jets2brasil

Info to a FEDEX/UPS newhire wannabe...

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I am currently working for a regional airline and have been thinking about the cargo airlines. Anyone currently at FEDEX or UPS knows what happens when you first get hired? Does everyone flys sideways for a while? How long does that usualy last? Which domiciles are junior/senior? I live in SOCAL, and like to be based in ONT(UPS) or LAX(FEDEX). Also, what are typical schedules? 4on/3off, 7on/7off, or something else? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,

Fabio.

Freighter Captain

Can't tell you anything re: FedEx, but as for UPS:

The majority of UPS newhires get a panel, or F/E position. That said, if there's continuous hiring you'll upgrade within a year or less. It pays the same, $26,000 per year, so that's at least not an issue.

Typical schedules in Ontario are 4 on 3 off, or 3 on, 4 off; some 7 on/7 off as well.. There's Hawaii flying, some pacific rim flying, some transcons, some sorts, and some 2nd day air routes.

Every pilot bids his schedule based on his needs for the 56 days, whether it means using a vacation week to whallop off a trip to wanting that long 5-day layover in Hong Kong. On reserve, however, you can and will get hosed.

The variety of flying at UPS is stunning.

Hope this helps you some, Fabio.

PAX2Cargo

FC,

What is MIA base like? And I thought that UPS is still hiring. I see they still have the position posted on the company web page.

jwes

I heard that if you got a part time job at either place (thowing boxes) that you would get an interview for a pilot possision after doing it for some time. Any idea if this is true?

Freighter Captain

UPS has hired a few pilots that have done this maneuver, but that was years ago.

Since the key is the 1,000 hours Pic and recommendations, 1 move to Louisville or start jumpseating lots in our system while 2 you fly for a regional that gets you a quick upgrade to captain. You need to spend time on the air side of UPS's ops-- not the ground side.

jets2brasil

Thanks freighter pilot. As Usual you are very resorseful and helpful. I appreciate your time.

Fabio.

FedEx1

As for Fedex....

Most new hires start on the 727 panel, but recently some have be put on the panel of the DC-10 and even the right seat of the 727. But that is rare- count on going to the 727 and living the phrase "essential power." (Two new hires recently finishing training for the Airbus in Subic, but again, very rare.) How long you stay totally depends on hiring, movement, and people leaving. There has to be a seat bid. It could be 6 months, it might be several years. Some people choose to stay in their seats to hold good schedules, and not upgrade at the first possible time. Or, they wait until a widebody seat opens up. Lots of 60+ guys on the back of the -10.

Right now, if you have been at Fedex for a year or so, you could hold a widebody seat (the MD-11 went more junior than the Airbus). The most junior guy holding 727 captain is a 4 year employee (but the wait for training is months.) The most junior guy waiting for LAX MD-11 training was hired less than a year ago, but won't start training until January 2006.

Most pilots are domiciled in MEM- all 727 pilots, all DC-10, and some MD-11 and some A-300/310. There is a small MD-11 domicile in LAX, and one in ANC. There is a very small (80 pilots total) Airbus base in Subic Bay, Phillipines. Pilots are never forced to go to SFS.

The schedules vary, every possible thing you can imagine. 3 on, 4 off, 7 on 7 off, 14 on, 14 off, you name it. Day stuff, night stuff, early AM stuff, afternoon stuff, around the world, and domestic.

You HAVE to have 3 rec letters from pilots at Fedex that have flown with you to even be considered for an interview. We were also making your buddies bring you into Fedex in person to meet a Chief Pilot- just to get an interview. Not sure if that is still in effect though. It got really crazy, and though I did see a few guys do that a few weeks ago, heard they may be scaling that down. Not sure.

Good luck!

jets2brasil

So much good information.. Thank you so much Fedex1. That really helps.. Maybe one of this days I'll get a job there. Now I just need to find some people to recommend me. Have a good one.