# 2023-047 Pay and Benefits, Pilot's Pay and Promotion

Case summary

F&R Date: 2025-07-24

The grievor objected to the recovery of an overpayment caused by extra Second Lieutenant (2Lt) Incentive Pay Categories (IPCs) granted to him due to basic flight training delays beginning in 2006 until he was retroactively promoted to Lieutenant in 2009 on achieving Wings Standard. While the grievor acknowledged that Canadian Forces General Message (CANFORGEN) 159/15, PROMOTION AND PAY PILOT TRAINING DELAY FOR SERVICE REASONS, does not apply in his case as it was only effective as of its date of publication in 2015, he argued that it ought to apply since his overpayment was due to extra 2Lt IPCs that the Chief of the Defence Staff approved to account for service-related training delays. As the CANFORGEN's intention is to mitigate unintended pay recoveries on promotion to Lieutenant (Lt), the grievor requested that the amount debited against his pay account be rescinded. The Initial Authority rejected the grievor's submission due to exceeded time limits.

The Committee found that CANFORGEN 159/15 could not apply as it is clearly not retroactive; however, the Committee noted that similar grievances resulted in Final Authority (FA) direction to amend regulations/policy to ensure no financial disadvantage for pilots whose training was delayed for service reasons. Further, the FA had also directed that responsible organizations find similarly affected officers so adjustments could be made to promotion dates and IPCs. CANFORGEN 159/15 showed that the first part of the FA's direction was carried out; however, the Committee's inquiries to responsible organizations revealed no evidence of the second part's completion. The Committee found the grievor was aggrieved because his circumstances would have been addressed if the FA's direction had been fully implemented.  

The Committee recommended the FA direct the adjustment of the grievor's promotion to Lt to reflect the date he achieved Wings Standard. The grievor's pay should then be adjusted accordingly.