U.S. Department

of Transportation

Federal Aviation

Administration

Advisory

Circular

Subject: FAA-Approved Aircraft Dispatcher 

Certification Courses

Date: DRAFT

Initiated by: AFS-200

AC No: 65-DADE

Change:

1. PURPOSE. This advisory circular (AC) presents guidelines for the development of a Federal 

Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course in accordance 

with the requirements of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 65 subpart C 

and appendix A. This AC provides an acceptable means of complying with the regulations; 

however, it is not the only means of compliance. When this AC uses mandatory language 

(e.g., “must” or “may not”), it is typically quoting or paraphrasing a regulatory requirement or 

prohibition. When this AC uses permissive language (e.g., “should” or “may”), it describes an 

acceptable means, but not the only means, of obtaining approval to conduct a part 65 Aircraft 

Dispatcher Certification Course.

2. REGULATORY REFERENCES. Title 14 CFR part 65 subpart A, subpart C, and 

appendix A.

3. RELATED READING MATERIAL (current editions).

a. FAA Resources. Guidance regarding the necessary FAA resources to approve, renew, or

conduct oversight of an FAA-approved Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course is contained in 

FAA Order 8900.1, Flight Standards Information Management System (FSIMS), Volume 3, 

Chapter 63, Section 2.

b. Approval, Renewal, and Oversight of Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Courses.

Guidance specific to approval, renewal, and oversight of part 65 Aircraft Dispatcher 

Certifications Courses is contained in Order 8900.1, Volume 3, Chapter 63, Section 3.

c. Certification of Aircraft Dispatchers. Guidance specific to the certification of aircraft 

dispatchers is contained in Order 8900.1, Volume 5, Chapter 5, Section 10.

d. Designated Aircraft Dispatcher Examiners (DADE). Guidance specific to managing 

DADEs and the duties and responsibilities of DADEs is contained in Order 8900.1, Volume 13, 

Chapter 3.

e. English Language Requirements. The current edition of AC 60-28, English Language 

Skill Standards Required by 14 CFR Parts 61, 63, and 65, contains requirements and guidelines 

related to English language skills for aircraft dispatchers certificated under part 65.
DATE DRAFT AC 65-DADE

4. BACKGROUND.

a. Requirement for Certificated Aircraft Dispatchers. FAA-certificated aircraft 

dispatchers are required for all air carriers who conduct 14 CFR part 121 domestic and/or flag 

operations. In accordance with part 65, § 65.51, a person is acting as an aircraft dispatcher by 

exercising responsibility with the pilot in command (PIC) in the operational control of a civil 

aircraft involved in air commerce. Each person acting as an aircraft dispatcher must carry on his 

or her person an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate issued by the FAA. Each person who holds an 

Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate must present it for inspection upon request of the Administrator, 

an authorized representative of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), or of any 

Federal, State, or local law enforcement.

b. Certification of Aircraft Dispatchers. Part 65 contains requirements for certification of 

airmen other than pilots. Specifically, part 65 subpart C, Aircraft Dispatchers, contains 

requirements for Aircraft Dispatcher Certificates and for FAA-approved Aircraft Dispatcher 

Certification Courses. An applicant for an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate may complete an 

FAA-approved Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course as a means to satisfy the training 

requirements of § 65.57(b). Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Courses must comply with the 

applicable requirements of part 65 subpart A (General) and part 65 subpart C (Aircraft 

Dispatchers) and must provide certification training on the topics and subtopics required by 

part 65 appendix A. Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Courses are not themselves certificated by 

the FAA. Rather, the FAA individually approves each part 65 Aircraft Dispatcher Certification 

Course.

5. PART 65 SUBPART A PROHIBITIONS.

a. Cheating Prohibited. Section 65.18 prohibits cheating on written tests. For the purpose 

of aircraft dispatcher certification, the term “written test” applies to the Aircraft Dispatcher 

Knowledge Test (ADX Knowledge Test) and any portion of the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical 

Test that is not administered orally. In accordance with the current edition of FAA-S-8081-10, 

Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test Standards (PTS), the knowledge portion of the Aircraft 

Dispatcher Practical Test is considered to be the oral portion. Therefore, the skill portion 

(demonstration of abilities) of the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test is considered to be the

written portion of the test. The prohibitions contained in § 65.18 apply to a person. In accordance 

with the 14 CFR part 1 definition of “person,” § 65.18 applies directly to an Aircraft Dispatcher 

Certification Course operator and an applicant for an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate. Therefore, 

an Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course operator or applicant for an Aircraft Dispatcher 

Certificate may not (unless authorized by the Administrator):

(1) Copy or intentionally remove a written test required by part 65 subpart C. The 

Administrator generally allows the publication of an ADX Knowledge Test preparation book and 

the Aircraft Dispatcher PTS. However, the Administrator does not allow the copying of an actual 

Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test as it would be, or was, administered by an FAA or designated 

examiner.

(2) Give help on that test to or receive help on that test from any person during the period 

that the test is being given.

Par 4 Page 2
DATE DRAFT AC 65-DADE

(3) Take any part of that test on behalf of another person.

(4) Use any material or aid during the period that the test is being given (unless 

authorized by the Aircraft Dispatcher PTS).

(5) Intentionally cause, assist, or participate in any act prohibited by § 65.18.

b. Falsification of Applications, Reports, and/or Records. Section 65.20 prohibits a 

person from falsifying documents. In accordance with § 65.20, an Aircraft Dispatcher 

Certification Course operator or applicant for an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate (as applicable) 

may not make or cause to be made:

(1) Any fraudulent or intentionally false statement on any application for an Aircraft 

Dispatcher Certificate.

(2) Any fraudulent entry in a record or report required by part 65 subpart C.

6. PART 65 SUBPART C REQUIREMENTS. FAA-approved Aircraft Dispatcher 

Certification Course operators are responsible to ensure that each student attending the course for 

the purpose of certification, and satisfying the requirements of § 65.57(b), is able to meet the 

requirements of part 65 subpart C.

a. General Eligibility Requirements for Certification as an Aircraft Dispatcher.

