NAO report into flying training
The history of this makes interesting reading. The above often quoted report for starting MFTS but actually doesn't say any such thing. Indeed the paragraph on contractorisation says:
Some of the weaknesses evident in setting targets also show through in other initiatives. The Agency have pursued a variety of site rationalisation and contractorisation projects with mixed results. Weaknesses in specification of services and contract monitoring and enforcement have cost the Department output and money. And similar weaknesses in planning have meant that the implications of site rationalisation were not fully understood, with the result that fewer sites have been sold than planned, and some initially closed have had to be re-opened. Overall, however, contractorisation and rationalisation have contributed towards improved efficiency, if not on the scale originally envisaged.
Not a resounding endorsement of contractorisation.
The latest NAO report makes for a depressing read too. Fortunately the RW project is part of a mature process within the contractor.
NAO 2015 update
On the subject of rear crew training and cabin height, name me a helicopter under 5 tonne which does have a standing cabin! Something heavier is not going to be cost effective for pilot training.