Based on my ONE TIME of paying for training, I have formulated the simplest and yet most meaningful experience based self guidence:
Absolutely, Positively, Under no uncertain circumstances, Don't Even Think
about about paying a company for the opportunity to go out and produce
revenue for them.
1. You did not pay many many thousands of dollars to aquire your skills just so you could GIVE THEM AWAY for the profit of a company.
2. If these BOZO'S and, thats what they are for asking you to work for free in the first place, can't find the financing to aquire an airplane or airplanes and operate a safe and legal flight operation, then you definatly dont want to hang your ticket out there for them. Think of the FAA scrutiny they are most definatly under if they are underfunded.
3. These BOZO'S do not respect you, what it took to get your skills. You are just another stick jockey for what must be a revolving door.
The bottom line is that GOOD COMPANYS do not have a problem keeping pilots. And they certainly dont need to ask you to pay for training.
Just dont do it