This topic was recently specifically addressed by our Pilot Advisory Committee (PAC). The company wanted to know how the PAC wanted to handle non-pilot employees who wanted to transfer over to the pilot group.
I believe they came up with an agreement to maintain company longevity for vacation and other "company incentive programs" (read profit sharing) but to start at the bottom of the pilot seniority list and receive applicable pay.
Sorry it's vauge, but I hope it helps.
P.S. As to my opinion, I think it would help greatly to get a non-pilot job at Avantair and transfer over. Of course this assumes you impress at whatever your non-flying job is. If you are a pain in the rear at that job then I wouldn't expect you do very well moving over.