Jetlife

The only communication I would have with them from this point, is to ask them to provide you a copy of the training agreement they are holding you to, and for your signature on that contract. Verbal contracts do not hold up unless there is absolute proof (video or audio recorded). They will not be able to provide you with the document you ask for, and they will know that you know more than they expected. If that doesn't work, one letter from a lawyer will do the trick.

Jetlife

If nothing was signed, there is nothing they can do to the OPs credit. This company isn't a credit agency. They would have to win in court and a judgement would have to be placed on the OP to get money.

If a promissory note was signed, that is a bit different.

flygirle814

How did you guess Florida? Pretty accurate!

B727DRVR

LOL, Scumbag corporate and 135 operator central....: Even more so than KYIP. I know because I have been there, done it at both locales. All the shady charter operators down there, and the crummy 2 pilot flight departments that really can't afford the plane are in for a shock when the pilot shortage finally hits South Florida. You know the ones...: The ones that have a $100,000 budget for the flight department salaries and the "Chief", read other pilot, keeps $95,000 for themselves. And when you eat at Dennys, he eats the steak on the company credit card but wants to only let you get an appetizer to keep the expenses down. Oh, and they keep all the Atlantic Bucks, too, because they are "The Captain", and they have a wife and baby to feed. When the last Eastern Airlines scabs die off or medical out, that place might finally turn return to decency and safety in the pilot world. That will leave only those with DWI's or felonies to operate Corrosion Corner Training Centers and shady charter and cargo outfits. I used to be bitter about it, but I am over that now..

Did you at least get a type rating out of it?? I see King Air listed on your profile.. I HOPE that they weren't seriously asking $32,000 for your King Air training or even type. Hell, $32,000 would buy several B737 type ratings for you and 4 of your friends or go a long way towards a Gulfstream or Challenger type. Even the old school FSI Pay for Training scams of the mid 1990's got you some jet time and even an at-the-time seemingly worthless Chapter 11 Continental seniority number. Who knew?

Good luck and tell them to pound sand. The fact that they were training you on live passenger legs is something that they wouldn't want their passengers or the FAA to know about.. It's not like you completed training and THEN were given IOE on live legs with a check airman. After this clears up and you are secure with your new company, I would release their name, initials, A/C type or airport ID for other pilots to see and avoid that place. Crummy company shaming happens on this site all the time, and it even makes a difference. With revolving doors at Wheels Up/Gama and Executive Airshare, pilots helped other pilots by telling them to avoid these companies with draconian schedules of 6 on 3 off and 12 on 3 off respectively. With enough resignations and outcry, along with a lack of applicants, both places improved their schedules and Wheels Up improved to a 8/6 schedule, one step from Netjets 7/7.

Make a difference by not paying and make a stand. You will be helping yourself and all pilots. Again, good luck and thank you for being tough.

Let me guess.... KFLL? Am I right?

Fast90

If you are an AOPA premium member you are entitled to 2 hours of legal fees with their recommended attorneys. If not a premium member they can at least steer you to an aviation attorney. No written contract I would not worry. However an attorney letter should call off these dogs. Good luck.

TiredSoul

It may be time to have a chat with their POI.
I'd normally not advocate any unethical behavior but if they push you push back.

flygirle814

So, now do I not only have an invoice for the 32k....I now have a demand letter from the scumbag's attorney. An attorney that happens to be a paying customer of his....

Thoughts?

Jetlife

Is there anything in writing? Anything you might have signed and not be aware what you signed? I would sign up for AOPA legal involved. My guess is that they will try to scare you into settling out of court, but they also have more money than you and taking you to court could cost you lots of money.

They do NOT have a case if there is nothing in writing. Verbal contracts are garbage, and if you contractually obligated to hold up your end, so are they. They breeched the terms and conditions of their own agreement.

TiredSoul

It's pretty sad really.
Do not attempt to sweet talk them out of it.
Lawyer up and sue for breach of 'something'.
They didn't hold up their end.
With attorney mediation offer that everybody just walks away.
I am getting the impression there's more to the story here though.
Either this is part of their 'business' plan to harass pilots and they've done it before or you're not telling us everything.

Quarryman

They have engaged legal counsel. It's best you do the same. Cease all communication, except through your attorney.