(1) Knowledge Test. To be eligible to take the ADX Knowledge Test, a person must be 

at least 21 years of age. An applicant for an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate must present 

documentary evidence satisfactory to the Administrator of having passed the ADX Knowledge 

Test within the preceding 24 calendar-months.

(2) English Language Requirements. To be eligible for an Aircraft Dispatcher 

Certificate, a person must be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. 

AC 60-28 contains requirements and guidelines related to English language skills for aircraft 

dispatchers certificated under part 65.

b. Eligibility for an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate. To be eligible for an Aircraft 

Dispatcher Certificate, an applicant must be at least 23 years of age.

c. Knowledge Requirements. An applicant for an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate must 

meet the knowledge requirements of § 65.55.

d. Experience or Training Requirements. An applicant for an Aircraft Dispatcher 

Certificate must meet the experience of § 65.57(a) or the training requirements of § 65.57(b). 

The training requirements of § 65.67(b) are met upon successful completion of an 

FAA-approved Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course.

e. Skill Requirements. An applicant for an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate must pass an 

Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test given by the Administrator (or his or her designee). Aircraft 

Par 5 Page 3
DATE DRAFT AC 65-DADE

Dispatcher Certification Course operators are required to show that at least 80 percent of its 

graduates passed the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test on their first attempt.

7. APPLICATION TO CONDUCT AN AIRCRAFT DISPATCHER CERTIFICATION 

COURSE.

a. Where to Apply. An individual seeking FAA approval to operate an Aircraft Dispatcher 

Certification Course should contact the nearest FAA Flight Standards (AFS) field office located 

within the geographic area of the desired course location. FAA AFS field offices are responsible 

for maintaining oversight and conducting surveillance of the entities or individuals they approve, 

authorize, or certificate (e.g., air carriers, repair stations, designated examiners, and course 

operators). An FAA AFS field office may not approve a course unless the office has the adequate 

resources to maintain oversight of that course. Potential and existing Aircraft Dispatcher 

Certification Course operators should review Order 8900.1, Volume 3, Chapter 63, Section 2, for 

a better understanding of the FAA’s policies related to resources and staffing where Aircraft 

Dispatcher Certification Courses are concerned. Applicants should note that the FAA will 

typically require at least 120 days from the date the course applicant submits its application to 

complete the original (initial) approval process for an Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course. If 

the FAA identifies deficiencies in the application, the overall approval process could take 

considerably longer, depending on the extent of the deficiencies.

b. Application Requirements. In accordance with § 65.63, an application for original 

approval or for renewal of an FAA-approved Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course must be:

(1) Made in writing to the FAA AFS field office responsible for approving the course.

(2) Accompanied by a description of the equipment and facilities to be used.

(3) Accompanied by a list of the instructors and their qualifications.

(4) For renewal, made 30 days prior to the month in which the course approval expires.

c. Contents of an Application Package. An application package for initial approval, 

renewal, or revision of an FAA-approved Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course must include 

a Letter of Intent for an initial approval or a letter requesting the renewal or revision to an 

existing approval.

(1) A Letter of Intent for initial approval must include at least the following information:

• The proposed name of the course operator;

• The proposed address of the course training facility;

• The name, address, telephone number, and email address of the owner of the 

course; and 

• The proposed date the applicant desires to begin conducting the course.

(2) A letter requesting renewal or approval of a course revision for an existing course 

must contain:

Par 6 Page 4
DATE DRAFT AC 65-DADE

• The name of the course operator;

• The name(s), address, telephone number, and email address of the owner(s) of the 

course; and

• For a course revision, the revision number and the date on which the revision 

becomes effective.

(3) In accordance with § 65.63, all application packages must contain:

• Two copies of the training course outline (TCO) required under § 65.61(b);

• A description of the training facility; and

• A list of instructors along with the résumé of each instructor.

(4) The application package must contain a compliance plan for the recordkeeping 

requirements of § 65.70. The plan should include the method the applicant intends to use to 

transmit the report required by § 65.70(a)(1).

8. AIRCRAFT DISPATCHER CERTIFICATION COURSE OUTLINE 

REQUIREMENTS.

a. Content and Minimum Hours. In accordance with § 65.61, an FAA-approved part 65 

Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course must:

• Provide instruction in the areas of knowledge and topics listed in part 65 appendix A;

and

• Provide a minimum of 200 hours of instruction.

b. TCO. An applicant for approval or renewal of an Aircraft Dispatcher Certification 

Course must submit an outline that describes the major topics and subtopics to be covered and 

the number of hours proposed for each. For the purposes of this AC, this outline will be referred

to as a TCO. Each FAA-approved TCO must contain the subjects required by part 65 

appendix A. Section 65.61(b) requires an FAA-approved TCO and subsequent revisions to 

describe the major topics and subtopics of the course and provide the number of proposed hours 

for each topic and subtopic. Each TCO must include a List of Effective Pages (LEP) that reflects

the current date of each page contained in the TCO. TCOs must also include at least:

• The methods of instruction (e.g., instructor-led or computer-based);

• Type of courseware to be used (e.g., PowerPoint presentations or handouts);

• Evaluation requirements such as testing;

• Successful completion standards;

• A sample of a written statement of graduation; and

• Written statement of graduation revalidation criteria.

c. Required Training Hours. Section 65.61(a)(2) requires a minimum of 200 hours of 

instruction. A course operator may offer more hours of instruction than the minimum required. 

