Flight Operations & Dispatch
Every flight is planned and released by a Flight Operations Officer — also known as a Flight Dispatcher. Sharing legal responsibility with the captain, dispatchers plan routes, calculate fuel and load, analyse weather and keep flights safe and legal from the ground. This KCAA-aligned diploma trains you for one of aviation's most respected operational careers.
The mind behind every flight
Airlines, charter operators and ground-handling companies all depend on licensed flight operations officers. KAC has trained over 700 dispatchers who now work across the industry.
Flight Operations Officer / Dispatcher
Plan and release flights, monitor them en route, and manage operational decisions.
Operations Control Centre
Work in airline OCC teams coordinating fleets, crews and schedules.
Ground Operations
Move into load control, flight planning and operations coordination roles.
Curriculum & core units
The programme covers the full flight-planning and dispatch discipline, including:
- Flight Planning & Navigation Plotting
- Meteorology & Weather Analysis
- Aircraft General Knowledge & Performance
- Air Law & Aviation Legislation
- Radio Aids & Communication
- Human Performance & Preflight Briefing
- Mass & Balance / Load Control
- Dispatch Simulator & Practical Exercises
Assessment is 30% coursework and 70% examination. Full unit list available from the department.
Who can apply draft — confirm cut-offs
- KCSE certificate with a good pass in Mathematics, Physics/Geography and English
- Strong analytical and decision-making ability
- Good command of English (medium of instruction)
- International applicants welcome
A bridging programme is available. Exact KCSE grade cut-offs to be confirmed by admissions.
Toward a KCAA Flight Operations Officer's Licence
Recognised operational training
The diploma is aligned to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) Flight Operations Officer / Flight Dispatcher licensing framework, following ICAO Annex 1 standards for the role. Training includes real dispatch scenarios and simulator work.
Start your application
What does a flight dispatcher do?
Is this the same as being a pilot?
Can I study in the evening or online?
Plan the skies with KAC
Applications for the September 2026 intake are open at Kenya Aeronautical College, Wilson Airport, Nairobi.