Any HEMS companies requiring new hire to sign a training contract?

PHI air medical and they will hold your feet to the fire until they get their money. I wanted to quit the first week I was there. The day that my contract was complete, I gave my two weeks notice.

Life lesson any company that has to use tactics like training contracts to keep you employed there, probably isn’t worth staying at.

tactic! watch out lol

How long was the contract for?

Last time I heard of a training contract was in 2006!  CJSAG required a reimbursement contract of $20K for a "BK117 transition."

I worked for CJSAG around that same time in KC. I remember that contract for BK117 training. Really liked that BK117.

and before anyone says, "yeah that is not legal to do that" yeah it is...its a legal document with their attorneys...good luck not paying it...they will take you to court and screw with your credit...also that "supposed" Sign on bonus is to be paid back as well with what they have paid you...read the fine print...i know a handful of pilots that bailed on PHI AMG after finding out what crap they were, and now are in court/Arbitration.  

Yeah, true story.  You better read ALL the fine print before you sign a document.  However, from the employers perspective, they are expecting a return on their investment either through longevity, or a pound of flesh.  Admittedly, it’s indentured servitude at the very least, so be aware, be wise, and be ready to bite the bullet if you realize it’s not your cup of tea. Remember, it’s not their direct operating cost they are looking to recoup, it’s a TRAINING cost.  

Theoretically no one should need a training contract.  A handshake should be enough.  The Company invests resources in you, you should honor the commitment.  Having said that, I have seen advertisements for jobs that say something to the effect of "If aircraft transition training needed, a one year contract is required".  Aren't all the 135 operators required to give you type specific training?  How can you not be required to receive training regardless of time in type?

Theoretically no one should need a training contract.  A handshake should be enough.  The Company invests resources in you, you should honor the commitment.  Having said that, I have seen advertisements for jobs that say something to the effect of "If aircraft transition training needed, a one year contract is required".  Aren't all the 135 operators required to give you type specific training?  How can you not be required to receive training regardless of time in type?

Getting a $50k+ signing bonus paid out over 3 years doesn't sound like a "training" contract.

SkyWest requiring new hires to pay them $80k for training if they leave early probably qualifies though.

They may have different names, training contract, agreement or whatever. I've asked a GMR and PHI HR person about not signing, they won't hire you. You won't be able to work in HAA without signing one. I believe this to be collusion among the companies. The contracts started with the low paying companies years ago that would hire low time or no experience pilots. These pilots then went to better paying companies. 

A lawyer will say it's a contract, your screwed. I say it's not legal because the training is required by FAR's. It's the same principal as OSHA crap being required every year. Do you think a training contract for OSHA crap would be legal?

There are different types of training contract. I'm referring to ones that the company is hiring a fully qualified pilot. The company only does training needed for the pilot to fly the line.

is wrong

if you leave within a year, they won't come back and ask for $$$ back...you go to AMC and PHI then you will get a bill.  Unless you are fired for some reason..

Other sectors don't seem to require this stupitity..... Stupid is as stupid does........

you from jumping ship after you have the training...You can thank a lot of the OG guys that got their S76 or S92, AW139 or EC 135 training and certificate and jumped ship right away to go work somewhere else with the training paid by someone else.  Companies caught onto this (like PHI) and even that County Department in Florida, Monroe Co. SD/FS.  I remember interviewing with them and they specifically said the country had a 2yr contract you signed with them and if you left you paid back (pro Rated) the training contract.