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

FR8Hauler

There is nothing wrong with the C-12 time. FedEx likes to hire military guys. Get your 1000 hours PIC in the C-12 and then as much SAAB time as you can get. True the time probably does not stack up with the heavy time. You are still young too so you have options. You need the time and then you need to get some recommendations from FedEx pilots. Good luck.

byrdseyeviewinc

Thanks alot Fr8 Hauler, I am going to hit the ground running then. I just wanted to make sure that I was not that 4 foot 11 inch kid in college that wanted to be a NBA basketball player with all of the heart but not the right size if you catch my drift. Keep up the good work///Keep the dirty side down.

Fartknocker

Get to know some FedEx pilots. Get 1000-1500 hrs turbine PIC time. It may not matter if it's jet or t-prop. I have about 3300hrs PIC in t-props, all 121 civilian. Only 3 hrs in Learjets. My recs are from folks I flew with in college. It worked for me. I am in the FedEx pool. Good luck.

byrdseyeviewinc

Thanks alot FartKnocker. After reading your reply along with FR8 Hauler, I am beginning to feel like I have a real chance to get hired. I know that you all are growing like crazy, which means more pilot hiring in the future. With the combination of the Vietnam Pilots retiring and company growth, how long do you project the hiring spree for Fed? Sorry about the endless question.

byrdseyeviewinc

CONGRATs getting hired!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!That is awesome

Fartknocker

That's impossible to tell. Many things could happen to change the future. All I know is that FedEx has NEVER furloughed a pilot. That's pretty amazing in this industry. They have a lot of positive things going for them in the future. Growth in China. More Airbusses coming (A-300 and A380). Reliability. People pay a premium for that.

Here are the retirement numbers,they are kind of old, but that's what I found, (based on age 60 only) for FedEx from another website, updated as of Nov 03:

2006 159

2007 168

2008 159

2009 136

2010 164

2011 158

2012 188

2013 183

2014 154

2015 176

2016 204

2017 205

2018 209

2019 206

2020 190


Thanks. I am looking forward to it. I am excited to start class!

byrdseyeviewinc

Cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Are you going straight to the right seat? or is it mandatory that everyone be an FE for a year?

And another thing, when you are going through the classes/training, take special notes in the back of your mind. Let me know if the class(es) are hard to you. I mean, I have heard that 121 ground schools are like trying to drink out of a fire hose. I am just curious about that, I am hoping that the classes are somewhat a gentleman's course versus a course that is trying to weed all of the weak links out. So I will be checking on you from time to time in the near future.

Fartknocker

byrdseyeviewinc,

There are rumors that new hires could start in right seat of anything from 727 to MD-11 or A-300. I don't know what to expect. I do know that new hires typically go to 727 FE seat. It all depends on what the company needs in terms of pilots in certain seats.

121 ground schools are like trying to drink from a fire hose. I have been through 4 at my current airline. If you stay awake while the instructor is teaching, and study a little on your own, you will be fine. Pilots tend to form small study groups to help each other with difficulties. If I can do it, anybody can!

Once you get to a 121 job, the company wants to keep you there. I don't think there is a lot of weeding out. Occasionaly, a pilot will wash out, but not very often. Good luck.

Blackhawk

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.