Double Program: FAA & EASA
We train dispatchers, not test takers.
One 280-hour program over 7 weeks: the FAA Part 65 approved course, plus ICAO and EASA operations. It prepares you to earn the FAA Aircraft Dispatcher license, issued by the FAA, and to dispatch under European rules too.
The 7 weeks include one week for the FAA exams. ADX preparation is extra and done in your own time. It's not part of the 280 hours.
What you receive
From the FAA: the Aircraft Dispatcher license under 14 CFR Part 65. Only the FAA issues it, once you pass the ADX knowledge test and the practical test with an FAA examiner.
From IFOA: an IFOA Certificate of Completion for the program. You present it at your practical test as proof you completed the approved course. It is not an FAA license.
There is no EASA flight dispatcher license. In Europe, operators decide who may dispatch their flights. The ICAO and EASA part shows them you can work under European rules as well as FAA rules.
The program
Two parts, taught as one program. Select a topic to see what it covers.
FAA Part 65 approved course
200 hours. All eight knowledge areas in Appendix A to 14 CFR Part 65.- 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
- IIMeteorology3 topics
- Basic weather theory
- Weather reports, forecasts and charts
- Hazardous weather: icing, turbulence, thunderstorms, windshear
- IIINavigation3 topics
- Navigation principles and charts
- Navigation aids and procedures
- Airspace
- IVAircraft3 topics
- Aircraft systems and the flight manual
- Performance and mass and balance
- MEL and CDL
- VCommunications3 topics
- Regulatory requirements
- Communication procedures
- NOTAMs and aeronautical publications
- VIAir Traffic Control3 topics
- ATC responsibilities and facilities
- Flight plans
- Traffic management
- VIIEmergency and Abnormal Procedures3 topics
- Emergency assistance and security measures
- Abnormal situations
- Reporting requirements
- VIIIPractical Dispatch Applications3 topics
- Human factors and decision-making
- Flight planning and the dispatch release
- Flight monitoring and operational control
ICAO and EASA operations
80 hours. Built on ICAO Doc 10106.- 1ICAO and EASA framework2 topics
- ICAO Annexes and the flight operations officer
- EASA Air Operations, Regulation (EU) 965/2012
- 2European airspace and ATM2 topics
- European flight planning and filing
- Network management and slots
- 3EASA fuel and alternates2 topics
- EASA fuel policy and planning
- Alternate selection under EASA rules
- 4Operational control in Europe2 topics
- Methods of operational control
- Working with European OCC structures
- 5Competency-based practice2 topics
- ICAO Doc 10106 competencies
- Scenario exercises across both systems
ADX preparation, outside the 280 hours
The 280 hours train you to do the job. You prepare for the ADX knowledge test separately, in your own time, with the tools below.
ADX learning portal
Structured online study and practice questions for the knowledge test.
Weekly ADX masterclass
Live online sessions with an instructor on the questions students find hardest.
Instructor support
Help from your instructors from your first study week to your practical test.
What you'll be able to do
- Plan and prepare flights under FAA and EASA rules
- Evaluate weather, NOTAMs and operational constraints
- Apply fuel, performance and alternate requirements in both systems
- Prepare and amend dispatch releases and operational flight plans
- Monitor flights and anticipate disruptions
- Share operational control with the pilot in command
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
Which program is right for you?
All three teach you to dispatch. They lead to different documents.
- You receive
- Eligibility for the FAA license, issued by the FAA, plus ICAO and EASA training from IFOA
- Regulatory focus
- FAA, ICAO and EASA
- Duration
- 280 hours, 7 weeks
- Format
- Hybrid
- Fee
- $5,500 USD, plus FAA test and examiner fees
- Best for
- Working anywhere, US or Europe
- You receive
- Eligibility for the FAA license, issued by the FAA
- Regulatory focus
- FAA
- Duration
- 200 hours, 6 weeks
- Format
- Online preparation, then Denmark or India
- Fee
- $4,500 USD, plus FAA test and examiner fees
- Best for
- US operators and FAA-regulated carriers
- You receive
- IFOA Certificate of Completion
- Regulatory focus
- ICAO and EASA
- Duration
- 200 hours, 5 weeks
- Format
- 2 weeks online, 3 weeks in Denmark
- Fee
- €3,500
- Best for
- European and ICAO-based operators
| This courseDouble Program | FAA Aircraft Dispatcher | Flight Dispatcher Initial | |
|---|---|---|---|
| You receive | Eligibility for the FAA license, issued by the FAA, plus ICAO and EASA training from IFOA | Eligibility for the FAA license, issued by the FAA | IFOA Certificate of Completion |
| Regulatory focus | FAA, ICAO and EASA | FAA | ICAO and EASA |
| Duration | 280 hours, 7 weeks | 200 hours, 6 weeks | 200 hours, 5 weeks |
| Format | Hybrid | Online preparation, then Denmark or India | 2 weeks online, 3 weeks in Denmark |
| Fee | $5,500 USD, plus FAA test and examiner fees | $4,500 USD, plus FAA test and examiner fees | €3,500 |
| Best for | Working anywhere, US or Europe | US operators and FAA-regulated carriers | European and ICAO-based operators |