Too right about "signing on", I did as soon as I left my last flying job which was when I was 60, as the industry had not progressed at that time to letting 60 yr olds fly anymore. This protected my DSS pension. Cant remember if I received any money, maybe I didnt as I had BA and a few other pensions coming in. Once I passed 65 though I got and still am getting an enhanced DSS pension as I get something called GRP as well (not sure what that is).
Anyone who leaves their job, or is prevented from doing their job, before DSS retirement age should make sure they do this as soon as they can.
Also if you go overseas to work as I did when I took VR from BA when I was 49 there is or was a scheme where you got pension credits on your file for at least a year I think, for use when you returned or retired.
Dont take any notice of the jobs comforters who say you dont want to drag your family out to your new airline when you obtain a job which I am sure you will. My family loved being expats as did my wife. It was a bit of a shock for me as they expected you to fly a lot more than I had to in BA but life was good!!! When you were at home and when you were away it was just the same as BA good hotels and allowances etc.
Last edited by Tercarley; 23rd September 2009 at 12:21.