The rumour I have heard is that BA will not need a large number of pilots between now and October 2004, due to the current fleet changes and the rate of retirement. Any vacancies that arise will probably be filled by current trainees and the odd recruitment for a DEP.. .. .However, if BA need pilots in October 2004, and if they plan to continue with the sponsorship scheme then trainees will need to start courses in April 2003, which in turn means recruitment will need to start in late 2002!. .. .This sounds possible to me. But then again I am an optimist!. .. .Also, who cares about the money! As long as I have a roof, a car and enough food, a career as a pilot (my life-long dream) would be a million times better than a 9-5 jobs which I dislike!