Originally Posted by byrdseyeviewinc
Greetings, just a few quick questions for the FDX Captains and FOs. I am a CFI/ CFII (SEL) that is currently in the guard, the Army Guard that is. I will be flying Blackhawks, I am planning to get my CFI Helicopter as well. But my question(s) to anybody (FDX) out there.
1.) If I get a C-12 slot for the Army, fly Saab 340s only for a regional or fractional, what are my chances getting hired on at Fed? I mean, please don't sugar coat it, the thing that is on my mind is:
a.) I could try to fly the CRJ, but the progression from the right seat is FOREVER
b.) A C-12 cannot compete with the C-17/C-130/KC-135s etc time, I mean, yes, it is multi-engine turbo prop time, but who is going to take me serious when you got all of the bigger airframe guys waiting in line.
I just wanted to know if I am blowing in the wind with this hope of flying for FDX in the future. I am 30 years old, so I have time to build my pic turbine time effectively, but if you have a guy with 3,000 hours of Saab 340 time versus a guy with 1,700 hours of CRJ or C-17 time, who have more weight? I know that it is based on who you know as well, but outside of that, what is the real scoop?
And Last question: Do you think FDX will look at my motivation level, being able to fly two types i.e. Helicopters and Airplanes? Hopefully they could see if I am capable of learning to fly both, then I am capable of learing to be a FE. Just a thought, what do you all think?
Thanks for you time///Fly Safe
It's great to have a long term goal so you know what to aim for, but don't get too hung up on what you can't control (lack of C-17 time), and concentrate on what you can control.
1. If you can get fixed wing slot, go for it. Don't know about your state, but in mine you need to prove yourself before they will send you. Also, the National Guard has sent some of our civilian rated FW pilots straight to FW transitions (C-23/26), bypassing the FSI course at Dothan.
2. In the mean time concentrate on building your FW time, especially ME time. Apply to 135 operations; the regionals; Bubba Gumps Flying Service. Some are RW friendly, some are not. Some 135 Ops will like your RW time. It lowers their insurance premiums, but you might stay longer to get ME time. Believe it or not some insurance companies only ask for total ME time, NOT ME FW time, so the 135 operation gets to lower their rate counting your 60 time.
3. Continue building your fixed wing time.
4. Fly as much instrument time in the 60 as you can. The double cue FD for the 60 (CIS), is very similar to the FD in many transport aircraft.
5. Continue building your FW time.
6. As soon as you reach their minimums, apply to FedEx.
7. Continue building your FW time.