The pay at european bases are lower than at the UK bases. A CP makes just a little more than a FO at STN but then off course living is cheaper abroad...
You can apply for any base you want to but you will only be allocated if a slot becomes available.. All very reasonable
Time to command varies.. 2 OPC min..So expect around 2 years EVEN if you join with the hours required..That is how long the guys have waited who joined about 2 years ago an still have not got their command. But Ryanair has informed a lot of FO`s that command training will start shortly, so that could all change...
Ramsey