I am I being ripped off?

[Kicking Horse]

Can anyone advise the best course of action?

I have received a bill from a UK heli charter company for an OPC 4 months ago. They site the fact that I didn't stay with them very long after completing the check (2months), but the reason I didn't stay was that they promised me lots of flying, which dried up to less than 2hrs/week!!

I had no written, or verbal agreement, (maybe foolishly) regarding anything to do with training costs, but I did fly revenue earning charters for them.

I don't feel I should pay, and I certainly can't afford to, but thoughts and advise would be welcomed.

KH

[Whirlygig]

Were you an employee or freelance? For whose benefit was the OPC? Yours or theirs?

Either way, I wouldn't have thought they have any course of redress for the cost of an OPC if there was nothing in writing. I reckon they're trying it on!

Cheers

Whirls

[IAV82]

Listen Ol' chap, of course they are trying it on. All companies give check rides/OPS's to new employees as you will find it would be a company policy to do so.
No contract? Nothing in writing? Then tell them in what ever way you feel necessary that it just isn't going to happen and that if they held up their part of the bargain with the flying, then you would have no reason to move on.
Sour grapes I say!!!!

[rotornut]

KH
Can I pm you?

[paco]

Doesn't matter about anything in writing - a verbal contract is as binding as a written one, subject to provability, of course.

I would write down everything you remember about the situation, just in case.

My own feeling is that it's a bit on both sides. Perhaps a pro rata gesture?

Phil