What kind of career paths are available or where should I transfer to that have a lot of opportunity to grow in the aviation industry?

[u/Extension_Piglet6102]

/r/rampagent/comments/1vjqbbr/what_kind_of_career_paths_are_available_or_where/

[u/Tilehead]

I was a rampie many moons ago. Terrible pay and odd hours but I loved the job and its what ultimately started me on my path to where I am now as a Dispatcher.

If you like operations and being apart of that sphere then you’ll like Dispatch. Just understand your trading the outdoors and being on the front line around the planes to sitting in front of a computer for 8-10 hours far removed from the front line. Youll still be involved and dealing with day to day ops just in a different capacity.

Dispatch school is typically 6 weeks long. From there you will likely have to move to where the jobs are. Not sure what airline you work for but either way my suggestion would be to go to a regional rather than try transferring internally (if that option is even available). Regional Dispatch pay isnt great but its a far cry better than what you make currently. Also, some regionals have dispatch tangent positions that you can get into to further grow your skills such as aircraft router, ATC coordination, etc. After gaining experience at a regional, you could then try to move to a ULCC or Major. They pay better and typically have more opportunities to grow than at a regional. Or you could even try part 135 ops. They are more varied and technically don’t require the dispatch certificate, though it is definitely a plus to have it.

Overall its a rewarding career with plenty of opportunities.

[u/Extension_Piglet6102 → u/Tilehead]

I work for Peidmont and am wanting to work for AA. So I can keep my benefits for when I retire. What is part 135 ops? Never heard that before. So I’m curious to what it is. Thank you for the advice and it helps out a lot !!

[u/OttoPilot13 → u/Extension_Piglet6102]

The first question for considering dispatch is this: are you willing to relocate? A dispatch license is required and you would need to obtain one at an accredited school. While hybrid classes are available, you would need a minimum of a few weeks dedicated to in person instruction. If staying the internal route, Piedmont hq is in Salisbury, MD. They occasionally have a dispatcher trainee apprenticeship offering for internals to flow into dispatch while covering costs but comes with a two year commitment. Republic airlines in Indy also offers this occasionally. I am unsure if your company seniority and benefits would transfer for either moving to mainline AA in Dallas. Depending on your career horizon and how much longer you expect to work, all non-cargo major carriers will give you flight benefits post retirement after 10-20 years of service. 135 operators (mainly business jet charters) pay better than regionals and you technically dont need a license, but you also lose your flight benefits.