dash2, that was my understanding too, but I did not want to be shot down in flames,
To illustrate the point I am endeavouring to make, let me draw attention to the career time lime of H.A. Merriman AFC & Bar. A very distinguished pilot.
My Life With Hawker Aircraft
He graduated from Cranwell on 1 August 1951. He was an AVM on 1 January 1981.
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/...upplement/4665
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/...supplement/821
To achieve that he was fast tracked to S/L on 1 January 1959 (Only 8 years 5 months after graduating).
No Flying Branch officer, whichever entry route he/she selected, could reach the rank of S/L on or before the age of 30 in the modern Service. Roger Cruickshank DFC, achieved it last year just before his 35th birthday.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Cruickshank