Sure the data loads. I can create the DataProxy.populationMen ArrayCollection is created. I can access it in the mxml file for example here:
<s:FormItem label="{myProxy.populationMen.getItemAt(0).data96} ">

But not in the function getYear in that same mxml file which I want to use to work with the data. This function is called and trace("len "+lines.length); from the DataProxy is printed but only AFTER the trace("getYear"); statement in the getYear function. Which tells me that I try to access data before it is there. But how can I know it's there? How can I communicate that from the DataProxy class?
Thanks for your help.