Rigga - thanks for answering my Q.
Smuj - I have no axe to grind, was just curious.
I do wonder why the RAF doesn't adopt a rank structure consistent either within itself or within the Armed Forces in general. The RN, RM & Army have WO2s, the RM, Army and RAF Regt have LCpls.
Wouldn't it make sense for the RAF to make SAC(T)s LCpls, what are now Flt Sgts be WO2s, and have Flt Sgt as a rank equivalent to Chf Tech? That would fit in with the RM & Army's progression of
Pte
LCpl
Cpl
Sgt
SSgt
WO2
WO1
The RN has almost the same (less LCpl).
It would be far more coherent in joint environments, and allow for more frequent promotion for the RAF (i.e. more ranks to attain). Of course if WO1 comes at age 50, then maybe not!