And in Sanskrit.

Goodluckchuck

I’d like to add my $.02 here.
As pilots we need to stop signing contracts. They are for training that in most cases is [I]required!![I] Put another way, no matter who the company hires, they must still be trained. It’s a cost of doing business.

We are hurting ourselves. Yes, I think that one should honor his commitments. But also realize that most of the signing of contracts is done by young pilots who naively think that the employer will ‘be fair’ or ‘reasonable’. Been there done that. I guess what I’m trying to say is let’s take care of each other and say no to contracts, period. And spread the word.

By the way, I’m quite sure that I was employed by the same company as the OP, was it WI based? If so they absolutely will go after you for the contract, just an FYI.

I was having a conversation with a guy in an FBO today and he brought up a point I had never thought about. If you sign a training agreement/contract, leave early, and repay the agreed amount, is that repayment (or payments) tax deductible? Just curious. I had never though about it from that angle before.

It was, but I think the new tax law changed or eliminated I reimbursed business expenses including training.

I’m not sure how training contracts will work out in the age of pilot shortages. On one hand, employers need them to hang onto pilots who often, no matter how good the present offer, will leap at a $5,000 raise. On the other hand, if every pilot refused, they might go away, but that’s highly dependent on the individuals. If one is getting a valuable type rating, they make sense, really for both parties. I signed one for a year, but a year’s experience is worth it. I stayed 12, by the way. If it’s for a recurrent or minor ground training like international school, it’s ridiculous to sign.

GF

Most of the time these contracts aren't enforceable though. If it's company specific mandatory training, there's no consideration, and thus no contract.

I agree with all and have always felt the same way, but the point this guy brought up was a good one. I was kind of disappointed that I didn't think of it from that angle myself, being as money conscious as I am. Yet, some young whipper-snapper makes me think in a different way. What's up with that?

Just my 2c, but while training contracts aren’t usually enforceable, a promissory note usually is. That was in my own research on the subject when I had good reason to find out a while back. Obviously not a lawyer, but it’s money well spent if you have this question!

Maybe the lesson is don't sign a contract that ypu are not willing to abide by.

Maybe the lesson is to consider your word and integrity to be important.