A course operator may not include any subjects in addition to those required by part 65 

appendix A in the minimum 200 hours. A course operator may only administer the additional 

Par 7 Page 5
DATE DRAFT AC 65-DADE

subjects in addition to the minimum 200 hours. All hours of instruction, including those beyond 

the minimum requirement, are subject to FAA approval as part of the TCO.

d. Credit for Previous Experience or Training. Section 65.61(d) allows a student to 

substitute previous experience or training for a portion of the minimum 200 hours of required 

training. An FAA-approved Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course operator may grant the 

student credit provided the course operator develops specific criteria by which to determine the 

amount of appropriate credit to grant toward the minimum 200 hours instruction. The course 

operator may determine the number of hours of credit to grant a student based on an evaluation 

of the student’s previous experience and/or training. The basis for the credit and substitution 

criteria is subject to approval by the FAA as part of the TCO. The course operator must include 

in the criteria the maximum number of hours the course operator will grant any student. This is 

required to maintain compliance with § 65.61(b).

(1) The course outline must contain details on the methods the course operator uses to 

evaluate (e.g., a test) an applicant for the purpose of providing substitution credit. Credit hours 

should not exceed one half of the hours of instruction required by § 65.61(a)(2) and no credit is 

allowed toward part 65 appendix A, section VIII, Practical Dispatch Applications, or any of the 

topics contained therein, due to the criticality of the content.

(2) The course outline must contain specific criteria related to the maximum amount of 

credit given in each subject area. For example:

• Up to 8 hours of credit on the topic of regulations for an individual who has 

documented experience in providing instruction on this topic as required by

part 121 subpart N.

• Up to 5 hours of credit for the topic of regulations for an individual who holds an 

airline transport pilot (ATP) certification, but does not meet the time period 

specified in § 65.57(a).

(3) If combined with Interactive Remote Instruction (IRI), the combination of credit 

hours and IRI may not exceed 50 percent of the total FAA-approved hours of instruction.

(4) The course operator may also use a matrix to establish credit criteria. See Figure 1, 

Sample Credit Matrix, for a sample. It’s important to note that the credit matrix included in this 

AC is an example provided as a guideline. Section 65.61 allows an Aircraft Dispatcher 

Certification Course operator to determine the number of hours of credit based on an evaluation 

of an applicant’s prior experience or training. However, the criteria and maximum allowable 

credit hours are subject to FAA approval. FAA approval is based strictly on the course operator’s 

criteria and maximum number of hours, not on an individual student’s prior experience or 

training.

(5) Any time a course operator grants a student credit for previous experience or training, 

the course operator must include in the student’s record the total number of credit hours granted 

to the student along with the basis for the credit.

Par 8 Page 6
DATE DRAFT AC 65-DADE

FIGURE 1. SAMPLE CREDIT MATRIX

Credit for Previous Experience and Training - Academic, Military or Industry

Area of knowledge and training hour credit based on documented previous experience. 

The number of hours depicted in the matrix represents the maximum allowable credit 

per subject.

Appendix A Subject Maximum Credit Per Area of Knowledge

Regulations 8

Meteorology 20

Navigation 4

Aircraft 12

Communications 4

Air Traffic Control (ATC) 4

Emergency and Abnormal Procedures 4

Total Maximum Credit for Previous 

Formal Training Allowed 56

Previous Training and Experience Based on Airman’s Certificates Held

Area of knowledge and training hour credit. The number of hours depicted in the 

matrix represents the maximum allowable credit per subject. Credit for each type of 

certificate may not be combined. Credit for previous experience and training in 

conjunction with an airman certificate cannot be combined with credit for previous 

academic, military, or industry training.

Appendix A 

Subject

Private 

Pilot

Comm. 

Pilot

Comm. Pilot w/ 

Instrument Rating ATP A&P

Regulations 1 2 2 5 1

Meteorology 2 2 2 5 No Credit

Navigation 1 2 4 5 No Credit

Aircraft 1 2 2 5 6

Communications 1 1 2 5 No Credit

Air Traffic Control

(ATC) 1 1 2 5 No Credit

Emergency and 

Abnormal 

Procedures

No 

Credit 1 2 5 No Credit

Total Credit 

Allowed 8 11 16 35 7

e. Methods of Instruction. A TCO must include a description of the methods of instruction

the course operator will use. Instructional methods include, but are not limited to:

• Lecture,

• Computer-based,

• Discussion,

Par 8 Page 7
DATE DRAFT AC 65-DADE

• IRI,

• Scenario-based, and

• Demonstration performance.

f. Courseware. Courseware is the instructional material developed for each curriculum. 

Instructor courseware should be clearly titled for the appropriate topic and the instructor must be 

able to provide detailed instruction for each topic and subtopic utilizing the course operator’s 

courseware. A course operator must ensure all courseware remains current and must identify 

current materials appropriately. An example of this type of identification is a revision number. 

Courseware is subject to acceptance by the FAA. The FAA will periodically review and 

reevaluate courseware content to ensure continued adequacy and compliance with regulatory 

requirements and FAA standards. At any time the FAA determines courseware to be 

unacceptable, it will notify the course operator in writing, provide an explanation of deficiencies, 

and provide the operator with a timeframe during which the operator is expected to correct the 

courseware. Courseware must accurately represent and support the proposed training curriculum.

Courseware for an Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course should consist of:

• Lesson plans that flow in a logical sequence,

• Instructor guides,

• Audiovisual materials,

• Workbooks,

• Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM),

• Operations specifications (OpSpecs),

• General Operations Manual (GOM),

• Current FAA-S-8081-10, Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test Standards (PTS),

• Handouts, and

• Any other materials used to support the training curriculum.

g. Student Evaluation Methods. A course operator’s student evaluation methods must 

provide an adequate means of assessing an individual’s cognitive skills and overall 

comprehension of the instruction provided. The desired outcome is that each student will have a 

solid foundation of knowledge and understanding of the topic and subtopics required by part 65 

appendix A. Evaluation methods include, but are not limited to:

• Oral examinations,

• Written examinations,

• Weight and Balance (W&B) computations,

• Manual flight planning scenarios, and

• Simulated captain’s briefings.

h. Successful Completion Standards. Section 65.17 requires a minimum passing grade for 

each test required by part 65 to be 70 percent. This requirement applies to the ADX Knowledge 

Test and the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test. As a matter of FAA policy, the 70 percent 

minimum passing grade required by § 65.17 sets the precedent for all testing conducted by an 

Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course operator. A course operator may require a higher 

passing grade. However, at no time may an operator’s passing grade requirements be less than 

Par 8 Page 8
DATE DRAFT AC 65-DADE

70 percent. In addition to minimum required testing scores, course operators should provide 

students with minimum standards for overall course completion, as well as standards for 

completion of individual assignments and scenarios.

i. Statement of Graduation. An FAA-approved Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course 

operator must provide each student who successfully completes the course with a written 

statement of graduation, which is valid for 90 days. The course operator may revalidate the 

statement of graduation for an additional 90 days in accordance with § 65.70(b). A course 

operator may issue a statement of graduation in the form of a graduation certificate or diploma.

