In an airline there are two individuals that are responsible for the operation and safety of the flight; the captain and the dispatcher. There are other groups assisting in the operation, but these two groups have to certify each flight. There are 3 major steps in this process and they are broken down like this:
Initiate the flight
– this is generally started by the dispatcher with steps like flight planning, weight and balance, weather and ATC coordination, etc. The captain will review the package generated by the dispatcher and sign off on the flight plan.
Conduct the flight
– the captain will fly the plane according to the plan and the dispatcher will flight follow the flight. Any changes are coordinated and approved by both parties.
Terminate the flight
– the plane lands and taxis to the gate. The dispatcher makes sure the airplane has landed safely, is at the gate and terminates the flight.
Airline Dispatcher School
Airline Dispatchers
are highly trained individuals who hold a valid FAA Aircraft Dispatcher certificate. They are employed by Airlines and aviation related companies and work in the airline’s operational control center.
If you’re interested in joining the aviation industry as a flight dispatcher, attending a reputable school is essential. These schools provide comprehensive aircraft dispatcher training, covering areas, such as flight planning, weather analysis, aircraft performance and regulations. While there are many aircraft dispatcher schools to choose from, IFOD is one of the most well-known and respected in the world. Our school is ready to take your career to new heights; so why not enroll in one of our aircraft dispatcher training sessions and join us today?
Welcome to the Institute of Flight Operations and Dispatch—IFOD. Our aircraft dispatcher school is renowned within the aviation industry, and our certification is highly regarded by airlines and industry professionals alike. By attending one of our flight dispatcher training sessions, you can position yourself at the forefront of the aviation field, which puts you one step closer to landing your dream career.
At IFOD, our team of instructors includes professionals with extensive experience in flight operations and dispatch. They bring real-world insights and practical knowledge to the classroom, ensuring that you receive the highest-quality education.
Join our airline dispatcher school and take the first step towards a rewarding and dynamic career in aviation. For more information about our aircraft dispatcher training programs or to enroll in our next session, please contact us today.
FAA US Registered Agent
Individuals who have a foreign address and no U.S. physical address of record on file with the FAA are required to designate a U.S. agent for service if they apply for a certificate issued under 14 CFR part 47, 61, 63, 65, 67, or 107 or hold a certificate issued under any of these parts. This requirement applies only to individuals (not entities).
Note: If you do not currently have a U.S. physical address of record and are able to provide one, you may do so through the standard processes for Airmen or Aircraft Owners in lieu of designating a U.S. Agent for Service.
With the purpose of assisting our alumni, IFOD offers to have an in-house Registered Agent, the cost of the service will be 45.00 per year
Please email ana@airlinedispatcher.com to get the detailed information.
Institute of Flight Operations and Dispatch
Prepare for the FAA Aircraft Dispatch certification and a rewarding career in airline operations with IFOD.
The Role of an Airline Dispatcher
Airline dispatchers are highly trained aviation professionals who hold valid FAA Aircraft Dispatcher certificates. Airlines and aviation-related companies employ them in operational control centers, where they help plan, monitor, and support safe, efficient flight operations.
For every airline flight, the captain and the dispatcher share responsibility for its operation and safety. Other teams provide essential support, but both the captain and dispatcher must authorize the flight. Their work spans three major phases of operational control:
1. Initiate the Flight
The dispatcher generally initiates the process by preparing the flight plan, calculating weight and balance, reviewing weather conditions, and coordinating with air traffic control. The captain reviews the dispatcher’s flight package and signs off on the plan.
2. Conduct the Flight
The captain flies the aircraft according to the approved plan while the dispatcher monitors its progress. Any changes are coordinated and approved by both parties.
3. Terminate the Flight
After the aircraft lands and taxis to the gate, the dispatcher confirms its safe arrival and formally terminates the flight.
A Proven Record of Student Success
For the past 23 years, IFOD has achieved an initial pass rate of approximately 96% and a graduation rate close to 100%.
Approximately 60% of American Airlines’ more than 500 dispatchers are IFOD graduates. IFOD graduates represent a similar share of dispatchers at Southwest Airlines, Envoy Air, United Airlines, most of the Regional Airlines in the United States, Ramstein Airforce, US Marshalls and students from 43 countries around the world.
IFOD Graduates hold key positions in airlines and governments agencies like Directors of Operations, Dispatch Managers, Chief Dispatchers, Union Presidents, FAA Dispatch Inspectors and more.
Support That Goes Beyond the Classroom
How do we achieve these results? We support students when they are fresh and ready to learn, and we continue teaching and encouraging them when they are tired or discouraged. When necessary, our instructors go beyond the school’s established hours and days to help students master the material and succeed. We do not withdraw students simply to protect a high pass-rate percentage.
We believe in every student. Our goal is to ensure that you understand the material, earn your FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate, and are prepared to work in the field. After certification, we also help you prepare for interviews and strengthen your resume.
- Job assistance and updates — Interviews regularly take place at IFOD, and our monthly newsletter shares open positions with current students and alumni from airlines around the world.
- Resume building — We help fine-tune your resume for aviation career opportunities. Before coming to class, please prepare a digital draft of your resume.
- Tuition-free lifetime refresher training — After graduation, alumni may attend IFOD refresher training without additional tuition. A registration fee applies.
- Books — The books used in class are yours to keep, not loaned materials. You will leave IFOD with your own dispatcher library so you can continue learning after graduation.
- FAA examinations — All required examinations are conducted in-house by the FAA and paid directly to the examiner
- ETOPS certification course — In addition to the Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate program, you may attend ETOPS training at no additional charge.
- Chart comparison training — Learn the key differences between Jeppesen and government charts.
- Saturday tutorials — Additional Saturday instruction is available when a class needs extra support.
- Success guarantee — At IFOD, your success is our success. If you cannot complete the program for any reason, you may attend a future Aircraft Dispatcher Certification program without additional tuition. Some restrictions apply.
All of these services and resources are included in your tuition, with no extra fees except where specifically noted.
Choose a Training Format That Fits Your Schedule
Whether you prefer classroom instruction, hybrid learning, or an accelerated aircraft dispatcher program, we can help you compare available schedules. Ask about intensive options for students searching for a 5-week dispatcher school, as well as online and evening formats. We do offer Accelerated classes as well. Admission to the Accelerated classes is based upon experience per FAA regulations.
Understand Tuition and Program Value
Comparing aircraft dispatcher school cost, dispatcher training tuition, or dispatcher certification cost? Ask what is included, such as instructional hours, learning materials, practical exercises, exam preparation, and student support. If you are looking for the cheapest aircraft dispatcher school, compare total value, FAA approval, schedule flexibility, and completion support—not price alone.
Prepare for an Airline Operations Career
Develop skills relevant to airline dispatcher jobs while learning how dispatchers support safe and efficient flight operations. Explore dispatcher salary factors, aviation dispatcher career opportunities, airline operations training, and ways to build a rewarding flight operations career.
