End of the FOOs?

[Not_a_boffin]

Sneaked out this week in written answers, the well-loved and respected MinAF Bob Ainsworth let slip what were termed Armed Forces Vacancies in "Pinch-Point" trades. While the shortage of RN f/w aircrew was not surprising, the scale of the gap (50%+ shortage of QFI and similar number of RN Lt pilots) was, as was the shortage of aircrew for the Grey Merlin (40%+).Do the WAFUs have a future and more to the point is 2SL / RAFAA doing anything about it?http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmhansrd/cm080122/text/80122w0010.htm#08012323000061

[LFFC]

Hummm... interesting. So it looks like the RAF doesn't have any problems at all with it's pilot numbers! That's reassuring.

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[LFFC]

Well, if the Minister's answer is correct, I guess we can kiss goodbye to any more FRIs.

[WE Branch Fanatic]

The current manning situation with the Fleet Air Arm has been discussed elsewhere on PPRuNe, including the Sea Jet (http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=98152) and Future Carrier (http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=221116) threads.

In the mid 90s I read in Navy News that the RN had between fifty and sixty Sea Harrier pilots, including those on non flying duties. What went wrong?

The commitment to the Adriatic theatre creating a back to back commitment for 800 and 801 (and the Sea King guys too), and morale/retention issues?
Lack of investment in naval aviation starting when? 80s? 90? Under this Government?
Not recruiting enough aircrew?
Retention problems caused by the proposed move from Yeovilton to Cott/Witt.
Retention/morale issues due to the make up of JFH and being "taken over" by the RAF?
Retention problems due to losing the fighter role?

So, what was it? More importantly, we do we do now?