Why is it that the powers that be cannot use common sense when it comes to recruiting aircrew?Why not set a long term plan, rather than just reacting to current situations?It seems that the planners have been doing this for years, will they ever change!?
It seems easier to plan for tomorrow (or this afternoon), and dramatically reduce intake, when the numbers start filling up. And then, in a few years, someone will notice that the force is low on numbers, and will attempt to boost recruiting numbers. Meanwhile, the training system takes a battering, and more instructors are needed, so they pull them out of the front-line spots, creating further problems. The latest civvy contracting firm at the flying schools reap rewards because they're being asked too much of (unlike the rewards they reap when too little is being asked of them was recruiting was reduced). The threat is today, not in the near (or far) future... or so the politicians tell us. God help us if we are ever asked to manage Microsoft, Virgin or Rover !!