Originally Posted by
Hacker15e
In talking to FedEx pilots, there definitely seems to be a widespread opinion that the A300 is a bit different than the rest of the fleet...my inference was that it had to do with the old-ish avionics, but there have also been references to strange pairings in bidpacks, and more than once I've heard that "they're a bit of an oddball community."
In a post here at APC a while ago, IIRC, Albie called the Bus (I apologize if I'm misquoting you -- I hope I'm catching the gist of what you actually said) a "stiff-legged *****". To be fair, it was in the middle of him musing about how incredible of a lady the MD-11 is, but for some reason that phrase stuck in the back of my mind bout the A300.
Not trying to stir the pot, but I just thought MX727's observation was interesting in the context of all those other mumblings, as they may be.
I think the reality is that most people tend to pick the airplanes that have the trips and the seniority they like, as opposed to anything else.
The avionics are fine, but perhaps not as fancy as the rest of the fleet. A300's and A310's are older aircraft. The only people I hear complain about it are those who come from the MD-11. However, compare the safety rate of our buses with the MD-11, and you decide (FedEx pilots know what I'm talking about).
If you want day flying, the Airbus has more of it than the other fleets. Nothing oddball about the crew, at least not anymore. Our oddballs either retired or went to the 777. The 777 is nicknamed the tool box, the 757 is called the ice box, the 767 is called the sh** box, and I don't think the MD-11 or the Airbus have any other names.