Joe,
Don't jump on this melodramatic bandwagon. Did you really want to compete on streaming with guys who were doing EFT full time when you were earning a degree as well? This change works out to your advantage.
People here are recommending looking at the OTC/URNU. Some of them were commending this even before the change because of the EFT issue.
If you do decide on the UAS:
You will receive 10 hours flying training on an aircraft that would cost you a shedload to hire if you could find a flying club that had a comparably well-equipped, perfectly maintained aerobatic machine.
You will be taught by RAF QFIs with a wealth of experience that you would be hard pushed to find at a Civilian club. I was taught by a former F-16 QWI. You don't find many of those instructing PPLs.
You'll be treated like an adult, not a squaddie.
It's the best way to set yourself up to do a job that most people would give their right arm to do. (They'd find it difficult to do without their poleing arm though.)
You'll develop friendships for life with like-minded people and experience a level of camaraderie which you probably won't have encountered before.
You can go ski-ing, sailing, canoeing or pretty much whatever you fancy that's outdoors or sporty for a stupidly cheap price.
We'll pick up any travel, food or accommodation costs.
And we'll pay you.
The UAS remains the best thing you can possibly do as a student.
Dave
PS- on the UAS, you'll have plenty of chances to go and get cold and tired with the OTC for the weekend, or to arse around on the URNU's dinghy (make sure it's not your turn to blow it up.) When the OTC are offered a 20 minute AEF trip, they give it to their one of their top Cadets as a prize. Nuff said.
Last edited by Large Dave; 22nd Sep 2005 at 21:10.