Originally Posted by
JJOSH122
The recent regional hiring has presented me with an important decision. I will explain my aspirations and current situation. Any advice from you who are familiar with FedEx's hiring procedures/tendencies is greatly appreciated.
My Goal:
-Attain position as Pilot with FedEx Express ASAP
My Current Situation:
- I'm 28 years old, married, 2 munchkins (4 yrs and 2 yrs).
-I Fly King Air part 91 (single-pilot).
-I flew 250 hours this past year.
-I have reason to believe flying will increase to around 500 hours/year.
-I have no 121 or crew experience.
-My schedule is somewhat flexible--such that it would allow me to work part-time at a more traditional type job (hint hint) while still flying.
My Current Plan:
-Continue with my current job doing anything and everything in my power to generate as much flying as possible (A realistic yet optimistic projection puts me meeting FedEx's minimums in about 18 months).
-Get hired as a FedEx Express Handler when I feel that I am about 12 months away from meeting minimums.
-Start networking and attempting to warm up some potential contacts that I have already made third party contact with.
-Hopefully this will result in an interview offer as an internal when I am qualified.
Questions:
-Can those of you who are equipped with such information speak to the viability of my plan?
-Will my lack of 121 experience be likely to prevent me from reaching my goal?
-How common is it for FedEx to hire Pilots with nothing but Part 91 experience?
-Would I be better off to jump ship, take a huge pay cut and decrease in QOL, and go to a regional to get some 121 experience?
Summary:
Thanks in advance for the help. I understand the intricacies and contingencies associated with my plan. I'm just trying to gather as much info as possible so I can make an educated decision. I know FedEx is one of the best jobs out there, and I will be competing with applicants much more qualified than I; I like this challenge. My thinking is that as long as I meet the minimums I will be offered an interview as an internal--given that I have a good recommendation from my supervisor.
I could keep rambling but I'm hungry and breakfast is ready =)
I know a guy who is doing just that. Although he is not a Handler. He left an exempt professional position to go to Great Lakes because their upgrade time was fast. He went there got his 1000 PIC time and he really lucked out and got back in at FedEx at his same position and he is truly networking with the upper people in the the pilot ranks. I think he has a good shot at a pilot job when they come up. Not a bad idea at all. You will hate being a handler but a lot of people have done it to get their foot in the door. As far as not having 121 exp I can't answer that. But being an internal usually does not hurt you especially when there are guys out there trying to get in as an external candidate with mega 121 time competing for those same jobs.