Flight Operations and Dispatch, A.S.

What is Flight Operations and Dispatch?

Get a Master's in Flight Operations and Dispatch

Earn an Ed.S. in Flight Operations and Dispatch

The Flight Operations and Dispatch A.S.

Aircraft dispatch is the process of planning, coordinating and overseeing the operational aspects of a flight to ensure safety and efficiency.

Dispatchers determine optimal route, altitude and fuel requirements, coordinate with the crew, monitor flight progress and develop contingency plans for unexpected situations. Virtually all commercial flights in the U.S. operate under an aircraft dispatcher's attentive care.

The Florida Tech flight operations and dispatch A.S. provides comprehensive training in all aspects of being an aircraft dispatcher. The program prepares you for the FAA aircraft dispatcher certification—and to achieve long-term career success.

Per FAA requirements, you must be at least 21 years old to take the FAA certification exams (taken after you complete training) and at least 23 years old to work as an aircraft dispatcher.

Tier 1

Best National University
U.S. News & World Report

Approved

14 CFR Part 65 Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course
Federal Aviation Administration

Top 11%

Private Universities
in America
Niche

Why Choose Florida Tech for Flight Operations and Dispatch?

As one of the best universities for aviation, Florida Tech prepares you for success in your aviation career. An associate degree in flight operations and dispatch from Florida Tech is perfect preparation for FAA aircraft dispatcher certification and for future career advancement. As an aircraft dispatcher, you will work alongside pilots, air traffic control and other aviation personnel—and there is a good chance many of them will be Florida Tech alumni, too!

Knowledge of the aviation industry before starting the program is not necessary. When you earn your A.S. in flight operations and dispatch at Florida Tech, you receive comprehensive training that encompasses all aspects of being a dispatcher. All 200 hours of FAA-required training are included.

Our cutting-edge technology and facilities make Florida Tech one of the best places to train to be an aircraft dispatcher. From air traffic control simulators to electronic flight planning in airline operations, you will get a wide range of experience with real world applications before stepping into your new role in the aviation industry.

As a degree-seeking student at Florida Tech, you can create connections through organizations like Collegiate Aviation Business Executives (CABE), which incorporates student chapters of the Florida Airports Council (FAC) and the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), and the Women in Aviation Space Coast Florida Tech chapter. These organizations and other campus activities provide great opportunities to network with industry professionals and learn from the success of Florida Tech aviation alumni.

Earning your FAA dispatcher certification can get you in the door, but a degree adds long-term value in positioning you for career growth and success. When you have a flight operations and dispatch degree from Florida Tech, employers will know you have developed valuable and transferable skills, such as critical thinking, communication, problem-solving and research.

Our 130-acre campus is located in a high-tech corridor on Florida’s Space Coast—NASA-Kennedy Space Center on Cape Canaveral is just north of us—and many high-tech corporations and government and military organizations are located nearby. Students interested in aviation especially appreciate that Melbourne is home to an international commercial airport that is just a 10-minute drive from campus.

When it’s time to relax, Florida Tech is just over the causeway from the Atlantic Ocean, with its 72 miles of beautiful beaches; minutes from the Indian River Lagoon, the most biodiverse estuary in North America; and a short trip to the Florida Keys and the Orlando theme parks. We also have a rich campus life that includes a wide range of intramural and collegiate sports, clubs and social activities.

The flight operations and dispatch A.S. is the perfect preparation for the FAA flight dispatcher credential and a great foundation for future education, should you so choose. Many of the courses you will take as a flight operations and dispatch student are part of our bachelor’s degree programs, as well.

Careers in Flight Operations and Dispatch

Aircraft dispatchers work in various sectors of the aviation industry, including commercial airlines, cargo carriers, charter companies and corporate flight departments. This variety allows for career flexibility and opportunities for specialization.

The courses you’ll take in aeronautics, aviation meteorology, air traffic control and airline operations ensure that you will be qualified for a flight operations and dispatch career and have a solid foundation in best practices to build upon.

Looking ahead to your future career can be exciting! Keep in mind that certain roles may entail additional prerequisites, such as an advanced degree.

Florida Tech Career Services assists students, alumni and employers in their search for careers and employee candidates. We help students develop career plans and job-search skills. Explore our Career Toolbox to learn more about our services and access additional resources.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), provides job-specific information, including median annual pay, working conditions and job outlook. The handbook has information on related aviation management careers, including airport terminal controller, air traffic controller, airport manager and coordinator, airfield operation specialist, aviation support manager and more.

The Airline Dispatchers Federation (ADF) provides resources, networking opportunities, and professional development for aircraft dispatchers. ADF holds an annual conference for aircraft dispatchers from across the U.S. at a different location each year.

Advanced Degree Options

Explore Doctoral Research

If you are interested in career advancement within the airline industry, earning a bachelor's degree can significantly enhance career opportunities and earning potential. Many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree for advanced positions or leadership roles, and a higher level of education—including master’s and doctoral degrees, as well—can open doors to new career paths and professional opportunities, such as:

Shift manager
Duty manager
Fleet supervisor

Some positions are in the planning department, where you could work with different countries on flight routing, over-flight permits, airport capacity and much more.

Explore the Flight Operations and Dispatch, A.S., Curriculum

The Flight Operations and Dispatch, A.S., Curriculum

From day one, you will begin acquiring the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful aircraft dispatcher. During the two-year degree program, you can expect to take courses such as:

Air Traffic Control
Meteorology
Aeronautics
Aerodynamics

Airline Operations is the final course on your way to becoming an aircraft dispatcher. In this course, you will apply what you've learned, along with new content focused on flight planning and daily dispatcher responsibilities, preparing you to take the FAA exams for your certificate.

You will learn everything you need to know to be a qualified and competent aircraft dispatcher. All 200 hours of FAA-required training are included in this degree program!

Check the catalog for a description of all courses. Check the catalog for detailed degree requirements.

Download the Flight Operations and Dispatch, A.S., Curriculum now!

What Do Aircraft Dispatchers Do?

Being an aircraft dispatcher means playing an essential role in aviation safety and efficiency. Key responsibilities include:

Plan the Flight: Determine the optimal route, altitude and fuel requirements for the flight based on weather conditions, air traffic and aircraft performance.
Monitor the Weather: Follow weather conditions and forecasts on the planned route and at the destination to anticipate potential hazards or disruptions.
Calculate Aircraft Performance: Calculate the aircraft’s performance capabilities, such as takeoff and landing distances, to ensure safe operations.

Coordinate with Crew: Communicate essential flight information, including flight plans, weather updates and operational changes, to the flight crew to facilitate smooth flight execution.
Monitor Flight Progress: Continuously track the flight progress and provide updates, including any deviations from the planned route or changes in weather conditions, to the flight crew as needed.
Emergency Management: Develop contingency plans and provide support in case of emergencies or unexpected situations during the flight.

Learn more about Flight Operations and Dispatch at Florida Tech on the website.

Plan Your Route To Becoming an Aircraft Dispatcher

How do I become an aircraft dispatcher?

Complete the 200 hours of FAA-required training (included in the A.S. Flight Operations and Dispatch program)
Pass the FAA Knowledge Exam (written)
Pass the FAA Practical Flight Planning Test and oral exam with a designated FAA examiner
Receive your permanent aircraft dispatcher certification from the FAA!

The FAA certification is permanent, and you will not need to recertify. No medical license is required for this certification.

Important: Per FAA requirements you must be at least 21 years old to take the FAA exams. You must be at least 23 years old to work as an aircraft dispatcher.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Tuition & Fees