I was in a similar situation (explained everything to them, told them I could only do month and a half, I even paid the 5k "breach of contract" penalty). They were nice and understanding until five years later when my company went bust and I tried to get back to FR. I was blacklisted.

Why should he/she be ashamed and be banned for speaking their mind? From my rotten experience with FR 'cancer' well describes the poison that exists within them. Glad you're happy, but I can assure you when it's bad it's unbearably bad.

I am not a lawyer nor do I know what the terms of your contract are, so my thoughts are just an opinion.

If you are on a 'Self Employed Contract' then their position is severely weakened as according to HMRC website to qualify as self employed you must have more than one customer together with a lot of other criteria which FR's contractors do not meet. I would pay for an hour with an appropriately qualified lawyer and show them your contract for a view of your position. I'm pretty sure that FR wouldn't want HMRC sniffing around their employment methods. IMHO well worth the cost of an hour with a lawyer.

Best of luck for the future with your new employer.

I think a general rule in life should be not to burn bridges. That's true in every industry, but especially ones with such a small pool of people.
I have to agree with what someone said above. Most companies should realise and respect that you have a three month notice period. The fact they don't would make me question this new employer.

True, but if you read the post above yours, that person complied with everything and paid them £5K, but was blacklisted from returning to FR. They are an irrational and unpredictable company.

Why don't you call in sick and file a safety report with the UK CAA saying that RYR are putting you under mental duress over this situation that affects your ability to go to work?

I second the above. An employer I know of offering excellent terms and conditions and known to be a "good" company once asked a candidate at interview about his current notice period. The candidate enthusiastically answered it didn't matter and he could start whenever this prospective employer wanted. He did not get the job. Their view was if he'd do it to his old employer he'd to it to his new one and they couldn't trust this person.

Love them or hate them, Ryanair is not the company you want blacklisting your name. Covid taught us all one thing, you never ever know what is around the corner. You say all this now that you'd never go back, but after say 3 yrs of unemployment and bills banging on the door, you may view things very differently at some point. Best of luck

I wouldn't recommend this. You'd suck yourself into a lengthy CAA process where youd regularly be asked to give statements.

On top of that the final result is the same, Ryanair absolutely will blacklist you.

unless you are Irish or somewhat connected you never can return to RYR if you leave.

Sometimes a spot opens unexpectedly in a Typerating course and they need someone on short notice. If a candidate already passed the hiring process even good companies don’t really care if that person still has a notice period with RYR. Make sure you have an insurance for legal counsel and let them take you to court if they insist you paying back this 5K. In addition ask them for a cost specification for your type rating course - especially if you joined rated on type. They are risking opening Pandora’s box. I have never burned bridges so far but I would not think one second about it wrt Ryanair.

Surely if they inform the CAA that they are unable to go to work then how could they possibly start the new job? Also, would there be a high chance of medical suspension?

Unless that bridge is painted in blue and white with a yellow harp on it. Aren't RYR pilots still getting Covid paycuts? Tell them you will carry out your notice period if you are immediately restored to 100% pay as per your contract. When they refuse give them 1 months notice and cease all further communication with them until your last day. I had this advice leaving an airline many moons ago and despite their angry emails it is simply empty threats on their part. Enjoy your new job

Not true. I know of at least two people who have returned. Even I (eventually) got a second chance but then covid hit and everything came to a standstill. What I wanted to say is, if you don't pay the penalty, I am almost certain you will never play the blue and yellow harp again. On the other hand, if you try and explain your situation to them (and pay the penalty), there is still no guarantee they will take you back.

"Hi CAA,

My current airline is harassing me and bullying me to go along with what they want. They are well known for such appalling behaviour and jeopardising flight safety - see the Ciampino flight for evidence of such behaviour. I've decided to stay home from work and not fly because I don't think it's wise to fly in that sort of environment. I am specifically unfit to fly because of the hostile workplace environment that they choose to create. Otherwise my physical and mental health are in good condition. What do you think CAA?"

Thought police, where did I hear that one. The only thing to fear are people willing to punish others for not sharing their (present) righteous worldview.

​​​​​Aviaton context - it's a meteorological term. Rhyme with cornflake.
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They would drop you with no notice no problem. Why so loyal? Maybe you will have to pay the cost of your type rating back!! Jokes 😂

Controversial post. When you know you have a huge notice period to serve and a new employer who can't wait, make sure you have a good excuse for getting out early before you even write that resignation notice. This excuse should not give your current employer the opportunity to even contemplate.

Do what needs to be done. Lookafter yourself. Thats my moto and it has worked for me. Loyalty in aviation is a one way street. Those of you who haven't seen more than 3 of your past employers go bust of course will never understand.

This.

I have learned this the hard way. No one, absolutely no one cares about you in this industry. The only time someone will ever care about you is when your misfortune affects them.

Its not just an RYR thing. BA too have not yet restored their pilots Covid pay cuts.

Didn’t know that about BA but don’t forget BA basic is way way better. RYR you don’t fly you earn nothing. What’s RYR basic FO pre COVID £40k? Then with flight pay you can earn up to £75k based on 800 hrs. COVID pay cut 20% on everything but really it was more like 60% odd pay cut for RYR.

Yup, this!