MX442

Are there any ACMI type carriers out there that do not have training contracts for new hires? Is it typical for these places to have 2 year training contracts for over $40,000, or is that excessive?

MadDog11F

I'm not entirely sure, however, I believe GAC doesn't require its new hires to sign a training bond. Not that it matters, but I thought that was contrary to ALPA's by-laws. I.e., they're 'officially represented' by ALPA.

Try contacting Fogrunner on FI.com -- he's flying for 'em now and could tell you.

Take care...

jonnyjetprop

World does have a training contract. I take it that there is a reason why you want to take the training and run

mrvmo

Southern Air, Kalitta, and Atlas do not require training contracts.

MX442

I don't look at it as "taking the training and run". I am seeking employment at an AMCI carrier to gain experience as career progression. Specifically, I see a $48k training contract as higher than industry standard. If I had a near-future opportunity for further career progression, of course I would take it. Who wouldn't? But, I would be discriminated from moving on because my bank account does not have enough zeros. Obviously this answers most of my concerns and makes a case that it is not the right career fit for me. If this is their way of weeding out applicants, then they were successful.

I do not intend to insult anyone at these carriers. I want to keep my options open, yet be qualified for the most available employers. Of course hindsight is 20/20 and I'll wish I had taken the bird in hand if my career is stagnating 3 years from now. Don't get me wrong, I'm dying to do it. But I can't stomach the consequences.

jonnyjetprop

That's exactly why we have a training contract. I'm not trying to give you a hard time, but you have to look at it from the companies prospective. Training is expensive and we're not in the flight trainging business. Our pay rates are above adverage for our group and they want to make it a final destination, not a stepping stone. For the record, World's traing contract is $25K for 18 months prorated monthly.

Slice

Where's our resident lawyer on the subject? Chime in Vagabond.

MX442

No hard time taken. I understand it from a business perspective. We must both look out for our best interests. I thought the contract was excessive. I did not ask for the reason of finding a carrier without a contract, but to find out if this was the industry standard. I'm OK with the 2 year contract, but will always wonder "what if".

World is the only one I've applied to because I feel that they are the highest quality in the ACMI business. My indecision goes way beyond the training contract to personal considerations. If I have a hard time with commitment, I may as well step aside and pass my opportunity to someone else. I'll always second guess and wonder if I made the right decision.

dundem

Would anyone on this thread care to share Gemini's requirements? I haven't been able to find it on their website.

Kikuchiyo

Sorry, don't know our mins, but Gemini does not have a training contract or bond. I'm currently in training here at Gemini. Throughout the interview and Indoc the company asked several times if we had been entertaining thoughts of taking the training and running. It was made abundantly clear that while there was no bond, they expected a gentleman's understanding of the value of the training, and hoped we would do them the courtesy of sticking around long enough for them to see a return on their investment.