Increased Veterans Affairs Tuition Benefits Now Available to Attend Jeppesen Aircraft Dispatcher Training Program

Approved applicants may now be eligible to receive up to 100 percent coverage of tuition, housing, and FAA testing expenses for attending Jeppesen FAA Dispatcher Certification course training

Englewood, Colo. | 01 Dec 2011 | By Jeppesen

U.S. military veterans interested in a new career in aviation may now be eligible for increased tuition and housing benefits through a new policy enacted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Approved applicants may now be eligible to receive up to 100 percent coverage of tuition, housing, and FAA testing expenses for attending Jeppesen Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Dispatcher Certification course training. Veterans and dependents may receive tuition assistance through Veterans Affairs benefit programs such as the Post 9/11 VA Bill, Montgomery GI Bill and others.

Jeppesen, a unit of Boeing Flight Services and a global industry leader in navigation, operations, training and optimization solutions, offers training for numerous careers in the aviation industry. FAA licensed dispatchers are equipped with a body of knowledge that is applicable to many aviation careers. The dispatcher plays a critical role in maintaining aviation safety and efficiency, working in Airline Operations Control (AOC) centers worldwide.

“This new Veterans Affairs policy may open the door for many veterans to begin a post-military career in civil aviation through the Jeppesen FAA Dispatcher Certification training program,” said Tim Huegel, director, Jeppesen Aviation Portfolio Management. “With benefits for veterans covering up to 100 percent of training expenses, this is a great opportunity for veterans to explore the multiple career opportunities available to licensed aircraft dispatchers.”

The airline dispatcher shares operational control of each airline flight with the pilot in command, and is responsible for preparing the flight “release.” This process considers the required amount of fuel for each flight, the aircraft performance capabilities, distances, maintenance limitations, weather conditions, airport and runway conditions, navigational capabilities, regulatory conditions and many other factors in assisting with pre-flight preparation. After takeoff, the dispatcher is then responsible for monitoring each flight’s progress, to ensure each flight is operated in compliance with government and airline company regulations.

The licensed aircraft dispatcher will need to pass written, oral and practical examinations from the FAA or National Aviation Administration, which the Jeppesen training course prepares students to complete. After certification, dispatchers receive additional training from airline employers, normally 40 to 160 hours of instruction, plus on-the-job training.

The FAA Dispatcher written exam is similar to the FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) exam, so current pilots are able to refresh their knowledge and examine new career options. Those interested in the training program are able to view further information by visiting www.jeppesen.com/faadispatcher. Veterans can research their eligibility for receiving training benefits by visiting www.jeppesen.com/vabenefits and the VA website at www.gibill.va.gov.

For more information on the industry-leading navigation, operations, training and optimization solutions provided by Jeppesen, please visit www.jeppesen.com