(1) Required Contents. Each written statement of graduation must contain a statement 

that attests to the student’s successful completion of the course and the number of course hours 

administered to the student.

(a) The written statement of graduation must contain a signature by an authorized 

representative of the course operator attesting to the applicant’s successful completion of the 

Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course.

(b) The written statement of graduation must contain the total number of hours of 

instruction administered to the student.

(c) The written statement of graduation must contain or have attached to it all of the 

topics and subtopics for which the course operator has given the student credit allowed by 

§ 65.61(d). An FAA examiner will review the graduation certificate/diploma and its attachments. 

In conjunction with the requirements of the Aircraft Dispatcher PTS, an examiner will focus on 

the topics and subtopics for which a student has been granted credit.

(2) Revalidation Criteria. Section 65.70(b) allows an Aircraft Dispatcher Certification 

Course operator to revalidate a graduation certificate after 90 days for an additional 90 days if 

the course operator determines that the student remains proficient in the subject areas listed in 

part 65 appendix A. The revalidation methods the course operator uses, such as a test, must be 

consistent and should be part of an FAA-approved Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course. The 

revalidation methods utilized by the course operator must be comprehensive enough to allow the 

course operator to reasonably establish that the student has in fact remained proficient in all of 

the subject areas listed in part 65 appendix A.

9. INSTRUCTORS. Section 65.67 requires Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course operators 

to have adequate and qualified personnel. Ultimately, the overall adequacy of an instructor will 

be determined by the FAA.

a. List of Qualified Instructors. In accordance with § 65.63(a)(4), a course operator must 

maintain a current list of qualified instructors, including résumés for each instructor. In 

accordance with the requirement of § 65.63(d), a course operator must notify the FAA approving 

office in writing of any revision to the list of qualified instructors. The FAA approving office 

will assign an inspector to be the Dispatch Course Program Manager (DCPM). Course operators 

will address the notification to the DCPM.

Par 8 Page 9
DATE DRAFT AC 65-DADE

b. Instructor Who Holds an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate. In accordance with 

§ 65.67(a)(1), each Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course operator must have at least one 

instructor who holds an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate and is available to coordinate all training 

course instruction.

c. Student to Instructor Ratio. The ratio of students to instructors may not exceed 25 to 1.

d. Practical Dispatch Applications. The instructor who teaches the Practical Dispatch 

Applications area of part 65 appendix A must hold an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate.

e. Knowledge of Training Policies. Instructors must know the course operator’s training 

policies and procedures and how to complete required training forms.

f. Knowledge of Topics and Subtopics. Instructors must be knowledgeable in the specific 

topic and subtopic of instruction and must be able to present the material in a logical, clear, and 

organized manner.

g. Adherence to Lesson Plans. Instructors should follow the applicable lesson plans, 

guides, or other training aids to properly present the material as designed.

10. TRAINING FACILITIES. In accordance with § 65.65, each FAA-approved Aircraft 

Dispatcher Certification Course operator must have facilities, equipment, and materials adequate 

to provide each student the theoretical and practical aspects of aircraft dispatching. An Aircraft 

Dispatcher Certification Course training facility must be available for inspection by the 

Administrator at any time. In addition, each Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course training 

facility, including all training rooms and spaces used, must:

• Be temperature controlled,

• Be lighted,

• Be ventilated,

• Be free from distraction, and

• Conform to all local building, sanitation, and health codes.

a. Adequate Workspace. Course operators must provide students with adequate 

workspace, equipment, and materials to complete intricate calculations related to aircraft 

performance and flight planning. The workspace must provide each student with enough room to

properly use all necessary aeronautical charts and reference materials.

b. Adequate Facilities. Each course operator’s training facilities should provide a safe and 

clean environment that is conducive to learning. Student access to emergency exits and adequate 

facilities for physiological needs is required at all times. If there is no cell phone access, the 

facility must have means to contact the appropriate personnel by telephone in case of an 

emergency. The FAA will determine the adequacy of a training facility based on the following 

parameters:

(1) Temperature Controlled. Each course operator’s training facility, including training 

rooms and spaces, must be maintained at a comfortable temperature. This is typically within the 

Par 9 Page 10
DATE DRAFT AC 65-DADE

range of 68 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit. This range comes from the Occupational Safety and Health 

Act of 1970 (OSH Act) recommended temperatures for the workplace. Temperature controls 

must not present a hazard and must provide heat for the entire room or training space. In other 

words, an old small space heater in the corner of a large training room does not constitute 

adequate temperature control.

(2) Lighted. Each course operator’s training facility, room, and/or space must have 

adequate lighting to provide each student with the proper lighting for viewing any written 

material and/or other training courseware.

(3) Ventilated. Each course operator’s training facility, room, and/or space must have 

adequate ventilation that provides air circulation for students.

(4) Free From Distraction. Each course operator’s training facility, room, and/or space 

should provide a clean and quiet environment that allows each student an unobstructed view of 

training presentations. Training facilities, rooms, and spaces should be conducive to a student’s 

overall ability to concentrate. Each training facility, room, and/or space must be located so that 

the students in that facility are not distracted by the instruction conducted in other rooms.

