Another way to go ?
Fantaman It would seem that you have the wish to fly and NCA is a very good way to go about this, I have worked with guys who have been trained by this system and they are to a man first class operators but the big problem for them all is what do they do after they finish with the RAF or with the way this goverment is going the RAF finishes with them.
If the chance of NCA lands at your feet then take it because it will teach you what you can't learn from books, airmanship and practical aircraft operation.
The NCA training will set you up to take the next step to set you up for life after the RAF............ Flying for the airlines !The RAF has a number of first class flying flying clubs and you can take advantage of the very cheap rates to get a Private pilots licence and the 150 hours flying time that you would need to start the (F)ATPL course.
I would take a guess that you could put your self in the right hand seat of an airliner for about 25% less cost than a civilian and your military background will be of great help when it comes to looking for a job.