Originally Posted by
EMBFlyer
As far as landing issues (hard landings, elevated risk, etc), the MD-11 is the safest fleet in the company right now per the metrics. If you had any idea of the training MD-11 pilots go through, you'd retract your statement. The MD-11 training department is the best in the company (Purple). I was disgusted by how awful the 767 training was during my stint on it. And when/if she comes back, she'll be the safest, most scrutinized jet we have.
But, if you still insist that you'll never step foot on one, let us know who you are so we know not to look for you on the jumpseat.
I think you misunderstand me. In no way do I intend to disparage the MD-11 pilots, or the MD-11 training department at FDX or anywhere else. (I do have some idea of the training the MD-11 pilots go through and I know its excellent. I won't retract my statement. PM me if you like and I'll send across my personal info so you can look out for me on the j/s.) But I claim that the need for such thorough training is a symptom of design flaws of the aircraft. What is the alternative? That FedEx just likes to give extra training on the MD for fun? No...they needed to enhance that training to compensate for the safety record of the aircraft, because they either couldn't get it insured or they had civil aviation authorities threatening to ban the aircraft if there was another incident (my speculation only...if you have a better explanation for why FDX would give such extensive landing training I'm happy to hear it).