"In the days when you took a promotion exam (B Exam) for "promotion" to Flt Lt. And if you didn't take it, you ended up as a 38 yo Fg Off - but having flown all the time."
I did not take the "C", stayed a Flt. Lt. to 38, and was always current, even through a "Ground" tour.
Now whether they would have promoted me is another question. I was once told by a senior oficer that I had a reputation for arguing with senior officers. "Not at all" says I. "I see what they mean" says he.