Purple Runways
 

So I've been looking at FedEx's purple runways program and it says the pathway is open to those at selected colleges and universities. Does that mean the pathway isn't available to those who did not go to those universities?

No! That’s called “The Hershey Highway”

Apparently one of the requirements is to karaoke to Prince's purple rain. :)


The program is open to those in college or any Pilot flying for Empire/MAC. But you will need to get the degree and 2.5 GPA min to finish and interview with FedEx.

No..... That’s UPS’ new flow program....

I kid, I kid. Couldn’t resist.

Are Empire and Mountain Air going to start putting FOs in their Caravans? I saw on the website there was a bar graph that showed you can get into the cockpit of a Caravan at 250 hours.

Any 4 yr degree or a flight program from a select set of schools?

Yep, you’ll be able to sit right seat, watch me operate the autopilot 250 hours per year. You’d be better off at Cape Air, there you’d fly at least 800 hours per year. With all the flying opportunities for low timers right now you’d be better off to go the traditional route. Instructor, 135, Regional and apply directly with FedEx. It’ll take you three years less that way. You’ll also have more options if you decide freight is not for you. Not sure how other airlines will appreciate 1000 hours SIC in a 208.

C208 really only flies 250/year? That seems astronomically lower than expected. Why?

1 hr a day 5 days a week 50 weeks a year. One of my buddies loved it. Kinda like a part time job. He just flew back and forth from BWI to SBY. 75nm each way. I’m sure there are hire time lines out there but that’s all he did.

Most 208 runs are between 30 minutes to an hour. I’ve had years that I flew only 150 hours. Now, with the pilot shortage, there’s not much sitting home reserve so we fly “a lot”. Flying 5 hours this week. Last week it was 10 and the week before that 2 hours. Don’t come here for the flying time. That’s why we’re salary. MAC is a perfect retirement job if you can get based somewhere with a regular run. For floaters the job sucks. Too much time away from home and not an extra penny for being away.