FRI to go... and loss of Flying Pay
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FRI to go... and loss of Flying Pay
Only recently heard about this, but thought it might kick off a quite emotive topic of discussion...
Hidden in the Defence Review of 21 July was the announcement that the Aircrew Financial Retention Incentive (FRI) is to be altered significantly. In a nutshell, the RAF will not get it anymore at all and the FAA will be taken on a case-by-case basis (ie they decide if they want to retain you...) I'm not sure if this affects the AAC or not. I'm sure there will be one or two rather disappointed people who thought they were short finals for a rather healthy pay packet. Bear in mind that the original DCI detailing the scheme indicated that it would run for 5 years from introduction (Apr '02).
Even worse is the news that if you PVR prior to the end of whatever commission you are on, you will now lose ALL your flying pay with immediate effect. This raises one or two interesting points. We've always had the system that if you PVR'd then you dropped one level of flying pay (ie if on higher rate, then you dropped to middle rate whilst serving out your 12 month's notice). This now seems to have changed, but I'm not sure when it will take effect from.
The points I would have would be:
1. If you lose your flying pay, will you be expected to continue to fly? If so, is this legal as I'm sure JSP550 talks about only being able to be crew in a military aircraft if either in receipt of Specialist Flying Pay or on a recognised flying training course. Otherwise you would have to fly as a passenger or supernumerary crew - is this possible in a single pilot aircraft?
2. If the powers that be decide to stop your flying pay, are you within your rights to refuse to fly if told to do so? You're not getting the flying pay, so they're not going to get the flying!
3. Is this legal? Indeed is the previous arrangement legal under European Law? I'm sure a good lawyer would have a field day with this one - can an employer penalise you financially just for putting your notice in? Total loss of flying pay would equate to a pay cut of around £11.5k if you're on the higher rate!
This obviously only applies if you PVR, so maybe some bright Civil Servant has pointed out that in order to retain aircrew, why pay them a retention bonus when you could achieve the same result in reverse by financially penalising them for leaving early? Obviously significantly cheaper too...
Or have I got the wrong end of the stick, and this is just another of Geoff Hoon's marvellous schemes to make the Armed Forces more capable in an ever changing world climate?
Hidden in the Defence Review of 21 July was the announcement that the Aircrew Financial Retention Incentive (FRI) is to be altered significantly. In a nutshell, the RAF will not get it anymore at all and the FAA will be taken on a case-by-case basis (ie they decide if they want to retain you...) I'm not sure if this affects the AAC or not. I'm sure there will be one or two rather disappointed people who thought they were short finals for a rather healthy pay packet. Bear in mind that the original DCI detailing the scheme indicated that it would run for 5 years from introduction (Apr '02).
Even worse is the news that if you PVR prior to the end of whatever commission you are on, you will now lose ALL your flying pay with immediate effect. This raises one or two interesting points. We've always had the system that if you PVR'd then you dropped one level of flying pay (ie if on higher rate, then you dropped to middle rate whilst serving out your 12 month's notice). This now seems to have changed, but I'm not sure when it will take effect from.
The points I would have would be:
1. If you lose your flying pay, will you be expected to continue to fly? If so, is this legal as I'm sure JSP550 talks about only being able to be crew in a military aircraft if either in receipt of Specialist Flying Pay or on a recognised flying training course. Otherwise you would have to fly as a passenger or supernumerary crew - is this possible in a single pilot aircraft?
2. If the powers that be decide to stop your flying pay, are you within your rights to refuse to fly if told to do so? You're not getting the flying pay, so they're not going to get the flying!
3. Is this legal? Indeed is the previous arrangement legal under European Law? I'm sure a good lawyer would have a field day with this one - can an employer penalise you financially just for putting your notice in? Total loss of flying pay would equate to a pay cut of around £11.5k if you're on the higher rate!
This obviously only applies if you PVR, so maybe some bright Civil Servant has pointed out that in order to retain aircrew, why pay them a retention bonus when you could achieve the same result in reverse by financially penalising them for leaving early? Obviously significantly cheaper too...
Or have I got the wrong end of the stick, and this is just another of Geoff Hoon's marvellous schemes to make the Armed Forces more capable in an ever changing world climate?
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A few FACTS!!!!
Only change to FRI was for the RAF.
The current scheme will remain unchanged until 2007 for the FAA and Army for ALL aircrew.
The RAF system is complex from now and someone from PMA should reply.
I don't have the paper in front of me as I am at home!
Only change to FRI was for the RAF.
The current scheme will remain unchanged until 2007 for the FAA and Army for ALL aircrew.
The RAF system is complex from now and someone from PMA should reply.
