Hey everyone, I want to figure out what career I want to have. (Just entering into high-school.)

 

While I enjoy FS, I can't think of a way to get myself to sit in an aircraft for such long periods of time so repetitively. Plus, the industry isn't the same as it used to be, and paying 50K+ just to get a regional job paying 17-20K a year doesn't sound appealing.

 

So, I came across an Airline Dispatcher job, which assigns the routes, and is the primary contact for pilots for 30 minutes pre-flight to 30 minutes post-flight. This job seems like it would be exciting and challenging, which I enjoy very much. Is there anyone who can give me a pro-con list, or better yet, is there anybody who is a real-world dispatcher who can give me some information?

 

Thanks in advance to everyone!

 

*Also, if anybody can recommend any other jobs related to aviation, or transportation in general, please do. I definitely want to be involved in the transportation industry as a career.

*Also, if anybody can recommend any other jobs related to aviation, or transportation in general, please do. I definitely want to be involved in the transportation industry as a career.

Have you thought about Air Traffic Control?

I just got my ADX license a few weeks ago! I don't have a job yet though so the info I can provide is rather limited. It seems to be a pretty reputable career. I had a lot of fun learning the stuff, and I was surprised at how much I already knew just from years of simulator flying. But if you're just now entering high school, think of what you want to do in college first, because you have to be at least 23 years old to get your dispatcher license. So you've got a lot of time to fill between now and then. You can take the class when you're 21, but you won't be able to actually receive the license until later. A college degree is not a requirement for dispatching jobs, but a lot of people have them and would definitely help you stand out a bit. I don't have one and it's been a bit harder for me to find a job since I have no previous aviation experience either to sort of supplement the lack of a degree.

 

Some pros and cons that I've picked up from various sources:

-Flight benefits. In addition to pilots, dispatchers can jumpseat (ride in the cockpit), at least domestically. With CASS and basic agreements between the airlines, you can basically fly anywhere for free, or very very low cost.

-Pay. First year dispatching at a regional, you might make $25-30k-ish. I know that's not a whole lot, yet not unlivable, but starting out that's generally what you could expect. The majors obviously pay way more. When you get to a major they typically start around $40-50k/yr and some of the senior dispatchers can eventually make in excess of $100k, from what I've read.

-You live/work in one place, rather than having to be away from home for a large chunk of time like pilots do. Though you could technically utilize your jumpseat priveleges and commute. Some people do that, but from what I've read, I wouldn't recommend it.

 

Here's a video a stumbled across that might give some insight. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smLz4R4hu9c

 

And yeah, you should look into ATC too. There were actaully a couple guys in my dispatch class who had or were in the process of getting degrees specializing in ATC. It's a good job, but supposedly a much a harder one to attain.

 

Feel free to PM me with other questions.

I always wanted to be an airport aircraft refueller, get to fuel all types of aircraft and work within the aviation environment.

Thanks all. ATC is definitely something I am considering, the biggest issue is that, as said, it is extremely hard to obtain a well paying ATC Position at say a large airport or very commonly used center. Also, I dont think you get flight benefits for being involved in ATC, which, while not technically necessary, it would be an amazing part of the job, flying anywhere in the world for free, and for other people it could cost 1000s. And with airline dispatch, not getting the license until 23 could allow me to try out other aviation positions before I decide thats what I want to do. Is there any reason that either ATC or Dispatch jobs may not be around (unnecessary, ruled out by technology, automated) the time I graduate college (around 2021)

Thanks all. ATC is definitely something I am considering, the biggest issue is that, as said, it is extremely hard to obtain a well paying ATC Position at say a large airport or very commonly used center. Also, I dont think you get flight benefits for being involved in ATC, which, while not technically necessary, it would be an amazing part of the job, flying anywhere in the world for free, and for other people it could cost 1000s. And with airline dispatch, not getting the license until 23 could allow me to try out other aviation positions before I decide thats what I want to do. Is there any reason that either ATC or Dispatch jobs may not be around (unnecessary, ruled out by technology, automated) the time I graduate college (around 2021)

Unless it's different in the US and of A, wether your a tower controller at JFK or a tower controller at your local Class-D airport, you will still be on the same pay packet (In Australia the ONLY exception is Sydney. Sydney controllers get a larger salary compared to a tower controller at Melbourne which is just as good). Pay usually increases as your employment time increase (i.e. Each year it will go up).

 

...and in regards to flying anywhere in the world for free, it may sound good but if it "sounds too good to be true, it usually is". Staff travel with an airline always comes with pro's and con's....Such as the possibility of being kicked off when going to board due to new paying customers purchasing tickets up till 30mins before ETD. Has happened twice to me when travelling on Staff Travel (and I have only used staff travel 4 times, so thats a 1 in 2 chance I would get booted off).

 

I am sure being an ATC will still be an available job in 2021. While the systems the controller operates become more automated, I think it will be a while before we see controllers completely removed and replaced by computers/robots.

Another aviation related job is in Aircraft Maintainence. My first job was as an engineer with my Airline working in the scheduling and coordination section. Now it's all done by computers, but back then you could see me fraintically running from chalk board to chalk board with coloured pieces of chalk, and then running from hangar to ramp to ops. THe job involves a lot more running as a junior... :rolleyes:

 

Regards,

Ró.

If you enjoy math and science you could consider studying aerospace/aeronautical engineering (or mechanical engineering with the appropriate specialisation, or whatever your favourite college calls it). You get to learn all about how planes work and it's a great foundation for finding a job. Even with the current state of the economy everyone I know got a job within 3 or so months of graduation.

 

Instead of flying planes you could build them!

 

(Or in my case: break bits of them for a living*!)

 

*Doing a PhD trying to understand how bonded joints crack when you load them repetitively, an important part of which is breaking stuff to see what happens .