I know Max has some great insight on the reimbursement program we have here. I'm not up to date with that especially with rotary wing transitions and all sorts of pay back programs. By no means do I want to sell company kool-aid, but if you are even remotely considering coming here you should do the cadet program. You sign nothing, free trip to the hangar, a nice glass of kool-aid, get to see some cool stuff, then you're on your way. You start building seniority (company seniority not pilot) the day you arrive. It's a HUGE advantage.
Let me give you an example: when I showed up I was 3rd in my class of about 30. 7 of us wanted, SLC. I got in first, I'm ahead of all those in my class. Once we started shrinking the flying I held a line for months while someone just 5 below me not being a cadet was on reserve. Eventually the shrinkage did catch up, but I held a line for over a year giving me my minimums to upgrade fast. On top of that I had 9 months of company seniority on day 1 of new hire class. I spent 1 month off IOE and I could bid and use vacation time. Another huge advantage while those who didn't, spent 10 months after just to use vacation. I get all our bonuses, which last year I think gave me a whopping $1,200. This year should be a lot higher now that I get financial, performance, and profit sharing each quarter.
Now if you decide you don't want to come here, that's fine. I totally understand with pay and QOL how it is from our competitors, you just send the badge back. You owe nothing, you're in your way. I was a huge proponent of not signing anything until I had my minimums. I believe most airlines will make you sign something, mainly because they have huge sign on bonuses and we don't. I didn't want to tie my hands. 1 year in this industry changes airlines drastically now.
Certain situations may change that though. I've talked with
@Maximillian_Jenius about this a lot. Not going to post his scenario here, but they're all different. All I had to do was time build, so for me it didn't make sense to sign a contract at 300 hours. For some people with tuition reimbursement, paying for training, military transition programs, etc (whatever else they're throwing money at) it might change your decision. If you have a contract, obviously don't sign up for a cadet program. If you don't, you have all your training done, I'd sign up for them all and don't sign anything until you're done or you're absolutely sure that's the air carrier you want. The way they advertise this stuff looks very intriguing to those who don't do any research. You don't really need a "guaranteed" CFI job. You have the option to go anywhere you want.
I like to think of this as being an athlete in the sports world (Don't hate me, Max). If you're just time bundling you're like a free agent. Wait it out a little, hear the offers, take the free pizza, sign up for all the free programs, then outweigh your options only when you're within a few months of a class date so you're absolutely sure. Those in training who need help are like student athletes looking for a scholarship. Again, evaluate your decision, make sure it's a good fit for you in your future, a stable company, and take the financial help. It's better than loans that's for sure. Kind of a stupid analogy, but it's the best advice I give when people ask me.
Always remember, things change fast. When I did my interview Envoy was paying like $22/hour I think? In a matter of weeks that rose to what we make at OO. Then 6ish months after being on the line Republic and Endeavor are paying amazing wages. Anyways as I digress, a lot of very informative people around here. I'm still a youngin in the industry so take it all with a grain of salt.