FTC(A) is for service until age 55 and still allows you(if you so desire and are capable) to be promoted to Cdr
Yeah, right. So how many FTC(A) guys have been promoted to CDR. Come to think of it, How many SL Aircrew have been promoted to CDR in the last 10 years?
1...2....I can name 2 but lose it a bit after that. Nope, if you want to be promoted to Cdr you need to have a Bridge ticket.