"So in simple terms if you are not paying tax on your income but are connected to the UK through wifey property kids then " you be f**ked" "
This is incorrect as long as you pass the residency test. The part of which is of interest to pilots is, full time contract, 91 days or less a year in UK and less than 20 days work in UK.
With HMCR the onus of proof is on the individual so if you think that you can ignore the above and not pay tax you may or may not get away with it, however if HMCR decide to audit you have cash on hand.
There is a wealth of information about this out there, including an explanation of why the rules have changed.
Hope this helps.