Hercdriver130, DL in the past was very much a buddy system. If you were navy or airforce, you had a good shot. Now you have 5 internal recs, good for you. I have none! Don't know anyone there. Yes, got my app in, for few years now. No word. I guess over 8000 hours, almost half of that on 3 and 4 engined heavy jets, all over the world. I guess I am still not good enough.
Fedex is the same. You need to know 3 people who have flown with you (and apparently flying formation in F18 or F16's count as that). Guess what, I don't know anyone there. So I cannot even apply, yet I was good enough to fly their stuff when they needed extra help.