Word to the wise from an old hand...

They have to operate their commitments, up until the last day. So they will hire as much and as late as necessary to staff known flying. Back in the day the Training Dept. usually found out about furloughs at the same time as the line pilots. Entire classes will be sent home mid-stream. Common for new hires to be furloughed during week one, or even day one. So if you're an applicant, a class date does not guarantee that all is good.