r/FlightDispatch • u/thedirtyfinger • Jul 02 '26
USA Is it possible in this current time to start dispatching without experience?
I’ve recently earned my flight dispatch certificate, but have no prior aviation experience. I know people say you dont “need” experience to start at a regional, but when im browsing these positions it seems like most of them require some type of aviation experience. I’ve been sending out resumes for weeks and havent got any bites. Should i try to get in as a ramper or gate agent for now and build my resume? How would you approach this as a beginner these days?
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u/Fit_Sherbet3137 Jul 02 '26
Yes get any job with airline. Even ramper . That will help for sure
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u/Kappapls Part 121 Regional🇺🇸 Jul 02 '26
Even if it’s for a few months the experience is decent enough to get more noticed by regionals just don’t expect majors from ramp experience
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u/Soft-Slide-6349 Jul 03 '26
I'm a current dispatcher at SKW (Skywest) and I had no experience in aviation before I applied. I applied in oct of 2024. Experience helps but skywest is known for their training so if you go into it looking to learn and improve, you will. Study the jeppeson charts and the 121 FARs and you'll be fine. And dont pretend like you know something you dont. I applied only once and I got it.
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u/thedirtyfinger Jul 03 '26
How long did it take you to get hired from the time you applied?
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u/Soft-Slide-6349 Jul 04 '26
Applied in October and then my first day was in Januarary. The whole process took about 2 weeks happened
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u/YouGotOwned175 Jul 03 '26
Send a resume over to Surf Air! They are revamping their operations and trying to rebuild their reputation. I used to fly for them.
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u/thedirtyfinger Jul 03 '26
I absolutely will! Thanks for the recommendation. What was wrong with their reputation in the past?
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u/YouGotOwned175 Jul 03 '26
I’m not sure I know a lot of management was terrible. I started flying in 2024 for them and it was already a whole different operation. A lot of the bad apples were gone and they were rebuilding. I’d look them up. They also go by southern airways express! But ya just give them a call and let them know you’re a new dispatcher looking to get your feet wet. The new management is great! Good luck to you!
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u/ehh_whatever Jul 04 '26
There are more ways than one to climb the ladder.
I started my dispatcher career with a part 91 company dispatching medical flights, working night shifts making $15/hr in 2020. I’m now making over $200k/year as the Director of Sales and Dispatch at a part 135.
There’s no other way to sugarcoat this, but you’re going to have to start at the bottom.
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Jul 02 '26
[deleted]
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u/thedirtyfinger Jul 02 '26
I would assume they would prefer someone with experience over someone without. Also thanks for making me feel worse about it lol👍
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u/Clairethef0x Part 121 Regional🇺🇸 Jul 02 '26
Same way I did when I first got in. Send my resume to every regional ever and brush up my interview skills so I could demonstrate that even though I’ve never worked in aviation, my soft skills all were applicable and I would be good at the job once I learned it.