(5) Conformance with Local Building, Sanitation, and Health Codes. It is a course 

operator’s responsibility to verify that the training facility conforms to all local building, 

sanitation, and health codes. A course operator must be able to provide proof of conformance 

with these codes upon request by the Administrator.

c. Location of Approved Facility. An FAA-approved Aircraft Dispatcher Certification 

Course is subject to continual oversight by the FAA. Therefore, with limited exception, the 

course facility must be located within the geographic area of the FAA approving office. This is 

required to allow the FAA aviation safety inspector (ASI) who has been assigned as the DCPM

to conduct required onsite inspections at least once annually, and thereafter at any time the 

DCPM deems it necessary. Potential and existing course operators should be aware of the FAA’s 

policies governing the resources, staffing, and oversight responsibilities of AFS field offices as 

they relate to oversight of Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Courses. These policies can be found 

in Order 8900.1, Volume 3, Chapter 63, Section 2.

d. Temporary Authorization to Conduct an Existing Course at a Facility Located 

Outside the Geographic Area of the Approving Office. If an Aircraft Dispatcher Certification 

Course operator has a need to administer its course outside of the geographic area of 

responsibility, a letter of authorization (LOA) from the FAA approving office is required. The 

FAA approving office may consider authorizing a course operator to administer its approved 

course outside of the geographic area of responsibility on a case-by-case basis only. An FAA 

approving office may not authorize a course operator to conduct the course outside of the 

office’s geographic area of responsibility on an ongoing basis. This type of course activity 

requires a separate approval of the certification course by an AFS field office in whose 

geographic area the course operator desires to conduct the course. The FAA approving office 

may not authorize a course operator to conduct its course outside of the geographic area of 

responsibility unless that office is able to maintain adequate oversight of the course through 

onsite surveillance whenever necessary. Course operators who have a need to administer a 

Par 10 Page 11
DATE DRAFT AC 65-DADE

course outside of the geographic area of responsibility of the FAA approving office must be 

aware of the following requirements and should review Order 8900.1, Volume 3, Chapter 63, 

Section 3.

(1) Ability to Conduct Oversight. The FAA approving office is required to maintain the 

ability to conduct oversight through onsite surveillance of the course while the course operator 

administers it at a facility located outside of the approving office’s geographic area of 

responsibility.

(2) The FAA Will Require Adequate Time for Coordination. Coordinating oversight 

and surveillance of a course as it is conducted outside of the geographic area of the FAA 

approving office requires time. The FAA will require time to coordinate such things as facilities 

inspections, inspector travel, and coordination for surveillance support. Aircraft Dispatcher 

Certification Course operators must provide the FAA approving office with no less than 

15 working days prior notification of its desire to administer the course outside of the geographic 

area of the FAA approving office.

(3) Authorization is Not Guaranteed. The FAA approving office of an Aircraft 

Dispatcher Certification Course may not grant authority to a course operator to conduct a course 

outside of the office’s geographic area of responsibility unless the approving office is able to 

fulfill its responsibility to maintain adequate oversight through surveillance.

(4) Authorization is Temporary. Authorization to administer an FAA-approved 

Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course at a location outside of the geographic area of 

responsibility of the FAA approving office is temporary and will be granted by an LOA. When 

issuing the LOA, the FAA approving office will issue it for a single application of the course in 

its entirety. The course operator may conduct a single application of the course over a specified 

period of time. The expiration date on the temporary LOA will be based on the estimated time of 

course completion.

11. INTERACTIVE REMOTE INSTRUCTION (IRI). For the purposes of Aircraft 

Dispatcher Certification Courses, the term Interactive Remote Instruction (IRI) is used to 

describe a method of interactive instruction specifically designed to be delivered remotely, as 

opposed to being delivered by an instructor collocated with students in a traditional classroom.

a. The Difference Between IRI and Distance Learning. IRI is not the same as Distance 

Learning. In accordance with FAA policy, the term “Distance Learning” is used to describe 

learning that is accomplished by any training method not including an instructor and a gathering 

of trainees collocated in a traditional classroom. The fundamental difference between Distance 

Learning and IRI is that IRI places the emphasis on instruction, which must be provided by the 

course operator, while Distance Learning places the emphasis on learning and training, which is 

accomplished by the student. Additionally, IRI requires instruction to be interactive. Interactive 

delivery methods are not necessarily a requirement for Distance Learning.

b. What Qualifies as Instruction in Accordance With the Requirements of § 65.61.

(1) IRI qualifies as instruction. An Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course operator may 

use IRI to administer a portion of the minimum hours of instruction required by § 65.61. The 

Par 10 Page 12
DATE DRAFT AC 65-DADE

remaining portion of the instruction must be administered by a qualified instructor and provided 

in a traditional classroom setting. The portion of instruction that may be administered via IRI is 

described in paragraph 12 below. 

(2) Distance Learning does not qualify as instruction for the purposes of aircraft 

dispatcher certification and the requirements of § 65.61. Training accomplished via Distance 

Learning may not be counted towards the minimum hours of instruction required by § 65.61. 

However, Distance Learning may be used for training that is part of an Aircraft Dispatcher 

Certification Course, provided the training is in addition to the minimum required hours of 

instruction.

12. REQUIREMENTS FOR IRI.

a. Must be Clearly Depicted in the TCO. All topics and subtopics that are approved by 

the FAA to be administered via IRI must be clearly depicted as such in the course operator’s 

FAA approved TCO.

b. Must Provide an Equivalent Level of Instruction. IRI must provide an equivalent or 

greater level of instruction to that which would be delivered by an instructor in a traditional 

classroom setting. IRI may not include any form of “home study” or “self-study.” Study is what 

a student does to gain knowledge or to prepare for testing. Instruction is what a course operator 

must provide a student in accordance with the requirements of § 65.61.

c. Maximum Use of IRI.

(1) IRI may not exceed 50 percent of the total FAA-approved hours of instruction. This 

includes those hours in excess of the minimum 200 required by § 65.61(a)(2). For example, if the 

course includes a total of 220 hours of instruction, IRI may consist of up to 110 hours.

