Before completing an application for the Aircraft Dispatcher Apprenticeship Program, please read the following expectations and requirements of the program:
- Aircraft Dispatchers must be at least 23 years of age and must be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
- Participants must relocate to Indianapolis on their own accord for the apprenticeship program AND the aircraft dispatcher position with Mesa Airlines.
- Participants must be able to attend the full six- to eight-week training without disruption or absences. Unexcused absences could disqualify participants from continuing the program and require repayment of the cost of training.
- Participants must agree to a commitment of working as a Mesa Airline Aircraft Dispatcher for at least two (2) years upon successful completion of the Aircraft Dispatcher certification and onboarding training as an aircraft dispatcher at Mesa or be subject to a repayment of the cost of training.
- Apprentices will earn an hourly rate of $15.00 through the certification process. Upon successful completion of the program and upon hire at Mesa Airlines, aircraft dispatchers will earn a starting hourly rate of $22.00 with opportunities for internal advancement regularly available.
- Internal applicants must be in good standing in their current role to be considered for the Aircraft Dispatcher Apprenticeship Program.
- Internal applicants will maintain company longevity within the apprenticeship program and in the aircraft dispatcher role.
AIRCRAFT DISPATCHER POSITION PURPOSE
Aircraft dispatchers are in the system operations control center which is the heartbeat of any airline. Aircraft dispatchers plan routes of flight, file flight plans with the FAA and communicate critical safety information to pilots during flight to help navigate weather or other operations challenges.
An aircraft dispatcher authorizes, regulates, and controls airline flights according to government regulations and Company policy to expedite and ensure flight safety. Aircraft dispatchers work closely with our pilots to ensure the safety of our crew, passengers, and aircraft on our more than 1,000 daily flights in the U.S., Canada, and Caribbean.
An aircraft dispatcher is a critical part of our team for each takeoff and landing, helping our airline achieve operational excellence, while maintaining a focus on the highest level of safety.
Requirements:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability necessary to complete training and perform this job.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- To be eligible to take the aircraft dispatcher knowledge test, a person must be 21 years of age
- To be eligible for an aircraft dispatcher certificate, a person must
- Be at least 23 years of age
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Possess Microsoft Office skills
- Excellent communication and customer service skills
- Strong problem-solving skills
- High mathematical ability
PREFERRED EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor's degree
- Previous experience in airline operations
REGULATORY
- Able to pass an FAA required 10-year work history review and pass criminal background and fingerprint checks
- Possess and maintain a valid US passport or foreign passport
- Authorized by law to work in the United States and able to travel in and out of the United States
- Willing to submit to and pass FAA and Company-mandated random drug and alcohol tests
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read, analyze, interpret, and understand technical procedures and governmental regulations, sometimes quickly and under stressful or emergency situations. Able to effectively present information to and respond to questions from management, crew, air traffic control, and internal associates. Able to speak and be understood in English in person, on the phone and over a radio headset.
DECISION MAKING
Makes day-to-day decisions used to support strategic and economic direction. Able to process information quickly and react in a positive manner during unexpected and/or serious situations. Capable of controlling personal and emotional responses and acting appropriately under high levels of stress.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Able to sit for prolonged periods.
- Able to hear clearly verbal communications in person, on the telephone and over a headset with ambient noise.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
Able to work nights, evenings, weekends, and holidays to support 24-hour operations with a team of associates in our operations center.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Complete annual Operating Familiarization Flights as required by Federal regulation.
DISPATCHER ESSENTIAL DUTIES (ONCE QUALIFIED)
To perform the dispatcher job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Prepare dispatch releases for Domestic, Flag and Supplemental operations.
- Monitor the progress of each flight, paying specific attention to changing weather and field conditions at departure, destination, and alternate airports.
- Records departure and arrival times of flights and keeps computer systems up to date.
- Provides weather information for flight crews and continuously monitor for changes. Updates the flight crew of significant changes to weather, field conditions or Air Traffic concerns and makes recommendations for changes to the original plan, as needed, in the interest of safety.
- Coordinates with ground operations on any crew or aircraft changes or disruptions.
- Coordinates diversions with station operations to ensure the best possible passenger experience.
- Records all non-routine incidents and completes appropriate forms and reports.
- Initiates emergency procedures and notifications when necessary.
- Coordinates with all appropriate parties any unscheduled operation of aircraft due to weather, airport conditions, emergency situations, etc.
- Provides coaching and on-the-job training for new-hire dispatchers as directed.
- Performs other duties as assigned or required
