It is looking like I am just going to have to wait out my contract for 3 months; this sucks , but it is my own fault

Hopefully, I'll be able to land a job towards the end of August to beginning of September. I really wanted this new job; one of my top3 airlines I wanted to work for. . . . FU(K ME

Maybe it is for the best... but I doubt it

 

Since the guy you work sounds like a real tool, maybe you could participate in the FAA whistle-blower program (assuming he is not in compliance with all fars and laws). You would get a percentage of any fines levied...

 

Sounds like an awesome idea.

I have worked for the company 9 months and I have only done 2, yes 2, actual business trips. All others were personal. I dont know if he is using every trip as a tax write off, but I'm sure it is something the IRS may be interested in.

 

In the contract you signed, it should spell out EXACTLY what the penalties are for leaving.

The previous contract I signed was a "training bond" that spelled out, word for word, what I would be responsible for if I left early. It also listed several things that, if they happened, I would be let go without having to repay the contract. Such things included a loss of medical, firing, etc.

If I were in your position, while flying his shiny king air, I would go to great lengths to make him pay for his big ego. I would fly faster, lower, and less efficient. I would use beta until I slowed to a crawl, not caring about the props. I would leave a LARGE berth between thunderstorms, and go COMPLETELY out of the way to avoid them. Above all, I would do this while still acting in a professional manner including smiling and nodding at all times so as he would not catch on...you can possibly create your own little "job action" LOL.

That being said, you DID sign a 12 month contract and did, as part of YOUR agreement, say you would stay.

 

WOW what a great idea. Blow the whistle on the owner for what, mx issues, FAR violations, etc.? Guess who gets their certs suspended...the owner? NOPE. Mr. King Air driver here.

You normally have great info, but this is definately NOT good advice IMO, even if you were joking....

 

KiloAlpha,

Take a minute and think things through here. First off, we need to know what the SPECIFIC language was for a training contract. Did you sign a paper? If so, what does that piece of paper say IN EXACT TERMS.

Did you make a verbal agreement? If so, are verbal agreements binding in the state that you live and under what conditions? (IE witnesses).

Does the agreement state that the owner can sue for lost revenues in that contract? Did you sign the contract under duress (Most people don't). What is the value of the contract? (IE is it for reimbursement of training costs? A specific dollar amount? Is it prorated?)

Also, despite what people might say about bleeding a turnip, there might be repercussions later. He might not be able to garnish your wages, or recoup money, but if you lose and the courts issue a judgement against you, then it can affect your credit rating.

Why not see if you can reach some other agreement with him... is it possible that you stay on while somebody else is hired and trained? (Perhaps you could pay for their training if it's only 7K?)

The truth is that it's to both of your benefit if you can reach a reasonable agreement. You might stress that if he holds you to the contract now, then it's much more likely that you leave without notice down the road. See if you can offer something reasonable to the airline as well- odds are if you are upfront and honest about the situation, they are willing to work with you as well.

When you call, you can say that you are very eager to be employed by them, but was wondering if it was possible to delay your start date due to obligations to your current employer. You might say that your departure puts a burden on the flight operation, and you would like to stay on until a replacement can be hired and trained (about 3 months). You don't even have to mention that you are under a training contract.

This way it sounds like you are dedicated to your employers, and while you are very excited about starting with the airline, you don't want to hang your current employer.

 

Thanks for the advice, I think that's how I'll approach that phone call. Hopefully, they're understanding. If not, it is quite possible that in 3 months I will be without my current job or an airline job

 

Good luck to you!

 

Maybe this is just my sign to get out of the industry; I saw in a different thread that there is a good chance that ASA is going to furlough (?). This industry sucks .

I dont know, maybe I should go back to school (I graduated college in Dec 05) and get my MBA...

-} waiting for SKYHIGH to chime in {-

 

Done with my apologies. Good luck in your situation.