I remember several guys who were stuck in the RHS because they took a job rather than carrying on studying. Progression was so rapid that after three or four years they were unhappy they hadn't continued studying but after 10 years really p!ssed off for the same reason. Their numbers had come several times for a command and although very capable they were unable to take their rightful seats only because they had passed their ATPL exams. This was an expensive mistake because both their salaries and eventual pensions were reduced. But they were above me on the seniority list.