Avantair, Alpha Flying, or Cape Air Training Contracts?

[Tatin12]

New hires to Avantair, Alpha or Capt Air -- were you required to sign a training contract or Memo of Understanding? If so, what were the details (how long, how much $)?

 

[wacoflyr]

Avantair

I just signed the contract with Avantair. I don't have the details in front of me, but it was for about twenty thousand, and prorated for a year. I was told they are serious about it, but may be willing to look the other way in true hardship cases such as a lost medical. When I signed it, I presumed that I was signing a binding contract. I'm fine with it. I liked everything I saw down there. They are a small company, growing like gangbusters, and they have one cool aircraft. I got nothing but positive vibes from everybody working there, which was like a breath of fresh air. In these times of 100.00 a barrel oil, the demand for the Piaggio Avanti can only increase. I Can't wait to start with them, and get done flying for the Beagle, where everybody is depressed, and rightfully so.

Regards, Wacoflyr

 

[Tatin12]

Thanks for a great response wacoflyr. Can anyone speak for Alpha or Cape Air?

 

[Diesel]

Why you so interested thinking about skipping out early on them?

 

[PhilatAU]

Hey folks, first post here.

I start training with Alpha soon and their MOU requires you to reimburse at least part of your training costs if you leave before 18 months. Quit on day 1, you owe it all, quit at 17 months, you owe very little.

There is also a non-compete clause that prevents you from flying a pilatus for someone else a year after leaving.

 

[Tatin12]

Alpha training cost total?

Thanks PhilatAU.

What exactly is the cost of Alpha's training? Sounds like it will be prorated but what is the total to start? $10,000? $20,000? Do they disclose an amount?

 

[glasspilot]

Hey folks, first post here.

There is also a non-compete clause that prevents you from flying a pilatus for someone else a year after leaving.

There is no way that can be legal. Non-compete clauses are designed to protect proprietary knowledge and certain ethical situations. How could Pilatus proficiency be considered proprietary?

I would not have any fear of this requirement. In fact, I'd love to have someone try to enforce that with me! I'd sue 'em for all they're worth.

Who the H#ll do they think they are?!?! Making poor pilots sign "non-compete" clauses! So when you leave you can go fly anything in the world except the plane you're most proficient in? And that protects the company how? I guarantee some numb nuts in management came up with this gem in a "how can we help our attrition numbers" session. That idea was floated and someone said, "we can't do that. It's not legal" and someone else said, "ahh, stupid pilots will never figure that out" and the rule was made.

Even astronauts in the Space Shuttle can leave, take their training elsewhere and fly a space shuttle for someone else. A silly Pilatus operator thinks their plane is so special as to warrant a non-compete clause!

Sorry, this one fired me up. I don't know weather to laugh or cry...

 

[wt219200]

Cape Air

Cape Air has you sign a letter of understanding I believe is what it is called. It's basically a written promise that you will stay for 6 months if you already have your ATP, or if they give you your ATP it's one year. No money involved, you are just not eligible for rehire if you leave early.

 

[PhilatAU]

I don't yet know what the cost of training is, I don't start for a few months so I really don't know much other than what I learned at the interview.

Regarding the non-compete: Its highly unlikely I'd be able to make more money or have a better QOL flying a pilatus for anyone else, so I really have no problem with it.

Disclaimer: I haven't actually signed or even seen the whole MOU yet, I'm just relating what I've been told so far. I may very well be forgetting a detail or two.

 

[avbug]

Some time ago I spoke with the CEO of Avantair, Steve Santo, regarding his contract. He tried to tell me he hadn't read it, and didn't know what was in it. I read it to him, and noted that (at the time), there was no pro-rating, and the language of the contract stipulated that the company had the right to retain the pilot in any capacity (janitor, even) in the event the pilot wasn't used as a pilot. The contract was eighteen thousand then, for minimal training, and no type rating.

Steve Santo is an attorney. He said the contract was written by his wife, and that he didn't put any credence in it. He went on to say that the contract would never be enforced, because he couldn't get pilots to come work for him if he did that.

Ironically I was at VNY, seated in the bar, when Mr. Santo met with several of his salesmen and managers one evening. He was asked about a pilot who had recently left the company after receiving training, and Mr. Santo said he intended to crucify the pilot in court no matter what it cost. He told those present that he would make an example out of that individual and ensure that the contract was respected.

What actually happened to the pilot, I don't know but it's hard to respect a man who can't speak the truth to your face, and who says just the opposite to others, in your presence. I found him to be a soft spoken, friendly individual, but I found his handling of the contract and the talk that surrounded it, to be disturbing.