Sad and wrong as this is, if there are not going to be enough aircraft for them to fly, they have to go.
Even one more training sortie for someone who isn't going to become operational is a waste.
These are the hard facts that are going to hit some of the brightest and finest young men and women the UK has produced early next week.
Pity them, and pity the poor Air Staff who have to make these decisions; what a situation to have to try and manage!
I have my fingers crossed for them all, especially my son, who is so close behind them.
Stupid, stupid Politicians.