S61 training contract

[before landing check list]

Guys, I need some opinions here. I was offered a position (company shall remain nameless) to fly the S61. However the offer letter stated my training will cost 66,000USD. If I were to quit in less than 3 months I pay the whole thing, 6 months half etc. However on the phone interview I was told with my experience (Already typed in the S61 with FAA and CAA licenses with almost 400 in type) my training would be a refresher. Does 66000 sound a bit high? The S92 is far cheaper. I turned them down since they would not budge.

[Thomas coupling]

Presumably this was only to get you Instrument rated on type yes? I would suggest if this is the case, then 66000 is too much and should be more like half that. (I suspect the only way they could ramp it up to this figure is because they would be using the S61 to train you during your Instrument training). In reality it should be the cheapest helicopter that the FAA allow to be used for IF.

What else do they want to charge you for outside of Instrument flying?

[Foggy Bottom]

I will probably be corrected, but I am not aware of anyone being held to this commitment and actually paying a company for their training. All this does (IMHO) is make you feel as if you owe the company. The FAA requires the employeer to provide you with training in order to operate their aircraft safely and competantly.

If anyone has a link to a case where a pilot was forced to pay a former employeer for the employeer provided training, please post.

[before landing check list]

TC, I am already instrument rated and current. I have a group 4 instrument rating CAA and the FAA ATP covers the instrument rating. Anyway thanks but all water under the bridge now anyway. The search goes on....

[John R81]

So if you accepted the job, took the training and stayed working for six months and a day (or more) then no claw-back?