When I left the RAF as a pilot with an 'Exceptional' rating, I had over 2000 hrs P1 Chippies & Bulldogs and had been an A2 Chippy/Bulldog QFI. I was in current fly practice and medically fit. So I suggested that my local ATC air experience unit might like my services. Oh no, they said, I would have to go to Cranwell to be assessed, do officer training etc etc. All that despite the fact that I had previously flown countless cadets in air experience Chippies over the years. So I forgot it. Later, I offered (at my expense) flights in my C of A certified Bulldog. 'Impossible, no chance' was the response. Seems to me that obstacles grow larger every day.