Originally Posted by
Purple F/O
I don't think we'll see those kind of 'requirements.' FedEx is still mostly run as an airline, not a trucking company, with pilot input, not trucker's. Anyone in this industry knows that pond-crossing, 'heavy' experience, FMS work isn't really that big of an advantage even in the short run and almost none in the long run. They tried to do it with the PN program, but still ended up putting some pointy nose guys up there.
Anybody who thinks different is selling an agenda.
I tend to agree that there's nothing terribly cosmic about pond crossing - brush up on your contingency, datalink, and position report procedures and one would be good to go. However, I do think there is much to be gained by having an experienced international operator as a NH if they are going to be based and flying primarily out of Europe/Asia. This would not be specific to a heavy driver either. There are several fighter bases overseas that give those guy that same experience. Prior to flying Fred I had a job were I flew 90% CONUS. I could get in and out of ATL, LAX, ORD or wherever with the best of them but when I started flying internationally it was a slightly different world. ICAO, accents, not always the best controllers, dips, hostile countries are a few things that are a little different. If you're going to start up a new domicile with potentially junior Capts (who may not necessarily have much int'l experience either) then selecting NHs with some experience in that area might be prudent. The advantage might only be in the short run but if you're just getting started that might be all the time you need.
Having said all that let me make it clear that my suggestion that FedEx may follow suit with UPS was pulled completely from my hind parts and for discussion purposes only
