IFOA International Flight Operations Academy

FAA Aircraft Dispatcher

We train dispatchers, not test takers.

A 200-hour FAA Part 65 approved course. It covers every knowledge area the FAA requires and prepares you to earn the FAA Aircraft Dispatcher license.

Step 1
Complete the 200-hour courseIFOA Certificate of Completion
Step 2
Pass the ADX knowledge testSeparate from the 200 hours
Step 3
Pass the practical testWith an FAA examiner
Step 4
FAA Aircraft Dispatcher licenseIssued by the FAA

The 200 hours cover the FAA knowledge areas. The 6 weeks include one week for the FAA exams, taken in Florida, USA. ADX preparation is extra and done alongside, in your own time. The license itself is issued by the FAA.

The program

All eight knowledge areas required by Appendix A to 14 CFR Part 65, in the same order. Select an area to see what it covers.

  1. IRegulations4 topics
    • 14 CFR Part 65 Subpart C
    • Parts 1, 25, 61, 71, 91, 121, 139 and 175
    • 49 CFR Part 830
    • The general operating manual
  2. IIMeteorology3 topics
    • Basic weather theory
    • Weather reports, forecasts and charts
    • Hazardous weather: icing, turbulence, thunderstorms, windshear
  3. IIINavigation3 topics
    • Navigation principles and charts
    • Navigation aids and procedures
    • Airspace
  4. IVAircraft3 topics
    • Aircraft systems and the flight manual
    • Performance and mass and balance
    • MEL and CDL
  5. VCommunications3 topics
    • Regulatory requirements
    • Communication procedures
    • NOTAMs and aeronautical publications
  6. VIAir Traffic Control3 topics
    • ATC responsibilities and facilities
    • Flight plans
    • Traffic management
  7. VIIEmergency and Abnormal Procedures3 topics
    • Emergency assistance and security measures
    • Abnormal situations
    • Reporting requirements
  8. VIIIPractical Dispatch Applications3 topics
    • Human factors and decision-making
    • Flight planning and the dispatch release
    • Flight monitoring and operational control

We train dispatchers, not test takers

The 200 hours train you to do the job. The ADX knowledge test is prepared separately, outside the 200 hours, in your own time, with the tools below. Plan for this extra study on top of the course.

01

ADX learning portal

Structured online study and practice questions for the knowledge test.

02

Weekly ADX masterclass

Live online sessions with an instructor on ADX subjects and the questions students find hardest.

03

Instructor support

Help from your instructors throughout, from your first study week to your practical test.

What you'll be able to do

  • Plan and prepare flights
  • Evaluate weather, NOTAMs and operational constraints
  • Apply fuel, performance and alternate requirements
  • Prepare and amend dispatch releases
  • Monitor flights as conditions change
  • Share operational control with the pilot in command

How you qualify

01
IFOA Certificate of Completion

Issued when you complete the approved course. You present it at your practical test.

02
ADX knowledge test

FAA multiple-choice test, taken at an approved testing center. Preparation is not part of the 200 hours.

03
Practical test

With an FAA examiner. Pass it and the FAA issues your Aircraft Dispatcher license.

Standards referenced
14 CFR Part 65, Subpart CAircraft dispatcher certification
Appendix A to Part 65Required knowledge areas for approved courses
AC 65-34AFAA guidance for dispatcher courses

FAA or EASA: which course?

Both teach you to dispatch. They lead to different documents.

This courseFAA Aircraft Dispatcher
You receive
Eligibility for the FAA Aircraft Dispatcher license, after passing the FAA knowledge and practical tests
Issued by
The FAA, a government authority
Regulatory focus
FAA, 14 CFR Part 65
Duration
200 hours, 6 weeks
Location
Sønderborg, Denmark · Florida, USA · New Delhi, India, with online preparation
Fee
$4,500 USD, plus FAA test and examiner fees
Flight Dispatcher Initial
You receive
IFOA Certificate of Completion
Issued by
IFOA
Regulatory focus
ICAO and EASA
Duration
200 hours, 5 weeks
Location
2 weeks online, 3 weeks in Denmark
Fee
€3,500
See Flight Dispatcher InitialNot sure? Ask us

Who it's for

No previous dispatch experience needed.

  • People starting a career in flight dispatch
  • Airline and OCC staff
  • Aviation professionals who want an FAA license

FAA eligibility

  • At least 21 to take the ADX knowledge test
  • At least 23 to be issued the FAA license
  • Able to read, speak, write and understand English
  • No previous dispatch experience required