passion about keeping flights safe and on schedule.

Q Who is your employer, and what is your job title? What aviation certifications do you hold?

A I work as a Part 121 [airline] aircraft dispatcher for SkyWest Airlines. Currently, I hold a Part 65 Aircraft Dispatcher certificate, an Instrument Ground Instructor certificate, and a Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot certificate. I am currently pursuing a Part 61 Advanced Ground Instructor certificate and am also exploring the possibility of obtaining a Part 61 Sport Pilot certificate in the near future.

Q What is a day in the life of an aircraft dispatcher like?

A Part 121 aircraft dispatchers [at airlines] work within their respective airline’s Operations Control Center (OCC) – it’s a little like NASA’s mission control in terms of function. Our dispatchers work 10-hour shifts and are responsible for creating dozens of flight releases, disseminating them to our flight crews. Other responsibilities include coordinating with different ATC centers across the national airspace system, communicating with airport operations, and exercising operational control with captains to amend flight releases when needed – whether for fuel, weight and balance issues, or route changes.

Once a flight takes off, there is still work to be done. We maintain constant situational awareness of our flights’ enroute weather, destination and alternate weather, and any other conditions that could affect the safety of our flights – in other words, we are our pilots’ eyes and ears on the ground. By gathering information from multiple sources and analyzing our flights from various perspectives, we ensure the safety and timely performance of our flights.

Q What is rewarding about being an aircraft dispatcher?

A For me, the most rewarding part about being a dispatcher is the ability to solve real-world problems every day. I love seeing the real-time, positive impact my decisions are making on a flight that is 500 miles away. Whether it’s guiding a flight around massive squall lines or mitigating a potential delay through careful coordination with mainline partners, I love being the “behind-the-scenes” person who can help passengers and crews reach their destination safely.

Q How did your dispatch certificate from the Center for Aviation Studies prepare you for your role?

A The dispatch course sequence through the Center for Aviation Studies was rigorous and extremely in-depth. Lecturers Brian Strzempkowski and Adam Beckman did an amazing job presenting the material and addressing any student questions. However, the ultimate challenge lay in how well students prepared for the FAA oral exam. Both professors emphasized that the checkride wouldn’t be easy, and extensive self-study was crucial. I took those words to heart, dedicating 4-5 hours every day for five straight months until the day of my exam.

I firmly believe that the transparency from the Center for Aviation Studies played a crucial role in preparing me for my role at SkyWest Airlines. Federal regulations mandate dispatchers to undergo Indoc Training after being initially hired at a Part 121 [airline] carrier. The chief dispatch instructor, during the very first session, warned my newhire class, “These first three weeks will be like drinking out of a fire hose.” This proved true, and I genuinely attribute my success to the high standard set by Brian and Adam at the beginning of the course.

Q Can you give advice for students who may not have considered pursuing an aircraft dispatch career?

A Whether you’re in an air transportation program, aviation management program, aviation engineering program, or even a different major altogether, [aircraft] dispatch is a career worth investigating. If your goal is to become a pilot, having your dispatch certificate is a great way to distinguish yourself from other applicants. Possessing a certificate equivalent to the ATP for pilots shows recruiters that you have a strong understanding of the technical skills required for the job, including reading instrument approach plates, interpreting weather, and applying NOTAMs.

If your goal is to branch out within the aviation industry or explore opportunities in a new field, dispatch is one of the best ways to get involved in flight operations without pursuing a pilot certificate. My advice to anyone considering this career is to explore dispatching further and discover the opportunities it provides. You might fulfill technical credit towards your major, and it adds an extra layer of job security. Also, once you obtain your dispatch certificate, it never expires!

Q How is the aircraft dispatcher job market?

A The current job market for dispatchers is very strong. Dispatchers are in high demand, so now is the time to pursue a career in this field. It is a rewarding profession, and the associated flight benefits are an added bonus! Did I mention that dispatchers are among a select group of people who can occupy the flight deck jumpseat? In my opinion, it’s the best seat on a plane!

Q Anything else you would like to share?

A I would like to thank the Center for Aviation Studies for giving me the opportunity to share my experiences as a Part 121 [airline] aircraft dispatcher. I would also like to express my gratitude to my professors and mentors, Brian and Adam, for all the help they have given me and for their continued efforts in teaching the industry’s newest and brightest dispatchers. The Ohio State University has a world-class aviation program, and I am confident that whether students become pilots, dispatchers, or other aviation professionals, they will positively impact the aviation industry as a whole.

To learn more about Ohio State’s aircraft dispatch program, visit aviation.osu.edu.

What are “FAA Parts”?

“FAA Parts” are sections of Federal Aviation Administration policies. Each certificated area of aviation is defined under a different part, or section, of the agency’s policies called Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR). The below lay definitions further describe the FAR Parts mentioned in this interview. To learn more about each part, visit faa.gov.

Part 121 air carrier: These are usually large, United States-based airlines, regional carriers and cargo operators.

Part 65 aircraft dispatcher: This section details the requirements needed to perform the duties of an FAA-certificated Aircraft Dispatcher.

Part 107 small unmanned aircraft systems pilot certificate: Rules governing pilots of small drones are specified in this section.

Part 61 sport pilot certificate: Part 61 describes the requirements to earn pilot certificates of all levels, including student, light sport, recreational, private, commercial and airline.