LIFT: RPA commitment for training?
 

I’m hearing rumblings of Republic paying for training (private, instrument, both commercials and instructor ratings) at LIFT in exchange for a 5 year commitment to Republic. Is this the rumor mill at its finest or is there some validity to this? (I saw no info along these lines on RPA website, neither in recruiting nor LIFT sections.)

The total cost for the program is 65K. That includes the full cost of the training along with all equipment needed (iPad, books, uniform, etc..) From what I was told there is a 5-6 year commitment if you use the financing that is offered.

I spoke with someone who has been through the testing/interview in Indy and they claimed they were told it’s a 5 year agreement starting from Indoc. I go to Indy next week so can confirm when I get there. I asked during the Skype interview but didn’t really get an answer.

I did the Skype interview on July 3rd. I haven’t heard back since. During the interview I asked about a commitment and they were very vague at answering it. I’m sure at the in person interview in Indy they will give more details.

It was around a week after my Skype interview that I got the email with the invite to Indy. Note that if you get invited you are responsible for all travel/hotels etc.

In exchange for a commitment (sounds like 5 years), is Republic actually paying for all costs of the flight training? (private, instrument, both commercials and the 3 CFI ratings) Or does making a commitment to Republic just give the right to financing?

Having Republic pay for flight training (ie, an Asian or European style cadet program) would be big. Merely having access to financing could be helpful to some, but not nearly as big. If all Republic is doing in exchange for a commitment is offering financing, then I’m not sure how the airline benefits significantly from buying Lift - what am I missing there?

This is obviously second hand info from the guy I spoke with as I wont be there until next week, but it appears to be a pro-rata contract. You are on the hook for the full $65k if you were to quit on day 1 of indoc, with the amount reducing over time until its fully paid at the 5 year point. So technically they are providing your financing but forgiving it over time. Im not exactly sure how this works on paper. Im sure its tied up in all sorts of legal jargon. But yes, it will be funded from zero to hero.

Wonder if it would be cheaper/less commitment if they accepted and financed from multi add-on and CFI

They do adjust for entering at a different level, I already confirmed as I have my private/instrument rating. I’m not sure how cost breaks down for each rating though.

Definitely worth looking into, I just wish there was more info on them before I could give them a serious thought. Especially if I have to move across the country