PAS FTRS and Flying Pay

[Maximus6]

Dear fellow PPruners,
I would be most grateful if I could get some information and possible advice as I'm considering applying for an advertised RAF FTRS position, but information is hard to come by as I'm based stateside. I'm currently 2 years into PAS and would like to know how this would effect my starting salary, what is the starting salary for a Flt Lt FTRS flying post, does it attract flying pay? Essentially, I think that I would really enjoy QFI ing again but I don't want to take too much of a financial hit. Many thanks in advance, Maximus.

[GipsyMagpie]

If you're 2 years into PAS you're still 'in' the job. FTRS is an 'out' job. As I understand it you'd have to PVR, losing your PAS pension, you'd get the lower rate of 75 pension and I don't think you'd get flying pay. The rate of pay for an FTRS(LC) Flt Lt is as frontline except only 5% x-factor not 14%.

[VinRouge]

Could you take a 3 year sabbatical to do FTRS? If you are stateside on exchange you won't be able to on the basis that you will have a ROS.

[chinook240]

Don't know which pension you are on but if it's APFS05 this previous thread might be of interest.

AFPS05 it is much more complicated. Firstly if you retire before 55 to go FTRS then you need to understand that an Early Departure Payment (EDP) is NOT a pension. Therefore, if you leave for FTRS before 55 then you will get NO yearly EDP until you retire from FTRS (or possibly at 55 depending on how the transition to AFPS15 is managed).

FTRS and 05 Pension [Archive] - PPRuNe Forums (http://www.pprune.org/archive/index.php/t-551317.html)

[Background Noise]

As said, your pension scheme will be key. There will be a big difference between AFPS75 and AFPS05.

Pay rates here: https://www.raf.mod.uk/community/financial/pay-allowances-pensions/current-pay-rates-charges/

[Sandy Parts]

Some suggestions - 1. Get the full info on the FTRS job. You say QFI? Is the post FTRS Flt Lt (Pilot)? If so - you'd be on the Flt Lt pay scale relating to your current Flt Lt experience (so as ex-PAS, I'd guess you would jump to the top Flt Lt pay bracket). LC as already mentioned means you get some X-factor. The payscales are online for Flt Lt FTRS. Not sure about the flying pay these days. As it is a flying job, I'd have hoped so but get it in writing!
2. Get the full info on effects on your pension. As already said - big difference between AFPS75 and 05. I was 75 and left prior to full 5 yrs on PAS so I got an 'enhanced' pension based on the old 'Specialist Aircrew' pension bands. Better than no PAS service but not as good as full 5 yrs on PAS. No idea the effect on 05 pension - you'd need to read up in the Pension Docs for that.
3. Figure out what you'd need to pay-back if getting an EDP. If getting an Immediate Pension, add that to the FTRS Flt Lt pay (with Flying Pay? - not sure on this point) and if total more than your current rate of pay, you'll get your pension abated to take it back down. This may affect your decision re commutating pension if you will get an IP. Lots to think about - you'll get advice on here but most of us don't have the latest docs for hard answers.
PS - don't forget FTRS doesn't entitle you to dental or medical cover either (although that may be possible at 'unit discretion' I believe). At least you do get another pension pot started for FTRS time. Good luck!