Unfortunatly it all boils down to not enough manpower to fix them ( bean counters fault-Lean/cutbacks
) , not enough frames to fly ( bean counters fault-more work with less frames as it looks good on paper
) which leads to less time in the sky due to them being sat on the floor in bits ( bean counters-can't keep a decent spares stock or provide sufficient engineering support) as the frames are getting the arse flown off them and not getting fixed, and ADF's and LIM's build up leading to MORE AOG time when they finally get a maintainence oppertunity. Frames are turning up in theatres in absolute ****-states, due to the engineers not having time to sort them properly, leading to more non-flying time. All this leads to crews struggling to keep current, which leads to more aircraft being tasked for MCT, eating up hours on the few spare a/c, meaning tasks lower down the "food chain" suffer accordingly.
And don't let the political spin sway you, as 16 blades says there is a big big difference between "avalibility" and "servicable ready to fly".
the solution is easy- stop running the RAF like a (bankrupt) business, give us the manpower we need, give us the money we need, and the results will be plain to see. MAN US FOR THE TASK OR TASK US FOR THE MANNING.