(2) If combined with the credit hours allowed by § 65.61(d), the combination of IRI and 

credit hours may not exceed 50 percent of the total FAA-approved hours of instruction.

d. Limitations on Instruction. As a matter of policy, the FAA places the following 

limitations on IRI for aircraft dispatcher certification

(1) May Not be Used as the Sole Means of Instruction for Any Area of Knowledge.

A course operator may not use IRI as the sole means of instruction in any area of knowledge 

required by part 65 appendix A. The areas of knowledge are represented by sections I-VIII 

within part 65 appendix A. Each area of knowledge contains numerous topics (also referred to 

subjects in § 65.61(c). A course operator may administer the majority of a particular topic 

(except those contained in part 65 appendix A, section VIII) via IRI, provided the course 

operator has significant evaluation criteria to ensure the student has a good understanding and 

can demonstrate having adequate knowledge in that topic.

(2) May Not be Used to Administer any Instruction in the Area of Practical 

Dispatch Applications. The area of knowledge contained in part 65 appendix A, section VIII, 

Practical Dispatch Applications, is perhaps the most critical for aircraft dispatcher certification. 

As a matter of policy, the FAA will not approve a course operator to use IRI to deliver any 

Par 11 Page 13
DATE DRAFT AC 65-DADE

instruction in the area of Practical Dispatch Applications, set forth in part 65 appendix A, 

section VIII. This area of knowledge, including all topics contained therein, must be 

administered via traditional classroom training at the course operator’s FAA-approved training 

facility by an instructor who holds an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate. This is necessary to allow 

full instructor-student interaction and to ensure students are fully engaged in the lessons, thus 

maximizing student comprehension.

e. Training Objectives and Performance Criteria. IRI must contain clearly defined 

knowledge and cognitive training objectives and performance criteria.

(1) Objectives must include at least the following:

• Students are able to recall and recognize topics administered via IRI;

• Students are able to comprehend topics administered via IRI; and

• Students are able to apply the knowledge gained via IRI.

(2) Performance criteria must ensure students are able to demonstrate their ability to 

apply the knowledge gained via IRI.

f. Definitive Evaluation Standards. IRI must contain definitive validation testing and 

methodology for verifying that the training objectives have been met and that the students have 

the required level of knowledge in each topic and subtopic. Evaluation standards must include 

assessment of an individual’s practical application of the knowledge gained through IRI.

g. Student Controls. IRI should include controls that ensure that the student of record is the 

one completing the lessons. An example of a control would be interactive software that requires 

a student to have a unique user name and password.

h. Student Access to Instructors. All students receiving instruction via IRI must have open

access to the instructor who has overall responsibility for each area and topic. In order to provide 

an equivalent level of training to that which is administered in a traditional classroom, “open 

access” means that students have unrestricted and timely access to the instructor, who must be 

available to resolve students’ questions. Open access may include medium such as email and 

telecommunication.

i. Documentation in Student Record. Section 65.70 requires an Aircraft Dispatcher 

Certification Course operator to maintain a record for each student that includes a chronological 

log of instructors and subjects (areas and topics) covered. In order to maintain compliance with 

§ 65.70(a), course operators must list a responsible instructor for each subject administered via 

IRI. Course operators should include documentation of the subjects, topics, and subtopics that 

were administered via IRI.

13. AIRCRAFT DISPATCHER CERTIFICATION COURSES EMBEDDED IN 

COLLEGIATE PROGRAMS. Colleges and universities that desire to include an Aircraft 

Dispatcher Certification Course as part of an academic program must comply with all of the 

requirements of part 65 subpart C and appendix A and should follow the requirements contained 

in this AC. As far as FAA approval is concerned, the FAA treats each Aircraft Dispatcher 

Par 12 Page 14
DATE DRAFT AC 65-DADE

Certification Course as a separate entity, whether it is embedded in a collegiate program or not.

All Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course operators are required to comply with all of the 

requirements of part 65 subpart C and appendix A. Therefore, these requirements apply directly 

to Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Courses affiliated with a college or university.

a. Regulatory Requirements. All FAA-approved Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Courses 

must comply with the requirements of part 65 subpart C. The FAA approving office, through the 

DCPM, is responsible to ensure that each Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course operator 

continues to meet all of the requirements of part 65 subpart C and appendix A. The DCPM is 

required to be particularly diligent in ensuring collegiate programs adhere to the requirements for 

facilities (§ 65.65); instructor certification (§ 65.67), and student-to-instructor ratio 

(§ 65.67(a)(2)).

b. Instruction Requirements. All instruction that is part of an Aircraft Dispatcher 

Certification Course, including one embedded in a collegiate program, must be administered in 

accordance with part 65 subpart C and appendix A. Any instruction administered contrary to 

these requirements, does not qualify towards the minimum hours of instruction required by 

§ 65.61(a)(2), or toward any hours in excess of the minimum required, if those hours are part of 

the FAA-approved TCO.

(1) Instruction That May Be Included in the Minimum Hours Required by 

§ 65.61(a)(2). Any instruction in the areas, topics, and subtopics required by part 65 appendix A 

that is administered in accordance with the requirements of part 65 subpart C (including the 

student-to-instructor ratio of no more than 25 to 1) may count toward in the minimum hours of 

instruction required by § 65.61(a)(2).

(2) Instruction That May Not Be Included in the Minimum Hours, But May Be 

Considered for Credit as Previous Training in Accordance With § 65.61(d). Instruction 

provided in a collegiate program that contains some or all of the required topics and subtopics of 

part 65 appendix A, but does not meet all of the requirements of part 65 subpart C, may not be 

included in or counted toward the 200 minimum hours of instruction required by § 65.61(a)(2).

However, an Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course operator may grant a student some credit 

for successfully completed aviation collegiate program courses that include the topics and 

subtopics required by part 65 appendix A provided the course operator has the appropriate credit 

criteria in its FAA-approved TCO. (See subparagraph 8d and Figure 1).

