I know one pilot who signed one and then blew their ride, and was on the hook for the bond plus a new IFR rating (back when a failed PPC would invalidate it). It put this person’s career back about 8 years because of the repercussions in combination with their personal situation.5x5 wrote: ↑Sun Apr 07, 2019 7:46 am Idle Sunday morning curiosity, but I wonder how many pilot's lives/careers have been significantly damaged due to a bond and how many companies have been significantly impacted by shortages due to pilot's bailing very soon after starting? Not theoretically but actually. And actually damaged, not just inconvenienced. Sadly, we'll never know.
I say 8 years, because in a weird twist of fate... they went back to work for the same company. A year later this company had an accident and they were out of a job... although I would hope without having to pay out a bond.
As far as bonds for companies feeling the crunch, it’s win-lose. Bonds will force retention but they will also drive away experienced applicants. Why sign a bond when you can go to a better company with no bond?
Companies need to look at better methods to attract and retain pilots. Like... you know, treating them well. Lots of pilots will hang their hats for a few years, get established financially, get some command time and have some fun before starting the slow slog up the seniority list in the majors, rather than looking at purely seniority number vs trying not to starve and die and jumping at the first chance to leave—even sideways to a better operator.