Training Contracts...

AviatorGator

AviatorGator

Well-Known Member
Recently the issue of training contracts has come up for some colleagues of mine. I'm curious to know how prevalent contracts are for new hires and upgrades. I realize this mainly applies to charter, corporate, and private aviation but do you see this in the 121 world as well?

What type of training requires a contract? How long is the contract valid for and what are the terms? How and when can you get out of it? Is there a pay or salary guarantee? And what do you owe if you break the contract?

If you wish to PM me instead I understand, either way the info is greatly appreciated.
 
There are a few 121 carriers (regional level) that have training contracts. Great Lakes was notorious for theirs and I believe Republic may have one still on the 170. Otherwise they don't exist in the 121 world.
 
I interviewed at a fractional that required a year long, prorated training contract for new hires and upgrades. I interviewed at a freight company that had a similar deal. Apparently, both of them have been burned by scumbags, so they implemented them. I'm not a fan, but I can see how they want to protect their investment. Personally, it doesn't really bother me that much when it is something reasonable.
 
Compass, Republic (on the 170), Great Lakes, American Eagle (if you take the bonus) are who come to mind.
 
bkey79 said:
Compass, Republic (on the 170), Great Lakes, American Eagle (if you take the bonus) are who come to mind.
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Eagle doesn't make you sign a training contract if you take the bonus, they simply require you to pay back the bonus if you bail within a 2 year period. That really isn't the same thing.
 
mojo6911 said:
Eagle doesn't make you sign a training contract if you take the bonus, they simply require you to pay back the bonus if you bail within a 2 year period. That really isn't the same thing.
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Oops, I stand corrected. Thanks!
 
My company has recently brought up the idea of having new hires and upgrades sign contracts, but as CP I continue to oppose the idea. As I see it, if we treat pilots well and provide them with the best possible QOL we can give them in on-demand 135 they will stay on their own. People tend to bail on an employer when something better comes along, so we're trying to make it harder to find something better. It's understandable that pilots are going to leave eventually, but good QOL, good equipment, and good working environment can reduce attrition and the need for contacts.
 
I was recently offered a gig that came with meager pay for the position and a 2yr training contract. I would have been okay with it, had the pay been on par, but low pay AND a two year contract and you expect me to stay? Not to mention another contract for recurrent at the end of the first year. Bad taste.
 
Great Lakes is 7,500 non pro rated + interest, 15 months, even if you were terminated the day before your 15 months is up you owe them. Which if you're following along at home is half your 1st year's salary :bang:
 
I appreciate the feedback so far folks.

Now let me open up a can of worms. What if I told you the contracts I described earlier have no pay guarantee of any kind, and so far the only contracts have been asked to be signed retrospectively (in some cases over a year after training has already occurred), with the the alternatives being you can quit or stay and be kept out of the rotation unless absolutely necessary. Prior to this there was no contract of any kind in force.

Thoughts?
 
Ajax said:
Great Lakes is 7,500 non pro rated + interest, 15 months, even if you were terminated the day before your 15 months is up you owe them. Which if you're following along at home is half your 1st year's salary :bang:
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Wow, so in the Great Lakes contract you're actually still on the hook even if they fire you? And nothing is prorated?
 
AviatorGator said:
Wow, so in the Great Lakes contract you're actually still on the hook even if they fire you? And nothing is prorated?
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Yeah, you know when I was reading that I was wondering who in their right minds would sign on to that. Not to mention no pay during training, and you don't interview for a job but a spot in class.
 
AviatorGator said:
I appreciate the feedback so far folks.

Now let me open up a can of worms. What if I told you the contracts I described earlier have no pay guarantee of any kind, and so far the only contracts have been asked to be signed retrospectively (in some cases over a year after training has already occurred), with the the alternatives being you can quit or stay and be kept out of the rotation unless absolutely necessary. Prior to this there was no contract of any kind in force.

Thoughts?
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"Up yours."

;)
 
Ajax said:
Great Lakes is 7,500 non pro rated + interest, 15 months, even if you were terminated the day before your 15 months is up you owe them. Which if you're following along at home is half your 1st year's salary :bang:
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I'm not familiar with the airline world, but training contracts are pretty common in the business world and I've never heard of a training contract where payback is required if the company terminates you, only if you choose to leave before the contract expires.
 
rframe said:
I'm not familiar with the airline world, but training contracts are pretty common in the business world and I've never heard of a training contract where payback is required if the company terminates you, only if you choose to leave before the contract expires.
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Only the bottom of the barrel do that.
 
rframe said:
I'm not familiar with the airline world, but training contracts are pretty common in the business world and I've never heard of a training contract where payback is required if the company terminates you, only if you choose to leave before the contract expires.
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I read it, was offered, said thanks but no thanks.


mojo6911 said:
Only the bottom of the barrel do that.
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^^^Yeah that
 
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