Even though I am not aircrew, I understand and agree why flying pay is paid - unless pay and conditions (and job satisfaction) are comparable with civi street people will leave. Although there are only a finite number of flying jobs in civi street so I doubt everyone would get one.
What I don't agree with is paying peanuts to employ complete muppets in IPTs who continually mess things up and cause massive delays to projects, not to mention the financial waste that occurs. When will the MOD wake up and stop employing incompetant civil serpants who are as easy to get rid of as a dose of herpes and instead employ talented individuals at the same rates as industry. The money and time saved on projects would more than outweigh the costs.
Slightly off thread I know, but I've had a few fighting beers.