ChopRider,
I think that sadly we just have to accept that at all times, things come down to timing. At the moment, the ME stream is around 70 pilots overborne. Inevitably, the ME stream has tightened the inlet pipe to allow for natural wastage at the older end of the scale to 'thin-down' the numbers (if i can use 'thin' and 'ME stream' in the same sentence
)
In answer to an earlier point though, we can't shut off the pipe totally as this would lead to a gap in the system for later years.
Certainly at the EFT level the emphasis has changed. Although the output standard is still the same, EFT graduates now must be fit all streams - so none of the old 'Fit ME only but a good lad in the bar' type recommends. This, in turn should help raise the standard of the RAF as a whole.
The bottom line? It's a tough time to get in and on to the front line, but if you're good enough, you'll get there.
Uncle G
