happy,
Don't work for them, but as best as I can tell-
1) What's a bid? There is no seniority so it's up to the company. That being said I believe most pressure is to get INTO Britain, so I don't think it would be a problem.
2) 2 long or 4 shorter sectors. 5 earlies, 3 off, 5 lates, 3 off. They aim for (and achieve) 900hrs a year.
3) Short. They are very short of captains. Probably 6 months to assesment if all goes well. HOWEVER, I know of guys who were passed over because they filled the courses with cadets willing to pay for the training. I also know a guy who p!ssed of a manager by turning down a training role (for less money) and was told he would NEVER get a command. You'll get it when THEY want you too, no arguments, no recourse.
4) 'cause they're like that.
5) You'll need enough savings to live for at least a year as you'll recieve nothing during training, very little for the first year. Once on line as an SFO it's reasnoble as long as you fly, pitiful if you don't. And you realise you'll be paying for your type rating? (Unless you've been flying 22000 ton 737s?)
Do you have the right to live in Europe, and a JAR ATP? (There is an offer out to US Captains, but I don't think you'd qualify). If so, there are other opertunities apart from FR, and personally I'd look elsewhere.