witchdoctor is probably right actually but at the time I didn't know what I know today. Also I wasn't completely inexperienced so like in many industries, the word "over qualified" could have struck me with its very unfortunate consequences.
Saying that when I worked at Transair Pilot Shop, that was a different story and my flying experience was certainly seen as a certain amount of commitment to the industry.
As for the 5 years history, well it's all but a joke.... Quite right if you have passed these years in the Uk, this is certainly an efficient way to know and confirm your exact whereabout.
Of course if you have been expatriated during that same period then these supposedly thorough checks are nothing more than a farce for that guy who really has something to hide. Yep, yep, yep.