Option 3 of course is to take a commission in another cap badge and apply for a secondment to the AAC as a pilot for a period of up to 5 years. You will then be eligible to apply for a transfer, however if you aren't successful you will have to return to your original employment for anything up to 3 years. Again, there will be mixed views and age may count against you as you are fast pushing the upper limit for direct entry, but if you pick up the phone to the SO3 recruiting at Middle Wallop, explain your position and ask to speak to people he should be able to arrange that.