While we're all putting the boot into the RAF, post #4 back on page 1 bears some comment:
How to fly a Herc!
Step 1. Get chopped from fast jets and/or rotary.
Step 2. .............
Only in the RAF. In many other Air Forces, you need to pass the full fast jet course before being awarded your wings. I'll grant you that those at the top of the course usually get the FJ slots, but the fact remains, not everyone does it the RAF way of moving trainees onto helicopter or multi engine streams before they graduate from initial training.