UK Type rating bond
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
UK Type rating bond
What is the current uk rotary wing company position with regards to bonding for an enforced type change? I’m hearing, it is the industry norm to bond for every type change, but also hearing, bond the first type and not for subsequent types.
for the first type rating as a new joiner... bonds are very much the norm for any 'proper' salaried job and even for ad hoc onshore freelance work
bonds are generally not used for subsequent type ratings for permanent salaried staff, but given the dysfunctional uk helicopter industry nothing would surprise me these days.
are they legally enforceable? probably not.
bonds are generally not used for subsequent type ratings for permanent salaried staff, but given the dysfunctional uk helicopter industry nothing would surprise me these days.
are they legally enforceable? probably not.
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Pretty standard to be bonded for any complex types by UK onshore sector as the small companies can’t take the risk on the cost of the rating without some guarantee. Some of them are pretty eye watering (I was recently told an H160 rating is around £80k 
but that may not be accurate and could be crew room gossip).
Offshore it varies. Most bond for a first type. Some bond for a subsequent type.
but that may not be accurate and could be crew room gossip).Offshore it varies. Most bond for a first type. Some bond for a subsequent type.
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
.Not sure of many operators making you pay up-front these days, perhaps some of the portacabin ones. I knew a few onshore companies who offered a salary sacrifice, or number of shifts worked for free to repay the type, but this was usually on the types where the rating is sub £10k (AS350, B206 etc). I remember paying for my 206 and 500 ratings in cash to work for people
thankfully things have changed.Personally I’ve never thought it unreasonable to offer an employer some security that I won’t leave if they are going to invest the equivalent of a nearly new Porsche in me. I certainly wouldn’t spend £80k of my money on someone without some guarantee, even if it is only for somewhere between 3-4 years. The bonds I’ve signed have been for a lot less than actual transition costs and I’ve not had to spend a penny on my own training in about 20 years, thankfully.
"Just a pilot"
Makes me glad I'm in the U.S.A. My understanding is that one can't be held accountable for type-training costs for a position here. Employers may posture and talk mean...
If you are planning on taking the training and running, then a bond is a nuisance.. but otherwise an operator is less inclined to fire you and lose their “investment” if you plan on sticking around for at least the 24months a bond typically lasts.
Just dont let them “rebond” for every recurrent/checkride every 6-12 months.. thats not a company worth working for..
ps, training bonds are not enforcable in EU law either..
Just dont let them “rebond” for every recurrent/checkride every 6-12 months.. thats not a company worth working for..
ps, training bonds are not enforcable in EU law either..
ps, training bonds are not enforcable in EU law either..
Isn't bond a contract? And as such, if it's spelled within, how come you are not on the hook if you ditch?
Reading posts like these here and we wonder that we are required to pay for our own type ratings?
Reading posts like these here and we wonder that we are required to pay for our own type ratings?
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: UK and MALTA
Age: 61
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 0
Received 18 Likes
on
4 Posts
However, I feel the truth lies somewhere between. If someone takes a TR and is Bonded, Sure they can walk and refuse to pay........but would anyone else want to employ such a person OR risk spending their money on a Type Rating for them? In the end its reputation in a small industry.
If a person is unwilling or reluctant to Bond for a TR......what message does that give the Employer!
DB
In the end its reputation in a small industry.
Edit - I’ve always thought it’s important to pick your employers wisely. No one wants to be bonded to crooks for 3 years who will try and stuff you given any opportunity, but if they are reputable and offer a good job, what’s the issue? If you don’t want the job don’t take the rating.
"Just a pilot"
Yes. I don't want slaves.
Careful, thoughtful interviews are worth every penny.
As posted elsewhere, I expect a commitment by a potential pilot employee to be relied upon. If that commitment is not honored, I don't want that pilot.
Careful, thoughtful interviews are worth every penny.
As posted elsewhere, I expect a commitment by a potential pilot employee to be relied upon. If that commitment is not honored, I don't want that pilot.
Agree, but I also don't want someone to take my hard earned money.
Interview is a tool, but by no means an infallible one. And if bonds are not enforceable, we get "pay for your own rating" situation.
