Non-Commissioned Nimrod Air Electronics Officers (II)
Aside from the obvious comments about keeping the sun off the tac screen and operating the dimmers switch, the fact that three master aircrew will soon be filling the role of AEO on the Nimrod MR2 is another example of PMA mismanagement.
The first three AEOps selected (WSOps in new money) are all very capable, professional and, in my opinion, nice blokes, but there is no proposed substitution pay or tangible sweetener.
Commissioned AEOs (WSO) can reach level 28 on the PAS ladder but MACr have a ceiling of level 20, some £8000 less, for carrying out the same role with the same responsibility on the same aircraft.
Managerial responsibilities are still the same and there can be no sensible argument regarding captaincy as not all AEOs make captain.
The new situation is likely to create resentment. Current AEOs will surely see this move as a threat to their status while the AEOp (WSOp) cadre will view the change as further erosion of experience, and an attitude from PMA that NCA will simply carry out the same role for less pay.
Why not offer a fast-track commissioned warrant officer to selected candidates and level the playing field or raise the PAS threshold in line with existing AEOs?