Training contracts in part 135

[deskjockey]

Have people come across charter or management companies that want you to sign a training contract prior to sending you off to school to get type rated?

I'm in my first 135 job (yes, I do have a training contract) and my company insists they've been burned in the past by pilots who get typed on the company dime and then take off to work somewhere else when a better offer or part 91 opportunity comes up. I guess I can see this happening but it would make more sense to offer an environment, compensation, etc that makes people want to stick around instead of jump ship at the earliest opportunity. I just get the sense that most charter pilots are always on the lookout for the next job until they make it to that dream corporate gig.

 

[Rayflyoz]

A buddie of mine went to school for a pt135 beech jet job. Finished training and first day of work the company slaps a 18 month contract in front of him. He signed it and still working for them.

 

[Bandit_Driver]

A buddie of mine went to school for a pt135 beech jet job. Finished training and first day of work the company slaps a 18 month contract in front of him. He signed it and still working for them.

It isn't unheard of in the industry. You just have to watch how they are worded and watch what you sign. Some will have you paying the company back if they fire you, furlough you , etc.

I think it is absolutely BS if the company doesn't tell you about this upfront prior to hiring or upgrade training. If a company dropped this on me after my type ride I'd refuse to sign it. You are in the driver's seat then.

 

[Texasspilot]

i think most companies seem to have them. Sad but true.

Nice part is....most are complete bs and, ive been told, wont stand up in court.

That being said...making it agood enough job so people wont want to leave is a nice dream.

 

[FSIPILOT]

A buddie of mine went to school for a pt135 beech jet job. Finished training and first day of work the company slaps a 18 month contract in front of him. He signed it and still working for them.

HA! No WAY he should have signed it, no way in HELL I would have after the fact.

I've seen some 135's do it. Its worth being said that one should stick to his word and a signed contract is a tool used by people to "watch out for thier investment". However, don't get snowed here... companies typeing guys is a cost of doing business and in no way is a personal favor to you. Do what ya gotta do, but keep in mind most won't chase after you for the cash.

 

[Bandit_Driver]

Nice part is....most are complete bs and, ive been told, wont stand up in court.
quote]

Don't be so sure about that. I know at my last job they sent them straight to a collections company...Most pilots starting out in this industry don't have the time nor the money to fight them in court...

 

[jonnyb]

A 12 month contract for an initial type rating is kinda standard at many 135 companies which isn't that big of deal, however, a contract should never be signed for recurrent training; this is most certainly a cost of doing business for the company.

 

[Texasspilot]

Nice part is....most are complete bs and, ive been told, wont stand up in court.
quote]

Don't be so sure about that. I know at my last job they sent them straight to a collections company...Most pilots starting out in this industry don't have the time nor the money to fight them in court...

Money for a lawyer is the problem but they have been successfully fought and considered bogus in Texas.

And yah...a contract for recurrent is BS.

 

[Rayflyoz]

Ya I agree its bs. however for my buddie it all worked out in the end.

 

[FSIPILOT]

A 12 month contract for an initial type rating is kinda standard at many 135 companies which isn't that big of deal, however, a contract should never be signed for recurrent training; this is most certainly a cost of doing business for the company.

JonnyB's nailed it on the head.

 

[aloft]

Scenic is now Pt 135 and has a training contract for new FOs, who don't even get typed!