Imagine a desired strategic aim that stated: Post-Haddon-Cave and the loss of three cadets, the MOD can not have the
PR risk of civilian volunteers flying RAF-associated young people in Mil Reg aircraft leading to a fatality and the enactment of loss of military authority over the MOD aircraft fleet. How would you achieve that effect?
1. Immediate stop to VGS flying - of course fully justified by the safety case
2. Greatly reduce the fleet to remove the need for volunteers
3. Re-brigade the schools to concentrate on the aircraft that look the least like military aircraft
I think throughout the last couple of years, maintenance of the aim has been very good and the desired end state has almost been achieved. I feel the real challenge will be filling the instructor seats for point 2, but the end justifies the means. Not flying achieves the aim, after all.
I think we are underestimating the leadership, vision and motivation manifest in the MOD. Why on earth would they want VGS staff, RAF GSA or the BGA input?