4Greens, wake up man!
Where have you been the past 20 years?
Almost all uk military direct entry pilots from all three services started their flight training with at least some civilian QFIs from 1995 to 2003. (Huntings and Babcock).
The Joint Elementary Flying Training School
Indeed most RN and AAC and RAF Multi engine pilots have continued to do so to the present day. Babcock pilots carry out Army and Navy grading as well as EFT and RAF MELIN.
The "pure" civi QFIs face more annual check rides than their military colleagues as they face the same Military tests as well as CAA ones. Their ranks include Flt Cmdrs with considerable aerobatic and formation flying backgrounds, and the highest number of A2s in the system. Some have been teaching Military students since the mid 1990s.
Under Ascent, top notch civis teach Navy observers.
At Shawbury there are many ex mil QHIs.
Provided there is a military ethos to the schools, the mix of backgrounds is a genuine asset to be valued not scorned.
