It is only by going over the PFI contract with a very sharp eye will you discover if it is or is not a good deal for UK PLC ( RAF).
I would think that those on this forum are not equipped with enough of the "small print" in the contract to make that call.
To give a small example of this RAF pilots have not had to put their hands in their pockets for their training, in fact they have been paid to do it.
The civilian pilots have had to find the money for training and to finance the cost of living while doing so. The civilian is paid more than the military pilot but which is the most cost effective way to fill that seat over 25 years ?
The truth of the matter is I don't know the answer but these are the sort of questions that have to be asked when deciding if this PFI is good value for money......... Or not !