To return to the original question with particular reference to AAR training for civil trained pilots I would offer the following thoughts as an ex OCU and Staneval pilot on both the Victor and the VC10. A good AAR operator seems to require little more than the basic training and the experience of a few operational trips but those individuals are not that common. They seem to have an inbuilt sense of spatial awareness, good airmanship and the ability to anticipate the needs of their customers right from the start. The average pilot is another matter and requires guidance throughout the course and beyond for a good six to nine months before they become confident in role. Indeed some never progress beyond a rigid following of procedures and that is particularly true of the older pilots from other types both multi and fastjet. A good AAR pilot needs regular practice to keep his thinking sharp, there is a lot more to the role than just trailing the hoses.