Bismarck your facts are quite correct and unfortunately are guru Si Clik is currently on leave - or so says his ansafone!!
There have been a few changes in the RN recently wrt recruiting aircrew.
The age is being reduced in line with the RAF for a number of reasons.
For the first time we are not getting the nos through the doors of the recruiting offices so stand by for a few
PR drives/initiatives.
It is anticipated that we will grade all aircrew at Dartmouth for pilot potential, with a view to sending them to Barkston for EFT and subsequently FJ. There are some caveats - ie it must be a good pass and the first few have just been put through their paces so watch this space. Failure to make it for FJ at BKH or later will result in reversion to initial stream ie Obs/Rotary etc. Obviously this means FATS are required across the board.
Remember though its not just FAT scores that count so you will need to do well and give of your best at AIB as final selection will be an accumulative score. As noted have a good awareness of what the RN is all about not just the Fleet Air Arm and don't forget JHC and JFH!!
Do not take the stats to heart "when I was on BOC only 2 out of 12 passed to OFT". What about the course of 24 in front of me that only lost 2!! - but that was some time ago!!! It is hard, but dedication and perserverance will pay dividends in the long term.
And whilst yes you are first and foremost an officer and a warfare officer at that, for the vast majority of aircrew there are many years of fun to be had before it starts to get serious in the career stakes.