14. RECORDS. Section 65.70 contains recordkeeping requirements for Aircraft Dispatcher 

Certification Course operators. Student records must be made available for inspection by the 

Administrator at any time. When applying for initial FAA approval to conduct a course, 

applicants should include an explanation of how they intend to comply with the recordkeeping 

requirements of § 65.70 as part of the application package for approval. Course operator records 

must meet the following criteria:

a. Student Records.

(1) Chronological Log. Each student record must maintain a chronological log for each 

student that lists all instructors, subjects covered, course examinations, and results.

Par 13 Page 15
DATE DRAFT AC 65-DADE

(2) Hours of Instruction. Each student record must include the total number of hours of 

instruction provided. Any credit for previous experience or training allowable by § 65.61(d) must 

be included in the record along with the basis for the credit and the number of hours credited.

(3) Student Record Retention. Maintain each student record for at least 3 years after 

each student’s graduation.

b. Annual Report. An Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course operator must prepare an 

annual report for its records and for transmission to the FAA AFS field office with approval and 

oversight responsibility. The course operator must transmit the annual report no later than 

January 31 of each year. Each annual report must contain the following information from the 

previous year:

• The names of all students who graduated, together with the results of their Aircraft 

Dispatcher Certification Courses, and

• The names of all of the students who failed or withdrew, together with the results of 

their Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Courses or the reasons for their withdrawal.

15. AIRCRAFT DISPATCHER CERTIFICATION COURSE OPERATORS SERVING 

AS DADEs. When an operator, owner, or employee of an FAA-approved Aircraft Dispatcher 

Certification Course is also authorized as a DADE, the different responsibilities of each role 

become interrelated. There becomes a fine line between the role as a part 65 course operator, 

owner, or employee who is subject to the regulatory authority of the Administrator and the role 

as a 14 CFR part 183 DADE who is a representative of that Administrator. A course operator, 

owner, or employee who is also a DADE must ensure at all times that the responsibility for 

regulatory compliance as an Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course operator does not conflict 

with the responsibility and authority of being a representative of the Administrator.

a. Course Operator’s Responsibility as an Entity Regulated by the Administrator. An 

operator, owner, or employee of an FAA-approved Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course is 

responsible for regulatory compliance and is subject to approval and regulatory oversight by the 

Administrator.

b. A DADE’s Responsibility as a Representative of the Administrator. A DADE is a 

representative of the Administrator and, as such, must always be conscious of that authority and 

the responsibility that goes with it. This is the case even when the DADE is not necessarily 

exercising the privileges of his or her designee authority.

(1) Must Maintain Conduct Befitting a Representative of the FAA. When acting in 

the capacity of an Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course operator, owner, or employee, an 

individual who is also a DADE must maintain compliance with part 65 while continuing to 

conduct him or herself in a manner befitting a representative of the FAA.

(2) May Not Act in a Manner That Reflects Poorly on the FAA. A DADE must not 

act in a manner that reflects poorly on the FAA, such as a failure to maintain a reputation for 

integrity and dependability within the aviation industry and community. (Refer to FAA 

Par 14 Page 16
DATE DRAFT AC 65-DADE

Order 8900.1, Volume 13, Chapter 1, Section 2, paragraph 13-40 and Volume 13, Chapter 3,

Section 2, paragraph 13-178).

(3) May Not Instruct and Test the Same Individual. A DADE who is also an 

instructor for an Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course may not administer the Aircraft 

Dispatcher Practical Test to any student the DADE has also provided instruction to. This is 

necessary to ensure adequate and objective evaluation of the applicant by a DADE. (Refer to

Order 8900.1, Volume 13, Chapter 3, Section 2.)

c. FAA Oversight. The FAA is responsible for oversight and surveillance of both an 

Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course operator and a DADE. When an Aircraft Dispatcher 

Certification Course operator, owner, or employee is also a DADE who tests the course 

graduates, the FAA’s surveillance will place emphasis on ensuring that the responsibilities of a 

course operator are not in conflict with those of a DADE.

16. FAA APPROVAL.

a. Initial Approval. If the FAA finds a course operator’s application to be acceptable, the 

FAA will grant approval of an Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course in writing. The FAA 

approving office will approve and sign the TCO LEP and attach it to the approval letter. A 

course operator must retain each approval letter until it expires, is withdrawn, or is otherwise 

cancelled or superseded. Course operators must make the approval letter available to the 

Administrator upon request. FAA approval of an Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course lasts 

until the last day of the 24th month from the month the approval was issued.

b. Renewal of Approval. In accordance with § 65.63(c), an Aircraft Dispatcher 

Certification Course operator must submit an application for course renewal within 30 days 

preceding the month the approval expires. The application for renewal must meet all of the 

requirements of original approval in accordance with § 65.63(a) (see paragraph 7). The FAA will 

renew its approval of an Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course provided the course operator 

meets the following requirements:

(1) There is documentary evidence indicating that at least 80 percent of the graduates of 

the course who applied for and took the practical test required by § 65.59 passed the test on their 

first attempt.

(2) The course continues to meet the requirements for course approval.

c. Approval of a Course Revision. In accordance with § 65.63(d), an Aircraft Dispatcher 

Certification Course operator who desires to revise its FAA-approved course must submit a 

request for approval of the revision in accordance with the same application requirements as 

those for initial approval. Section 65.63(a) and paragraph 7 contain these requirements. The 

course operator must submit proposed revisions to the TCO or a description of the facilities in a 

format that will allow an entire page or pages of the approved outline or facility description to be 

removed and replaced by an approved revision. A course operator may revise the list of 

instructors at any time, provided the course operator can continue to meet the requirements of

§ 65.67. Revisions to the list of instructors do not require prior approval from the FAA. 

However, a course operator is required to notify the FAA approving office in writing and include 

Par 15 Page 17
DATE DRAFT AC 65-DADE

the revised list of instructors. All course revisions must continue to meet the requirements of 

part 65 subpart C and appendix A. The FAA will grant approval of a course revision in writing. 

Approval of a course revision is considered to be an addendum to the current course approval. 

