Ha haa,
I did my 12then did my licenses and have been making decent money for a good while so I can understand what you're on about.
On the one hand - the old RAF lads are mugs for staying in their comfort zones and working for sh1t wages but look at the other side too mate....
How much would you want to pay some old burnt out tea swilling comfort zone dwelling ex chief who's been off the tools forever and shuffles round a hangar with his pipe and slippers moaning all day?