Jenny R:
Don't UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES accept any offer from the RAF other than for pilot training. If you desperately want to fly at all costs it may be very tempting to accept Nav or Flt Engineer or something similar but that is pure short termism and you'd regret it in the long run. I've been there and got the T-shirt.
If you get to choose between an airline sponsorship and RAF though I'd definitely recommend airline. In civvy street you're paid to fly first and foremost whereas in the RAF you must be an ace pilot during the day and Officer in Charge of Tiddlywinks Club or other such meaningful secondary duty the rest of the time.
Good luck.
[This message has been edited by Brakes to Park (edited 22 September 1999).]