Originally Posted by Jazzed
What is the general consensus of why line pilots don't want to take the management jobs? Is it because they have to work 5-6 days a week? Is it because they don't have a seniority number? Is it because they don't get to fly full time? Is it because they have to live in SDF? Is is because of contract negotiations? All of the above?
Is the overall relationship between Mgmt Pilots and line pilots antagonistic?
I left the Air Force in 1990 because I was tired of moving around the world, and as rank promotions came, less flying was the norm. I took the line pilot job at UPS because it was the only job offer I got in 1990! As luck would have it, it was a good career move. I've lived in the main SDF domicile for over 15 years now. I fly when I want (middle MD11 Captain), or bid reserve (and usually don't get called out much) by choice.
My general impression of management pilots is a positive one. Their careers are generally one of two tracks: either showing up day to day and just doing your job, happy with what they're doing and not looking for large job promotions (guys you'd have a beer with on a layover), and those that choose to volunteer for the crappy tours at out stations, special projects, and blow their way up the management chain (watch out!).
You'll start as a newly type rated "Captain" on an aircraft you've never flown, probably working as an instructor in the training center, then magically you're a check airman giving type rides, then flight standards giving line checks. From there you'll become a "fleet supervisor," and then get into the world of non-flying management projects. From there.....
You will work at least five days a week, with "projects" to do on your days off. You'll also be expected to fly for currency. This usually is on your "days off." A former squadron mate took a management job here when furloughed from Delta. He left UPS the day Delta recalled him (maybe to his overall loss), and told me he enjoyed his job at UPS, but he worked his a** off, and had very little quality time at home. He'd get additional projects to do on his days off, do them quickly, and then he'd get two projects the next weekend! Line pilots are generally wary around a greenhorn paper Captain who has almost no actual UPS operational experience doing training or checking.
I think a majority of the management pilots hope the IPA pilots get a great contract. Their individual pay rates are hush hush and negotiated individually, but there is certainly pairity, so any significant payscale raise would benefit the management pilot too. Management pilots, like line guys, are bothered by the uncertainty of contract negotiations. The ones who were working during the teamsters strike of 97 don't want to repeat that fiasco. They worked their asses off for not quite two weeks trying to fly a very small number of daily flights.
If this is your cup of tea, I say go for it! It all reminded me of the military structure and politics I left in the first place.
We do have line pilots "promoted" to management every year, but they are usually the ones that like working in the training center, or the quick jump to "Captain" with the quick type rating. Most line pilots see the management job for what it is, just another 5 to 6 day a week office job that lets you fly once in a while, and you don't get to choose where you'll live.
Is it antagonistic? Not really, it's just that when I came here in 1990, UPS hated hiring pilots from the outside. Yes, that's it, I was an outsider. I wasn't trusted to do my job, I wasn't given gateway door combos ("we only give those to employees"), I couldn't buy UPS stock, couldn't teach in the training center, couldn't give check rides (we still can't), and was generally treated like a bastard red-headed step-child. If I wanted BASIC creature comforts like food on a long flight or duty night, or even a flush toilet on my airplane my union had to NEGOTIATE for it with contract language. What a FedEx pilot takes for granted, we have to horse trade for.
UPS makes a lot of money because we are incredibly frugal (CHEAP) with everything, and everybody. Except my dental/medical which is pretty darned good. Just look at the different FredEx/UPS corporate philosophy when you compare our airport gateway facilities. FedEx normally has a big building with a flashy sign out front, the UPS gateway is usually too small, drafty, and dumpy. I'm suprised at the generally average office conditions UPS employees work in. Pilot facilities? Why would we waste ANY money on that at even our major gateways OR domiciles? Of course you won't have to worry about that, but it is a general corporate philosophy that you WILL become familiar with if you take the job here.
Just my 2 cents.