Im sorry to hear he was so close to joining, however I would imagine he is in an excellent position when easyJet begin recruiting externally? Throughout the last 18 months, although no one has joined the company, its sure that some would have left (retirement). Some EZY pilots would have also got the taste for part time possibly? With all this in mind, and maybe a little forward thinking from easyJet, it might not be too much longer for your son. I have my fingers crossed.