Torchora
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Helicopter Dispatcher

💰 $55,000 - $95,000

AviationOperationsLogisticsEmergency Services

🎯 Role Definition

The Helicopter Dispatcher is the operational heart of rotary-wing aviation, serving as the central hub for communication, flight planning, and safety oversight. This role is far more than just scheduling; it's about exercising operational control and ensuring every mission is executed safely and efficiently. Working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, the dispatcher is a critical partner to the flight crew, responsible for everything from initial risk assessment and weather analysis to real-time flight following and emergency response coordination. Whether supporting Emergency Medical Services (EMS), offshore energy transport, corporate travel, or utility operations, the Helicopter Dispatcher is the proactive guardian of the flight, the crew, and the mission's success from the ground.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Aviation Operations Specialist or Flight Follower
  • Fixed-Wing Aircraft Dispatcher
  • Military Aviation Operations Coordinator (e.g., USMC 7242, Army 15P)
  • Experienced EMT/Paramedic with an interest in aviation logistics (for HEMS roles)
  • Air Traffic Control Assistant

Advancement To:

  • Lead Dispatcher / Dispatch Supervisor
  • Operations Control Center (OCC) Manager
  • Director of Operations
  • Aviation Safety Manager or SMS Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

  • Flight Scheduler for a larger Part 121 or 135 operator
  • Aviation Logistics and Ground Operations Coordinator
  • Corporate Aviation/Flight Department Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Exercise operational control with joint responsibility alongside the Pilot-in-Command for the safe initiation, continuation, and termination of all flights.
  • Conduct comprehensive pre-flight planning, including in-depth meteorological analysis, route selection, alternate airport designation, and fuel load calculations.
  • Actively monitor the real-time progress of all assigned flights using sophisticated flight tracking software, satellite communications, and radio systems to maintain constant situational awareness.
  • Serve as the primary and most critical communication link between flight crews, maintenance personnel, medical teams, client representatives, and company management.
  • Initiate, coordinate, and execute established emergency response protocols in the event of an in-flight incident, accident, or overdue aircraft, acting as a calm and decisive leader.
  • Maintain meticulous and legally compliant records of all flight activities, including dispatch releases, flight plans, position reports, and significant communications.
  • Perform detailed, mission-specific risk assessments, identifying and mitigating potential hazards such as adverse weather, Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), and challenging terrain.
  • Provide comprehensive pre-flight briefings to pilots, covering all pertinent operational details like weather forecasts, NOTAMs, aircraft performance, and potential mission risks.
  • Ensure strict adherence to all flight and duty time limitations for crew members as mandated by FAA regulations and company policy, managing schedules to prevent fatigue.
  • Calculate precise aircraft weight and balance computations for every flight to guarantee operation within certified structural and performance limits.
  • Proactively communicate any operational disruptions, including delays, diversions, or cancellations, to all stakeholders while developing and presenting viable alternative plans.
  • Manage and update the operational control system with real-time data on flight status, crew assignments, aircraft availability, and maintenance tracking.
  • Liaise directly with the maintenance department to confirm aircraft airworthiness, track scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, and optimize fleet availability.
  • Secure necessary permissions, landing rights, and clearances for flights operating in special-use airspace or at non-standard locations like hospitals or offshore platforms.
  • Provide continuous meteorological oversight throughout the duration of a flight, interpreting complex weather data to advise the flight crew on changing conditions.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist in the development, review, and refinement of the company's operational procedures, manuals, and emergency response plans.
  • Actively participate in the company's Safety Management System (SMS), including submitting safety reports, contributing to risk assessments, and attending safety meetings.
  • Support the training, mentoring, and onboarding of new dispatchers and junior members of the operations team.
  • Contribute to post-flight analysis and operational debriefs to identify opportunities for process improvement and enhanced efficiency.
  • Generate routine and ad-hoc operational reports for management regarding fleet utilization, on-time performance, and other key performance indicators.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • FAA Aircraft Dispatcher License is highly preferred and often required.
  • Deep knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), particularly Part 135, Part 91, and HEMS-specific regulations.
  • Proficiency with aviation weather analysis tools and services (e.g., WSI, ForeFlight, DTN, FltPlan.com).
  • Expertise in using flight planning, flight following, and operational control software (e.g., SkyTrac, TracPlus, Air Maestro, VOCUS).
  • Ability to perform manual and automated calculations for aircraft performance, weight & balance, and runway analysis.
  • Competency in operating various communication systems, including multi-line phones, VHF/UHF radios, and satellite communication devices.
  • Strong computer literacy, with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to quickly learn new software systems.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional decision-making and sound judgment, particularly when operating under immense pressure and with incomplete information.
  • Superior multitasking ability, with the capacity to manage multiple flights, communication channels, and unfolding events simultaneously.
  • Meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to accuracy in all aspects of work, from data entry to communication.
  • The ability to remain calm, composed, and decisive during high-stress situations and emergencies.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, ensuring all instructions and information are conveyed clearly, concisely, and without ambiguity.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to proactively identify issues and develop effective solutions.
  • A collaborative, team-oriented mindset with the ability to build strong working relationships with pilots, mechanics, and medical professionals.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in a related field.
  • Possession of a valid FAA Aircraft Dispatcher License.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Aviation Management
  • Aeronautical Science
  • Air Traffic Management
  • Business Administration with an Aviation focus

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 2-5 years of experience in an aviation operations environment, such as flight following, flight scheduling, or military aviation operations.

Preferred:

  • Direct experience as a Helicopter Dispatcher in a Part 135 environment, particularly within HEMS (Helicopter EMS), offshore, or corporate operations.
  • Experience working within a structured Operations Control Center (OCC) or Communications Center.
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