Last I heard from whispered voices in Cafe 128 at MOD HQ is that, as a retention measure, all flying pay will be held in a central fund (by Northern Rock
), and paid retrospectively on leaving the service as a lump sum. It will only be paid if a minimum of 16 years return of service has been completed. To make things easier it will be called a "gratuity". To avoid confusion with the current system flying pay will be stopped with immediate effect. This new gratuity will only be paid to those who are entitled to flying pay. Should an individual leave under PVR terms then his "gratuity" will be retrospectively halved!
Well, it is a rumour network!