Twang - I may have mis-read, but at no point did I suggest that those EX CADET (your caps for some reason) 40-somethings (ie the same age as me) were anything but highly competent, capable and professional - I do fly with them!
Part-Time: As I understand it, if you have kids, you have a right to request part-time working; 75% seems to be the norm. Other permutations are available (72% = one month off, two on vice one week a month off for 75%) through the annual bid process.