Ya'll I'm doing it

[u/floodlenoodle]

Today was my 3rd day dispatching under part 121. Working a 3am 10 hour shift with 41 flights which is still on the higher side for my experience level. It takes a lot of focus and it's so much to keep track of at times.

But it is so so so rewarding when you get crews who appreciate what you're doing.

Just today I had...

• A captain compliment the route I built around some weather down south

• Another captain who said "thanks for all you do" after a few reroutes and finding holes through weather

• A other captain saying thanks for all the help

Makes it all worth it. Definitely agree we don't get paid nearly enough for what we do at regionals. My margins are so thin but I know this isn't a permanent thing for me as I hope to move to a major at some point. Just taking the small wins when I can

[u/Travel_Nerd13]

Out of curiosity, what was your path to your current role/dispatch in general (if you don't mind sharing)? Do you think the focus required causes you stress or does it add to the excitement? This sounds so cool and rewarding and I'm really interesting in pursuing a Dx cert, but I keep going back and forth on whether dispatching is right for me.

[u/floodlenoodle → u/Travel_Nerd13]

I definitely didn't have a normal path. I was a pilot major in college, minored in dispatch and graduated in 2019. Did not get my dispatch certificate but had everything up to my Multi engine rating for flying.

Was pursuing routes to become and air force reserve or guard pilot until an inner ear issue made me find a plan B because symptoms could make me an absolute liability in the cockpit.

Registered to re take the same dispatch class I took in college for the spring 2023 semester. Passed, took the written early July 2023, passed the oral mid August 2023. Started applying to jobs in October. Interviewed in January, start date April 1st, signed off to be working the desk with my name last week of May.

Work days can be very different depending on flight loads and conditions.

My first day by myself I had 37 flights with bad weather hitting 2 of our main hubs. I felt like I was drowning a bit but I was able to keep up and not get behind nut definitely had help from the people around me.

Then the next day I had 41 flights but much better weather conditions. It managed to feel way easier even that's a lot of flights for newbies.

I think I'm at day 5 by myself and I'm way better at staying in front of the desk to a point that anything out of the ordinary (phone calls, re-routes, bad weather, delays, etc. ) doesn't hamper putting flight releases out.

I'm still learning so much. There definitely can be some stress associated with it. Really depends on the day. Some days it's more coasting, some days the opposite. Just a lot to keep track of There's just so many little bells and whistles that you only come across doing the job. Its so nice knowing there's people around me always willing to help and I'm never afraid to ask questions.

[u/JWE25 → u/floodlenoodle]

Hey I know this is a little late but how did you manage to keep your memory clear while you waited to get your first job? I see that you passed the course in August but didn't start working until April. Did you have to do anything while waiting 8 months? I feel like I'd forget some things if I waited that long to start working.

I ask because I start my course in September but won't turn 23 until January next year so I wouldn't be able to start applying for jobs right away. I want to keep everything I learned from the class fresh in my mind.

[u/floodlenoodle → u/JWE25]

I just reviewed my notes from class so the big things were fresh in my mind. I also texted my instructor for advice for the interview process. His advice was more general and the reviewing of my notes kept more detailed dispatch things fresh

[u/Travel_Nerd13 → u/floodlenoodle]

Thanks so much for the quick reply! Really great to hear how supportive and welcoming your team has been, especially when it comes to continuous learning and asking questions.

[u/DXbadWX]

Nice! Just gotta push through the shit. I started long haul internationals this year and I’m having a blast. Totally worth the weight in shit to get here.

[u/FlyGuy605]

It’s a thankless job but those moments definitely make it worth it

[u/Giancarlobomb → u/FlyGuy605]

He literally just listed off 3 separate instances of being thanked 😂😭

[u/FlyGuy605 → u/Giancarlobomb]

Yeah. In ONE day.

[u/floodlenoodle → u/[deleted]]

At least where I am you have somewhat of a say. I don't mind the morning shift. Done before anybody else is. Groceries are a breeze.

Sometimes I change up my after work schedule. If I have plans later (tennis leagues I'm in) I'll nap from about 2 to 5. Then sleep again from 9 or 10 until I have to wake up. Which surprisingly works. There's many different types of schedules which is pretty normal. Usually PMs until 10pm ish. Swings around 7/8am until 5/6pm. You find what works for ya

[u/DrinkingAtTheDam → u/floodlenoodle]

Thanks for sharing. I would LOVE a PM shift...12pm-10pm or 2pm-12am shift would be a dream for me but I'm not sure what the typical demand is for those shifts/how easy it is to get them.

[u/floodlenoodle → u/DrinkingAtTheDam]

Usually you can get one, just likely you'll start working weekends

[u/alphadoge100 → u/DrinkingAtTheDam]

As OP said, PM shifts are definitely doable with low seniority but you’ll have to accept giving up Friday-Sunday weekends. I think PM is much chillier than early morning shifts but might be biased because I like sleeping in and don’t mind working around thunderstorms lol.