People often think there is no difference between both flight dispatcher and air traffic controller, but the two jobs are not the same. Although they both deal with air traffic, the aircraft dispatcher and air traffic controller differences are quite substantial.
We all need a smooth and safe day of airline travel, and plenty of that depends on the expertise of both flight dispatcher and air traffic controller. Dispatchers plan the timing of flights, while controllers manage aircraft traffic, on the runway and in the sky.
COMPARING FLIGHT DISPATCHER and AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER
Flight dispatchers and air traffic controllers manage the efficiency and safety of our airline travel. Flight dispatchers observe flight size, weather, travel time, and different areas to plan the timing of arrivals and departures.
Air traffic controllers work from the airports, guiding traffic on the ground and updating pilots with new information throughout their flights. other similarities and differences are mentioned below.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Both the flight dispatcher and air traffic controller must be knowledgeable about a massive set of variables and able to handle stress in a calm and thoughtful manner. A flight dispatcher’s role is all about timing.
These professionals schedule arrivals and departures and must make updates once sudden events delay or cancel flights. Air traffic controllers direct aircraft on the ground, at airports, and through flights. They manage the traffic to make sure an uneventful day of travel and relay any new data or changes directly to the pilots.
FLIGHT DISPATCHER
It is the duty of a flight dispatcher to manage the planning of an airline’s flights. This involves a good deal of planning and using the latest analysis. Variables to be considered include flight paths, airport layouts, flight size, travel time, and weather.
If there’s a delay or cancellation, it’s up to the flight dispatchers to make sure that flight times are updated and revised quickly. Dispatchers must be comfortable operating in stressful situations, sometimes at unusual hours of the day. A bachelor’s degree or specialized certification is usually required.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES OF A FLIGHT DISPATCHER INCLUDE:
- stay in communication with flight crews to offer them pertinent updates
- Manage flight logs and other documentation
- ensure all safety rules are maintained
- be aware of regional issues that may impact travel, like nearby events and also the availability of hotels
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER
Air traffic controllers supervise and direct aircraft traffic in the air and on the ground. Their primary responsibility is to direct and keep traffic flowing in an orderly manner.
This direction of aircraft includes relaying data throughout take-offs and landings, arranging traffic on the runway, and using radars to tell pilots of any potential problems mid-flight. Being calm under pressure and multi-tasking are very important.
As air traffic controllers must supervise several aircraft at once, all of which are at differing points in their journeys. There are a couple of alternative ways to become an air traffic controller, including earning a degree from an AT-CTI program directly or obtaining a bachelor’s degree and 3 years of work expertise in a related field.
Once obtaining a position, controllers must undergo yearly physicals, performance tests, and drug screenings.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES OF AN AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER INCLUDE:
- Relay data to response teams during emergencies
- Communicate data to other traffic control centers
- Train and supervise the work of less experienced team members
- Update pilots on weather and any unexpected changes to the flight plan