"In days of old when the RAF was bold
and Canberras ruled the skies . . . 
Must say I agree with Beag's attitude, the Air Force of my day would, seemingly, not be allowed to happen in these "enlightened" times - you don't even get squadron Landrovers these days!
Two things in my opinion.
Firstly, the youngsters these days are not as prepared to put up with privations and discipline as they were when I joined ("war baby" era). Just about everybody in those times had a father or uncle who had served thus giving some sort of continuity of expectation.
Secondly, I reckon the perception amongst the 'yoof' is that the RAF is now just another a big corporation with an overly strict dress code, a class ridden structure and low financial rewards.
I recall such things as the London/New York Air Race. Would such an event be allowed these days? Could the RAF even do it now?
Also, the famous London/Sydney Car Rally. Very high publicity event. RAF entered a car which was supported down route by a Herc, mil type planning and strategically place fuel/spares dumps, the works in fact. Could that happen in these times? I don't think so.
