I am reading this post with great interest I have applied for a cadetship with VAA and my wife has been with the airline for over 15 years I am well aware of the down turn in the global market place and you are right the tie in between BA/AA has had a significant impact on the company. I agree that ultimately you want a command but for me the fact that 20 years of trying may hopefully come to pass soon and I will get the opportunity to just get into the right seat and then if it takes 10-15 years so be it. in the mean time if anyone out there can offer me advice and guidance on any aspect of the training to give me a step up that would be fantastic. thanks in advance everyone.