Sorry Cardinal, can't really give you any advice on that one. 'Down under', both big airlines tend to run the same way (domestic flts), where most of the flt dispatch comes under the reign of the Customer Service, including areas like Load Control, aircraft preparation prior to boarding etc. etc., obviously very different to what you are describing. I used to work out on the tarmac, the duties included marshalling, preparing a/c for departure in that the a/c was cleaned, refuelled, catered, CREWED!!, along with actually planning the a/c parking positions for the day.... loved it, but then came computers!!, ah well! it was good while it lasted. Hope the decision you make is the right one.
[This message has been edited by Squawk Ident (edited 22 August 1999).]