Lancer

I hate to open myself up to this, but here goes! I'm curious as to the corporate pilot's opinion on a pilot candidate offering to pay for his initial training during the job interview or resume cover letter? I grew up around corporate aviation reading Pro Pilot, could say APU at 2, and new all the airplanes that had them by the age of 5. Yet because of my lack of Corporate experience, I'm at a huge disadvantage when applying for corporate pilot positions. When I'm applying for the same job as a less experienced, less personable, loyal, all of the above pilot, who has a type rating in the specific aircraft, I simply can't compete regardless of my exceptional professional military background. I do not wish to lower the standards of this great industry, but do wish to attain a desirable position. Will this action hurt our industry? Would it be socially unacceptable? If not, should this be offered in the cover letter to increase my chances of the interview? Fire away guys, all opinions appreciated!!

olympic

This is the reason a lot of companies ask for self-sponsored Type Ratings as a MINIMUM REQUIREMENT. You also have some companies making you pay for your UNIFORM, utterly ridiculous. I disagree with this and personally would never pay for a Type Rating.

These type of things ruin the market, in a few years new hires will have to pay for everything if this trend continues.

Dualrated

An aircraft owner should understand the costs of an aircraft; part of that is training your crews. If he can't afford that, then they shouldn't have an airplane.
I've recently seen a few jobs posted that said you pay up front and they reimburse you over 24 months... I wouldn't even touch that.
I understand a training contract, but spending 10-50K on a type rating that is basically only valid for 12-24 months dependent on PIC/SIC; not worth it in my eyes. If they won't pay for training, what will they pay for????
I know it's hard breaking into corporate, but I would hope you can find another way, even in this market.

Maxspeed

It all startred at the commuters with one guy willing to buy his 1900 type! Pretty soon everyone had to buy it.

vagabond

Lancer, let me give you some free legal advice - DO NOT DO IT!

Few things give me a stress ulcer. However, hearing that someone is paying to get a job is one of them. Don't give me an ulcer.

ovrtake92

Agreed, Please Dont. If the company you want to work for cant afford to pay for your type rating, find someone that will. You will never recoup the costs considering all that is involved. ie. Time off work, Hotel, Food and rental car for three weeks. Type rating for a Citation X, for example, is around 28,000 dollars. I would laugh my ass off if someone wanted me to buy my type. I understand wanting to do what it takes in these tough times, but please dont sell your skills short. You will find someone that will take care of you and believe me you dont want to work for someone that wants to short sell your from the get go.

mooney

Don't offer to do it. Let the boss man bring it up, then you decide, But don't offer. However, if you do offer, make it the reverse of the usual pilot contract.....you pay for your type, the company guarantees to keep you for 3 years, if they let you go for any reason they pay for your type, pro-rated for your months of service .

SeamusTheHound

Who is in the better position to finance your training: you, as a marginally-employed pilot (seeking better work); or THE INDIVIDUAL THAT CHOSES TO OWN AND OPERATE A MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR JET? To me it seems clear that the same person who's life and jet will be entrusted in your hands ought to be willing to provide you with adequate training.

If any employer is reluctant to pay for such things, then what next?...maintenance, taxes, insurance, payroll? If they can't afford to train you, then they can't afford to operate an airplane properly.

ppilot

A company that makes you pay for your own rating is a company that won't have an airplane two years from now. I've seen it many times.

HercDriver130

Thus the conundrum.... Many if not most corporate jobs... specifically ask for a type rating to be considered..... you are at a severe disadvantage without having what the ask for.. sort of a catch 22... damned if you do.....damned if you dont....

ppilot.. as for your statement.... SWA sure has been around along time....