OK then- story time.
Decided to pull the handle and get out on my 38/16 point.I had a slight hearing problem but it didn't affect my fast jet flying cat. A few months prior to departure the Boss called me in to say that their Lordships had said that if I retracted my decision to leave I would be on the first Tornado Sqn, and he had a posting notice to confirm.However, it was too late and plans had been made so I left. Plans didn't work and so I applied to rejoin.They seemed keen and promised me flying (fast jets prob Buccs again) and sent me to London for aircrew medical.Guess what?.... I failed.
"your hearing's not up to aircrew standards"
"Well it was Ok when I left a few months ago"
"Ah, but you were in then and now you're not, and 'cos you don't match up to the standard required for new aircrew, we can't have you."
It gets better.
Two years later at Thumrait I was chatting to the then RAFPMC who was visiting his boys on exchange with SOAF and was bemoaning the shortage of experienced front line fast jet aircrew. So I told him my story and his reply is not printable.Write to me personally, he said, and when I get back to UK it will be sorted. I did, and unbelievably, he couldn't. The medical mafia defeated the RAF's senior aircrew personnel officer.
Still, never mind, I did get back to fast jet flying and a pilot's licence thrown in-thank you BAe Warton and my hearing was not a problem.