Tacocat02

Hello everybody.

I have been reading every post on here regarding training contracts because I myself need some advice.
I had to break a year-long contract half way through due to personal reasons. I know its not good, but it is something I had to do.

I have now received a letter from my former company's lawyer demanding the money for the agreement.
I have been in contact with lawyers, but the process is long.
Has anyone else been through this recently?

The contract was not notarized.
I live in a different state than the company.
I am not using the type rating that I got with the last company.

Thanks for any advise

outaluckagain

Definately....Lawyer!!!

jonnyjetprop

Three things I'd never get from a pilot (and I am a pilot)

Investment advice

Tax advice

Legal advice

Tango 6

Are you a man of your word or not? You signed it you should pay it

Cubdriver

Absolutely consult a contract lawyer to see what they can do for you, all of them say they can win your case so rather than charge ahead with a lawyer at your side, I would set a dollar limit on your legal defense and make it pretty low ($1000). Find a lawyer located in the county the case will be taken to the judge.

This is just me speaking not a lawyer, but I urge you to strongly consider setting up a payment plan for paying out your training contract because getting reamed by a contract lawyer hired to defend you is almost certainly a worse option than simply paying the contract out. These cases often (always) end up in a war of escalation between the two sides, with the only real winners being the lawyers collecting legal fees. Justice is expensive. You are a humble pilot, lawyering up is not a move you want to make in your position. The time to avoid these situations is BEFORE signing a contract, which is now gone.

Tacocat02

Thanks for the advice so far.
I obviously did not plan or want to be in this situation. But because of family matters I could no longer remain at the company.
I have set up a prelimanary payment plan. I am however waiting on my lawyer.
I just mainly wanted to know what I can expect or here personal experiences with this matter.

Duksrule

I love when people say this when they don't have any idea what the circumstances are.

I will tell you I am a man of my word but I am debating on breaking my training contract where I work. I signed it and had every intention of staying the year. Problem is my company seems to come up with new policies and "regulations" out of thin air. None of these were in affect when I signed my agreement. As far as I am concerned when they change the terms that voids the agreement.


I am not at he lawyer point and am trying to stick it out but I won't feel a bit guilty if I leave early.



Don't judge people unless you are in their shoes.

4fansofFRDM

I have been flying for a part 135 operator. I finished the training and after completion they gave me a training contract for one year. I thought this was bogus but I wanted to keep the job so I signed it for fear I would be fired. It's been more than six months and I got a job at a regional. Should I be forced to pay back the contract? No type rating was received as it was training in a twin otter. Thanks for your input.

IcyAviator

Usually they do that before the training, that is strange. Why don't you talk with the operator and see what they are going to do or can do?

Circumstances dictate leaving, like the OPs situation...however, leaving for a regional on a whim probably won't be viewed good by that company. For the life of me I can't understand the quick jumps after 6 months.

I did a year and everything was golden to move on...but I guess everyone is different.

4fansofFRDM

It's not on a whim, I flew for a season and the busy season is over. They want to upgrade me early next year but I don't want to spend 2 years here. Need to get into the 121 system before it's too late. Thanks for your advice