As an aside, does the RAF still offer the "Specialist Aircrew" terms of service ?
TLB
These days its known as Professional Aviator (PA); it's not quite the same as Spec Aircrew but very similar in that the aim is to retain experience in the cockpit. It also follows a separate pay spine that achieves a higher pension by effectively including flying pay in your basic pay. Transferees are unlikely to move direct to the PA spine on transfer but its definitely negotiable at the point of transfer dependent on seniority and experience. FJ and QFI?... you'll be holding all the cards I'm sure!