I don't have the paper in front of me as I am at home!
xPinger
You sound surprised at the loss of the FRI. You shouldn't be really. Given the swingeing recent cuts there is little need of FRI, particularly in the RAF. The RAF isn't assimilating ME pilots past their engagement terms so I am not in the least surprised that FRIs will be ditched.
On the subject of PVR and flying pay that you mentioned - now that does sound like a nasty, nasty thing if it's true. That certainly needs following up by experts.
You sound surprised at the loss of the FRI. You shouldn't be really. Given the swingeing recent cuts there is little need of FRI, particularly in the RAF. The RAF isn't assimilating ME pilots past their engagement terms so I am not in the least surprised that FRIs will be ditched.
On the subject of PVR and flying pay that you mentioned - now that does sound like a nasty, nasty thing if it's true. That certainly needs following up by experts.
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Sadly the removal of flying pay has a similar, and spiteful, precendent in the early 80s. Giving of the mandatory 3 years notice of PVR was swiftly followed by a posting to a ground tour to ensure that pilots cound not remain current and achieve type rating etc. The loss of FRI is no surprise, but an instant removal of flying pay is a serious move.
I wonder if they will apply the the same rules to those who chose to exercise their option at 38/44 ?????? I'd be interested to hear any rumours........
I wonder if they will apply the the same rules to those who chose to exercise their option at 38/44 ?????? I'd be interested to hear any rumours........
The latest chap (that I know of) to PVR from the secret Wiltshire airbase has dropped only one band of flying pay. That one is recent enough for him not to have his exit date yet.
As for running a targeted redundancy package AND paying FRIs at the same time, I'm amazed our lords and masters haven't leapt at that as making perfect sense.
As for running a targeted redundancy package AND paying FRIs at the same time, I'm amazed our lords and masters haven't leapt at that as making perfect sense.
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The changes can only apply from a date, so your current terms of service apply until you sign on/get promoted with an extension of service.
From experience blunties try to remove as much flying pay as possible within a day of PVR then take at least 3 months to rectify their mistake
despite you pointing out the error of their ways.
Charlie sends
From experience blunties try to remove as much flying pay as possible within a day of PVR then take at least 3 months to rectify their mistake
despite you pointing out the error of their ways.Charlie sends
This sounds like a 'management initiative' which would make even Michael O'Leary blanche......
I can't see very many ME pilots bothering to stay on past 38/16 or whatever it's called these days - except for brat-breeders after BSA - if that's what's going to happen.
2000TT, 1500 as ME P1, get Air Law, IR, ATPL and it'll be "Dear Sir Richard" time.
I can't see very many ME pilots bothering to stay on past 38/16 or whatever it's called these days - except for brat-breeders after BSA - if that's what's going to happen.
2000TT, 1500 as ME P1, get Air Law, IR, ATPL and it'll be "Dear Sir Richard" time.
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Beags
The suggestion that owners of Rug Rats will be the only 'occupants of the room with the light on' beyond the age of 38 may be flawed. BSA is the most expensive of the military allowances and the most commonly threatened by the bean counters. If BSA goes, then I suspect a rather large number will go with it - a machiavellian manning control method it may be, but it would be effective at removing older personnel. Surprised AFPAA haven't thought of it already.........
BTs
The suggestion that owners of Rug Rats will be the only 'occupants of the room with the light on' beyond the age of 38 may be flawed. BSA is the most expensive of the military allowances and the most commonly threatened by the bean counters. If BSA goes, then I suspect a rather large number will go with it - a machiavellian manning control method it may be, but it would be effective at removing older personnel. Surprised AFPAA haven't thought of it already.........
BTs
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It would be nice to be able to read about these things firsthand.
No-one I've spoken to has seen the papers Si Clik and xPinger mention. No doubt it's all hidden away somewhere on the DefenceNet - any chance of details of where to find it all?
D4R
No-one I've spoken to has seen the papers Si Clik and xPinger mention. No doubt it's all hidden away somewhere on the DefenceNet - any chance of details of where to find it all?
D4R
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BSA
BSA is bound to go, because:
a. it would result in large numbers of people leaving the RAF.
b. it would save a lot of money.
c. it would result in the closure of a number of private schools.
...that's three government objectives achieved in one go!
a. it would result in large numbers of people leaving the RAF.
b. it would save a lot of money.
c. it would result in the closure of a number of private schools.
...that's three government objectives achieved in one go!
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Beags
There is no specific threat to breeders incentive beyond the usual mutterings from the civil servants; however, I understand that there are further 'initiatives' underway. The FCO lost their right to claim BSA when based in the UK and have been out to 'get' the services BSA ever since.
Rgds
There is no specific threat to breeders incentive beyond the usual mutterings from the civil servants; however, I understand that there are further 'initiatives' underway. The FCO lost their right to claim BSA when based in the UK and have been out to 'get' the services BSA ever since.
Rgds
