Airplane Dispatchers

Airplane dispatchers plan and direct commercial air flights according to government and airline company regulations. They read radio reports from airplane pilots during flights and study weather reports to determine any necessary change in flight direction or altitude. They send instructions by radio to the pilots in the case of heavy storms, fog, mechanical difficulties, or other emergencies. Airline dispatchers are sometimes called flight superintendents. The Airline Dispatchers Federation has approximately 2,200 members.

Salary Range

Below $25,000 to $100,000+

Minimum Education Level

Some Postsecondary Training

Certification/License

Required

Outlook

Decline

Personality Traits

Conventional

Helpful

Technical

Career Ladder

Chief Flight Dispatcher or Flight Dispatch Manager

Airplane Dispatcher

Assistant Dispatcher

Dispatch Clerk