question for Fedex/UPS pilots
 

Correct me if I am right. A new hire at either Fedex or UPS will most likely serve as a flight engineer for a 727? What are the chances of making it to the right seat directly? And finally if you are a flight engineer how long does it usually take to move to the front?

At FedEx it is about a 90-95% chance you will go to the back seat of the 727.
Occasionally there have been new hires go to the back of the DC-10 and on other rare occasions folks go to the right seat of the 727.

As to how long you will be in the Back, before you have the chance to move up...........is all speculation until it happens, but if things continue the way they have..........and quality of life isn't a big issue, you will have the opportunity to bid the right seat of something (MD-11 ANC or 727 MEM)within 6 months of being hired.

There have been rumors the Company may hire directly into the right seat of a widebody............although they really don't want to do this because it costs them a lot of money............they will have to pay every pilot senior to you right seat widebody pay when they are in the back of the 727 or right seat of the 727....................All good choices for pilots though...........

UPS will be hiring directly to the right seat of something for the foreseeable future. But you sound like one of those that think they are entitled to go directly to the right seat and bypass the f/e seat. You make the same the first year and f/e is easy. You sound too good to be a pilot for us so go with fed/ex.

Brownlog,

You did it again. I realize it is so very difficcult to just help answer the guys question, hence the name forum. Instead you have to be your typical A$$. When I grow up I want to hide behind my computer and make fun of people, man that will be cool.... Grow up!!

The back seats at UPS are nearly all filled with over 60 guys. Very soon, if it hasn't already happened, there won't be enough F/E seats for the 60+ guys. New hires will go to the right seat. Once we get a contract, though, many of the older guys will retire and some new guys might go to the back, like Fedex.

I'd be more worried about getting the job than what seat I go to considering UPS is not hiring much. Although maybe you are one of the special ones that puts the app in on Friday and gets the call on Tuesday. The rest of us ordinary people had to update every 30 days for 5 years and suck up to everyone under the sun before we finally got the call.

Browntail is right. You should come to Fedex. We'd love to have you here.

Back from Vacation
 

I'll ride sideways, as lomg as I get the job. You have to start somewhere. For me I started 12 years ago when I used to work for UPS (non-flying).
I just got back from vacation and went to visit my old boss at UPS. She's an accounting manager. I requested a letter of recommendation (e-mail/phone call/ anything that could help me get an interview) and she said that this time she wouldn't forget. I've been trying this for about four months. It was nice to see old friends that I haven't seen in 10+ years. In addition I stopped by HR department and talked to one of the guys I used to worked with.
Now BROWNIES out there, I need some help/advise. Is Phil still working as part of pilot recruitment? Who do they send an e-mail to?
I know UPS hiring is slow, but what else can I do to get an interview?
I'm a fighter guy, and have all the minimums.
I know timing is everything, I got a call for a JetBlue interview that will happen in the next few months. My plan is to go work for JetBlue (if hired) and if UPS calls, go to the interview.
Don't get me wrong, I'm trying to get a job with the ones hiring (UPS/FedEx/JetBlue/Southwest), it just happened that JetBlue called first.

Any good advise, greatly appreciated....

slow down
 

Browntail is right. You should come to Fedex. We'd love to have you here.

Of course I would love to!!! MD-11/10 my favorites of all time!!! Love the cockpit window, very bold. but wait....woah maybe I should have explained my situation a little bit. No, I am a college sophomore, working on my bachelors. I have 0 flight hours, and planning on training right after college. But at the meantime I like to do a lot of research. From what I've been hearing for an example, right now going to a place like continental is a "gamble" although Southwest doesn't seem too bad. On the other hand places like netjets looks very good right now. Fedex/UPS undoubtedly I can say are 2 solid companies, that I would love to work for. But who knows what will happen in 5-10 years by the time when I apply for the majors. Just like to keep my eye open. Thanks for all the replies!!!

You'll know for sure what the right decision is when you die. Seriously... ask any TWA, Braniff, Eastern, Delta, American, United, US Airways guy, etc....

I fly with a lot of captains at Fedex who tell me 20 years ago, all their friends told them they were crazy to stay at Fedex, and that they should leave and go somewhere better. A lot of the guys that told them that lost most of their retirement, and some even their jobs.

Fedex, SWA, and UPS do look good. Right now. Today. You just don't know till the dust settles and it's all over. So, spend time with your family, have other interests, and pray it all works out for you in the end.