FlyNavyBoy - I got through stages 2-4 in about 2 weeks, then came out to NZ 3 weeks later. They take on all those that are up to standard, the groups are usually 6 or 8.
SMOOTHFLIER - sorry but the stage 3 specifics may have changed since I did it about a year ago, but for stage 4 (I had zero hours), they want to see a learning curve, i.e. see you pick the skills up and get better each time you try. Don't be afraid of stage 4, relax, it's actually quite fun!
LDF
ps SimonSez, you still about? What are you doing now?
We were on stage 3 together.
I think it was your opening line during the introductions that let you down... They slaughtered you for that....