Advice re: dispatch

Rosstafari Daaaang. /X

I'm basically copying this word for word from a post I put up on JetCareers:


So, I'm one of SM' many ATC applicants who's been held up in the hiring process due to budget cuts and training congestion. I'm at the point where I've received a TOL and have completed my clearances, but the very earliest I'll be able to begin training is October, probably later. With that said, so my wife can get started on the next step of her career, we're moving up to Seattle in a week, which is where I've been slated for.

That gives me several months to do something else, and I'd like to stay in aviation. I've been weighing picking up a dispatch license. Even though I'd only be doing it short term, I think it'd be of some value towards ATC, and it'd make a good backup in case I find that controlling isn't for me. Alaska's also looking for a temporary assistant dispatcher at the time, so there could be a place for me there, although given the timeframe and competition it's probably not gonna happen.

So here's where I need advice from the SM community: given the short timeframe I have to work with here, do you think it's work looking into, regardless of the Alaska bit? Would you do so if you were in my shoes? If so, do you have any advice on the best way to go about it (I'm looking at a mostly-online course, relying partially on what I've learned while getting a PPL)? If not, any advice on other areas of aviation I could look into?

I know this is a pretty broad question, but I'm receptive to suggestions here. Thanks for any that y'all have to offer.

GolfJuliet F*** Terrorism

I was gonna do dispatch when I graduated CTI in a year and a half from now, but I read that you have to be 21 so I guess I'll be moving back in with my parents and working show calves.

CirrusDriver Junior Member Portland, OR

PM has been sent.

ATC_MacGyver MacGyver with the bears.

what part of alaska?

CirrusDriver Junior Member Portland, OR

I think the Seattle part....

ATC_MacGyver MacGyver with the bears.

.........................................

CirrusDriver Junior Member Portland, OR

Sorry man couldn't resist.

ATC_MacGyver MacGyver with the bears.

i was like. wtffffffffffffffff?

Rosstafari Daaaang. /X

Yeah, it was the Seattle part.

Anyway, it's not sounding too promising... too much expense for what won't be that much time before ATC, with too much competition. Back to looking for other stuff.

JumperBones mantequilla

If the ATC thing falls through it's a worthwhile airline job.

Additional perk - you get cockpit jumpseat access through CASS, makes non-rev'ing a lot easier when you're not necessarily dependent on seats in the back. Controllers don't even get that.