Hello future colleagues,

I am seeking guidance from the Delta team regarding a decision that could significantly impact my career. Recently, I received a CJO from Republic, but as some of you might know, their contract includes an aggressive 5-year commitment. If you're unfamiliar with the details, you can find more information on the Republic Forum: $100,000 New Hire Agreement Faces Controversy

Allow me to provide some background on my situation. I am an R-ATP eligible CFI in my mid-20s and have been actively searching for 121 jobs since March. Due to the current captain shortage at the regionals, they have been cautious about hiring FOs. However, I was fortunate enough to secure an offer on my second interview with a regional.

My ultimate goal is to become a Delta pilot, and I understand that joining the team as soon as possible is crucial due to the significance of seniority in this career. From what I've heard, Delta's hiring is in full swing and is likely to continue for the next few years. Some individuals have even made it to the Big 3 with just 1-2 years of 121 experience! My concern is that signing a 4-5 year exclusivity contract could potentially hinder my future success with Delta, considering the seniority I might lose (and the lost wages that come with that).

At this major crossroads, I am considering three options:

1) Risk losing the Republic CJO and wait for another regional to schedule an interview with me.

2) Accept the CJO, but violate the contract if hired by Delta later, which would require paying back bonuses and facing up to a $100,000 fine.

3) Accept the CJO and fulfill the contract, which mandates a 2-year captain commitment or 5 years of service, whichever comes first.

Your guidance on this matter would be immensely valuable to me, and I sincerely appreciate your wisdom and insight. It is my genuine hope to be a part of the esteemed team of Delta pilots in the future. Thank you for taking the time to assist me in making this important decision.

Best regards,
FlyKin

 

Don't know why it posted twice! MODS please delete this thread!

 

Turn down Republic and apply somewhere else. This answer is easy.

 

turn down Republic, keep working, and go get your ATP/CTP (which you would most likely need to repay to a regional anyway depending on where you go) and written done. Keep applying to other regionals. Also take a look at other operators in the cargo field that could get you an ATP. Once you have an ATP, go to a ULCC ASAP. They are the ones that are truly hiring like crazy right now and everyone should try to take advantage. From there, just get some flight time and hope the legacies are still hiring.

There is a reason Republic has that contract. They don’t think they can keep you without it. Don’t let them put handcuffs on you before you even start. Find a different path forward.

 

Have you applied to LCCs like Spirit, Frontier, or Sun Country? How about other carriers like Kalitta, Atlas, Omni, or USA Jet? There are also other sectors of aviation that can lead to a Legacy such as Flexjet or NetJets. Some of these companies offer home basing so you can live almost anywhere. I would NEVER sign an absurd deal with a regional that ties your hands for the next 5 years. Good luck!

 

Please do not be one of those strange people that signs off at the end of a post. You are way too young to be doing this, we all know that YOU sent this out already. Thank you.

 

That’s an odd thing to be annoyed by, IMO.

Best,

Andy Dufresne

 

There’s more than a few ULCCs taking 1500 hr CFIs right now (less if you did one of those degree programs). Try there while trying to land another job at a regional if that’s all that hits.

 

I believe there is some court precedent to say these types of contracts are not enforceable, but you would need to talk to a legal expert.

Any way you look at this, it does not seem like it is a good idea for Republic.

 

Put the RAH money in a high yield savings account. Don’t touch it, if you leave, return the money and keep the growth.