I'm also going to be an 11th hour man. The biggest factor for me at my late age though is next posting. An enjoyable flying job would keep me content. A god awful staff job requiring long hours would see me off. Problem is, I would like a cast iron guarantee of my next job before signing on and how likely is that in this day and age? What I haven't had chance to read yet is; do we automatically lose the option point at 55 if we sign on till 60? I know I can pvr after 30 years of service but that is more messy.