That answered my next question. Thanks again for the info and replies. Much appreciated.
If reserve can be within ten hours of base and a two hour commute, a one hour flight from Phoenix might work...but then there's the risk of not being able to get a flight. Then again, perhaps HK would be the better choice. In any event, am I correct in assuming that I don't have much choice or say in the matter for the first few years? I'd certainly hate to risk any chances by being arrogant enough to dictate to the company out of turn. (On the other hand, if it's an accepted practice, no worries).
Does CX have any policies regarding flying off hours...for example, a SO who wants to maintain some semblence of currency doing some instruction on his own time on his off days, or something along those lines?
Ballpark...seems nine months to a year between sending the application and starting training, assuming successful across the board?