Better pay..hmmmmm
I've done the math...Level 8 Flt Lt is £43K. Nats start up pay is (to be polite) low. Self fund and get an ADI rating circa £30-36K depending upon unit. Self fund and get an APS rating £45-50k depending upon unit although more difficult to secure that first job.
Yes....fully appreciate the potential for more as you gain experience/ratings (circa £60k) in civil side but I don't think the pay divide is as large as some think!