Greetings. Hoping some really seasoned folks can assist with my current dilemma.
I went self-employed after my last job slid downhill. A former colleague approached me the past summer about coming on board. The deal was that, for at least the first year, I would have to go the contract route. I would be sent to school, obtain the required type rating, and be able to act as PIC. We shook hands with the understanding that it would be best, given the costs involved, if I stayed 12 months (pretty typical, no)? The other downside was that the aircraft doesn't fly much, meaning my net income from the position was going to be much much lower than any salary survey stipulated. With this in mind, I made it clear that I would have to continue working with other operators to make ends meet, and that my long term preference was a full time salaried position with this company (mid size jet, duty days easier, get alone well with everyone, etc.). There was never a requirement to sign an agreement at the end of our meeting, and, I went to school about two weeks later.
Fast forward a couple of months. Things are going ok. I'm making myself available to this outfit probably 7 days per month, and on other days I try and fly a King Air if I can. Because of my long standing relationship with a training center, as well as some mechanical reliability issues during my last training class, I am afforded the opportunity to obtain an additional type rating at a considerable discount.
I request the time off from the company I am primarily contracting with, and, am granted it. Two days later, via email –*****I get a contract which is to be signed and returned. The contract stipulates that, I will give them a year from the date of my type check ride. No problems there. It also contains language about their right to terminate the agreement "with or without cause" at any time.
I'm upset for several reasons. I've signed these before, and was always made aware of that fact before I agreed to a new job or a new airplane. This is coming after the fact, when there was no prior mention of it before. I was told that, my additionally scheduled training makes it look like I am poised to leave. My answer to that is that we agreed I would fly for one year, and there were no other strings attached when I stated I had to do other things to pay the bills. I am most uncomfortable with the "with or without cause" termination clause. To me, that means if I dress wrong, or land the airplane hard – or whatever – they can terminated the agreement and I owe them $$$. There are many other issues – even down to signing as myself or signing it as the owner of my S Corporation.
Looking for insight but frankly I am sending this to my attorney. It's unfortunate – I've known the guy a long time and we've always seen eye to eye but he's spooked by my pursuit of another type and wants to cover his position. But I am not his employee, they have made no guarantee of income, and, like everyone else I have a lot of financial commitments. It would be great if this evolved into a full time gig, but, if at the end of the year they don't want the burden of another salary I would like to be in the best position possible to pursue such a position.
I went self-employed after my last job slid downhill. A former colleague approached me the past summer about coming on board. The deal was that, for at least the first year, I would have to go the contract route. I would be sent to school, obtain the required type rating, and be able to act as PIC. We shook hands with the understanding that it would be best, given the costs involved, if I stayed 12 months (pretty typical, no)? The other downside was that the aircraft doesn't fly much, meaning my net income from the position was going to be much much lower than any salary survey stipulated. With this in mind, I made it clear that I would have to continue working with other operators to make ends meet, and that my long term preference was a full time salaried position with this company (mid size jet, duty days easier, get alone well with everyone, etc.). There was never a requirement to sign an agreement at the end of our meeting, and, I went to school about two weeks later.
Fast forward a couple of months. Things are going ok. I'm making myself available to this outfit probably 7 days per month, and on other days I try and fly a King Air if I can. Because of my long standing relationship with a training center, as well as some mechanical reliability issues during my last training class, I am afforded the opportunity to obtain an additional type rating at a considerable discount.
I request the time off from the company I am primarily contracting with, and, am granted it. Two days later, via email –*****I get a contract which is to be signed and returned. The contract stipulates that, I will give them a year from the date of my type check ride. No problems there. It also contains language about their right to terminate the agreement "with or without cause" at any time.
I'm upset for several reasons. I've signed these before, and was always made aware of that fact before I agreed to a new job or a new airplane. This is coming after the fact, when there was no prior mention of it before. I was told that, my additionally scheduled training makes it look like I am poised to leave. My answer to that is that we agreed I would fly for one year, and there were no other strings attached when I stated I had to do other things to pay the bills. I am most uncomfortable with the "with or without cause" termination clause. To me, that means if I dress wrong, or land the airplane hard – or whatever – they can terminated the agreement and I owe them $$$. There are many other issues – even down to signing as myself or signing it as the owner of my S Corporation.
Looking for insight but frankly I am sending this to my attorney. It's unfortunate – I've known the guy a long time and we've always seen eye to eye but he's spooked by my pursuit of another type and wants to cover his position. But I am not his employee, they have made no guarantee of income, and, like everyone else I have a lot of financial commitments. It would be great if this evolved into a full time gig, but, if at the end of the year they don't want the burden of another salary I would like to be in the best position possible to pursue such a position.
