so you never made Spec Aircrew Sqn Ldr then Crab?
Al-bert - a few of us had a choice, stay as spec aircrew with a good chance of promotion to Sqn Ldr or stay as Flt Lt and take PA spine.
It was a no-brainer since the money was better on PA spine and it was all pensionable. Combine that with a transfer to AFP05 pension terms (more money again and better death in service benefits) and there was absolutely no reason not to.
Just got to stay breathing until 65 to get my second gratuity
