Zeddy
I have heard many stories of applicants acing the flying component but flunking the board. You have to show a potential and willingness to LEARN, not show-off by exemplifying how much of an ace you think you are....because the instructors will see right through you.
I know of a candidate that went with zero hours except about 15mins at the controls of a 182 airborne. He got an excellent flight score (demonstrating his ability to learn fast), nailed the leadership but was not recommended because by not taking flying he demonstrated a lack of motivation. Total bollocks IMO. However he is not out of the pool for good I understand and its still game on
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I know an ex WGCDR that failed two boards and a serving LTCOL thats a close mate (we were JOs in the same op confines and of similar seniority at a couple of major exercises) that failed 3 boards (2 SSO and 1GSO).