Reading more carefully what morgstar wrote,
I am inclined to believe that what he meant by
...to join the pension that pays final salary? (and yes i know its not really final salary).
was that you don't ghet your full salary - but a percentage based on your final salary, with the added criteria of the 'last 5 years part' alluded to by HD.
S&T - NATS are trying to close the scheme off (although it is very healthy) regardless of the oil prices - don't give them another excuse to use!!