I applied to NATS in Oct 02, passed my tests in April 03, my interviews got cancelled in June,due to NATS relocating. I am still waiting for an interview date,but hopefully it will be before this year ends. I believe if i am succesfull then I will be on the Jan 05 course. so from applying to starting Bournemouth, I am looking at over 2 years.
Looks like I was a bit lucky then!
I applied September 2002, all selections tests etc in the early part of this year, interview early April, medical July. I start my course October 2004!
So yes, about 2 years from initial application to starting the course looks about the norm.
Haven't heard anything on the "freeze" in recruitment but things will be a little dis-jointed I would imagine, seeing as HR have just relocated to Swanwick form London!
Best of luck!