Course operators must retain the revision approval as part of the overall course approval until 

such a time as it is superseded by another revision, the course approval expires, or it is otherwise 

withdrawn or cancelled. Course operators must make revision approval letters available to the 

Administrator upon request.

17. DENIAL OF APPROVAL. Under the following circumstances, the FAA will deny requests 

for approval:

a. Deny Initial Approval. The FAA will deny initial approval of an Aircraft Dispatcher 

Certification Course applicant under the following circumstances:

(1) Applicant Fails to Meet Requirements. The FAA will deny initial approval of a 

course applicant who fails to meet the requirements of part 65 subpart C and appendix A. The 

FAA will also deny approval to a course applicant who fails to meet the standards set forth in 

Order 8900.1, Volume 3, Chapter 63 and this AC.

(2) Applicants Who Apply to an AFS Field Office Located Outside of the 

Geographic Area in Which the Course is Located. The FAA will deny initial approval to an 

applicant whose proposed course is located outside of the geographic area of responsibility of the 

FAA office to which the application was made.

b. Deny Renewal. The FAA approving office will deny renewal of a course approval under 

the following circumstances:

(1) Applicant Fails to Meet Requirements. The FAA approving office will deny 

renewal to an applicant who fails to adhere to the prohibitions of part 65 subpart A, or fails to 

continue to meet the requirements of part 65 subpart C, part 65 appendix A, and/or FAA Order 

8900.1.

(2) Inactive Course Operator. If an aircraft dispatcher certification operator has been 

inactive for more than 24 consecutive calendar-months (one full renewal cycle) it could suggest a 

lack of public need. An FAA approving office has the option of denying a request to renew a 

course approval of an inactive operator, provided the office can establish that denying the

renewal will not affect the public and its need for aircraft dispatcher certification in the 

geographic area. Denying approval based on inactivity and lack of public need is at the discretion 

of the FAA approving office manager. When making the determination, the manager will 

consider the staffing and workload needs of the office. Examples of what constitute a public need 

for aircraft dispatcher certification are as follows (see also Order 8900.1 Volume 3, Chapter 63, 

Section 2):

(a) There is a part 121 dispatch center or flight-following facility located in, moving 

to, or setting up in the area.

(b) There is a 14 CFR part 91 subpart K (part 91K) program manager or 14 CFR 

part 135 air carrier that requires an individual to hold an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate as a 

Par 16 Page 18
DATE DRAFT AC 65-DADE

condition of employment, located in, moving to, or setting up in the geographic area of the 

office.

(3) Lack of FAA Resources. If the FAA approving office of an existing Aircraft 

Dispatcher Certification Course is no longer able to maintain adequate oversight due to lack of 

appropriate ASI resources, the office manager will be required to follow the guidance contained 

in Order 8900.1, Volume 3, Chapter 63, Section 2. The guidance requires the office manager to 

request the regional Flight Standards division (RFSD) to transfer the course approval to another 

AFS field office that has the appropriate resources. The RFSD’s actions in this case are governed 

by Order 8900.1, Volume 3, Chapter 63, Section 2.

18. WITHDRAWAL OR CANCELLATION OF APPROVAL.

a. Cancellation by a Course Operator. An FAA-approved Aircraft Dispatcher 

Certification Course operator may request cancellation of its course approval. The request must 

be made in writing to the FAA approving office. Upon request by the course operator, the FAA 

will immediately cancel approval.

b. Withdrawal of FAA Approval. In accordance with § 65.63(e), failure to continue to 

meet the requirements of part 65 subpart C for the approval or operation of an approved Aircraft 

Dispatcher Certification Course is grounds for withdrawal of approval of the course. The FAA 

will withdraw its approval in writing and provide the reason(s) for withdrawal. In addition to the 

grounds stated in § 65.63(e), the FAA may withdraw its approval based on the following 

circumstances:

(1) Failure by the course operator to adhere to the prohibitions contained in §§ 65.18 

and/or 65.20.

(2) Failure by the course operator to continue to meet the requirements of part 65 

subpart C.

(3) Failure by the course operator to notify the FAA of a change in ownership, name,

and/or location within the 10-day time period required by § 65.63(f) or (g).

(4) Falsification of records.

(5) Documented evidence of continued unsatisfactory performance of a course operator. 

Documented evidence includes FAA Program Tracking and Reporting Subsystem (PTRS) 

information, formal correspondence from the FAA, and formal complaints filed by the public.

19. CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP, NAME, OR LOCATION.

a. Change in Ownership. If any change in ownership of an Aircraft Dispatcher 

Certification Course occurs, continued FAA approval of the course is contingent upon the 

following:

Par 17 Page 19
DATE DRAFT AC 65-DADE

(1) Within 10 days after the date that any change in ownership occurs, the course 

operator must apply for an appropriate amendment to the original approval or renewal that was 

based on the previous owner.

(2) There is no change in facilities, personnel, or content of the approved Aircraft 

Dispatcher Certification Course that is involved.

(3) A course operator seeking an amendment to the original approval or renewal of a 

course due to a change in ownership will make an application in writing to the FAA approving 

office and provide the name, address, telephone number, and email address of the new owner of 

the course. The FAA will not grant an amendment to an existing course approval based on a 

change in ownership unless the course operator meets the requirements of subparagraphs (1)

and (2) above and continues to meet all of the requirements of part 65 subpart C and appendix A.

b. Change in Name or Location. If an Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course operator 

changes its name or location, continued FAA approval is contingent upon the course operator 

notifying the FAA approving office in writing within 10 days after the date of the change. If the 

course operator moves its location outside of the geographic area of responsibility of the FAA 

approving office, it may affect the ability of that office to maintain adequate oversight through 

surveillance. Any time the ability to maintain adequate oversight is in question, the FAA may 

transfer the course approval to another FAA AFS field office that has the capability to maintain 

adequate oversight of the course.

John S. Duncan

Director, Flight Standards Service

Par 19 Page 20