Marshall University Aviation offers an FAA-approved Aircraft Dispatcher Certification, preparing students for a vital role in the aviation industry. Aircraft dispatchers are licensed professionals who share joint responsibility with pilots for the safety and operational control of flights.
For additional information or to sign up for our dispatcher certification contact
Nancy Ritter, Chief of Aviation Operations
rittern@marshall.edu
772.564.1405
- Duration: 16 weeks
- Hours: 235 total instructional hours
- Schedule: Evening classes, designed for working professionals
- Location: South Charleston campus
- Format: In-classroom training with internship opportunities through the Bill Noe Flight School
- Cost: $4,500
Aircraft dispatchers are a critical part of every airline’s operation. Their responsibilities include:
- Flight planning and logistical coordination
- Preparing international arrival and customs documentation
- Communicating schedules and flight plan changes
- Serving as liaison with Air Traffic Control
- Calculating mass, balance, and fuel requirements
- Delivering weather briefings
- Monitoring flight safety and coordinating emergency procedures
- Ensuring compliance with federal aviation regulations
Many dispatchers also benefit from flexible remote work opportunities, and FAA certification is required for employment.
The aviation industry is experiencing rapid growth, creating strong demand for trained professionals. According to Boeing’s Commercial Market Outlook, the global wide-body passenger fleet is expected to nearly double by 2044, while the global freighter fleet will expand by two-thirds. This growth will require thousands of additional aviation professionals—including aircraft dispatchers.
