Big cuts are coming whoever wins.
I see the subject of Flying Pay is as hot as ever. I can see the arguments both for and against and do not really feel that strongly about either.
However, why do we need all pilots to be commissioned?? The RAF has way too many Officers, especially at the Starred ranks and so is ripe for a cull.
In the longer term why not have SNCO pilots who, in the fullness of time, make up the majority of aircrew?
These would in effect be the same people who would have previously gone down the Cranwell route so no dilution of quality.
Saw a documentary not that long ago that was about Mountain Rescue. Along comes an RAF Sea King with a Sqn Ldr pilot and a Sqn Ldr working the radar/winch. Does not seem that cost effective.
I see no issue with SNCO Typhoon pilots either.
Just a thought. Seemed to work in the late 30s, early 40s................