Winco,
Things have indeed changed, just about when I first left the fleet in fact (typical), and there are moves afoot to take FP away from all FCs who do not maintain currency (as it should be). We knew the rules when we went to the AWACS so cannot complain about them being enforced when we leave. I was playing devil's advocate with the 'everyone in a grd tour' comment, and I understand that for one tour followed by a return to fg that makes sense. But there are quite a few people around with the correct brevets who have not flown for years, are no longer current and never will be again, but still receive FP or are Spec Aircrew/PA, which seems strange to the majority of the (non-aircrew) RAF.
WW,
Couldn't agree more, but someone has to run the Country (no matter how badly) and they will still need paying.