ATCO Fred,
I've honestly no axe to grind either way. However; Level 8 Flt Lt = £43K. Can't argue with that, but by definition a level 8 Flt Lt will have been in the Service at least 10 years. NATS salary after 10 years will be between approx £55K and £85K. Also you can add the Service pension on top of that if you've reached 16 / 22 year point before you jump ship. I reckon that even if you self fund your training then you would be ahead in salaries on the civil side within 5 years.
Regards, ADIS