There is little point comparing this to Bernard Gray's appointment. One of his predecessors was also pulling an Admiral's pension and was notorious for ruling that it was acceptable to knowingly waste huge sums while saving money at the expense of safety. (He wasn't named by H-C or Gray in their reports). If Gray rescinds such rulings he is worth every penny. Big IF though.
As for notifying by e-mail - utterly despicable. One of the civil service practices the Army should not have adopted. At least it seems they didn't copy it to everyone, as happened to an old boss of mine.
Regarding loss of pilots, I hope there is an equivalent loss at the top of the pyramid.