Pontious, not sure about the 80s but more recently (last 10-15 years) the RAF pipeline has been over capacity against the requirement and also pretty inefficient. Generally, the RN system has been much more efficient, with holdovers occurring due to either programme upgrades or poor IIS of new aircraft types (vide Merlin Mk1). The efficiency of the RN fast jet selection process is to be admired - identifying the "few" had to be as efficient as possible from the relatively small input per year of potential RN pilots.
Of course the RN has been able to send its holdovers to sea to get qualified to drive ships as well, so at the end of the pipeline some are well qualified to challenge for the top in the RN ( ship command still the driving feature of a First Sea Lord). However, holding over a 24 yr old for more than a couple of years is ridiculous and it is better to redund and recruit younger blood in this sort of case.
It would be interesting to know what the average age of gaining CR status is of current RAF aircrew( and predictions for the next 5 years (due to a zero recruiting policy)).
Last edited by Bismark; 16th May 2013 at 13:12.