Indy

Can anyone help a guy out? I'm military with a few years left before retirement. Don't have the ATP and other prereqs...yet.

Now that FedEx is in the hiring mode again, how often do they typically open the application window? I'll miss this window...when can I expect the next app window to open?

FDXLAG

Your guess is as good as ours. My guess we will probably hire 100 a year as long as the economy doesnt tank.

KnightFlyer

There's no set pattern that I've seen over the past 16 years. Just keep in touch with your FedEx buddies and plan ahead. Good luck and I hope we get a chance to hire you.

Indy

Thanks...Sounds like I should just go get them done...then wait. Think there's a good chance of the app window opening again before say Spring 2013?

magic rat

FWIW, once I got my letter in to resign in a year, I got EVERYTHING done about 6-8 months prior to getting out...FE(w), First Class Medical, Restricted Radio Ticket, 737 type rating with ATP (VA paid for 70%) .

I do recommend that you get your application online, soon, I think they track how long you've been interested in working here or there.

Also, I don't know what you fly but, I got a type rating in the civilian equivalent of what I flew in the military.

Then just start logging time and get in line. I had speadsheets for each airline I applied to because each had different minimums and conversion factors.

Indy

Thanks for the words. I figured I'd start planning my post-USAF job early. I guess I'm just a little worried that if a whole ton of qualified guys apply in this window (what are the odds in this market?) that recruiting won't open an app window for a long time (too long). Is this fear justified?

No supersonic bombers in the civilian world!!

hypoxia

Why not apply anyway and update the application as time goes on? What do you have to lose? $75?? Does the application state one has to have these minimums to apply, or to receive an interview? 2 different things, so apply and update if they let you. If you have a buddy at FedEx have him or her put the recommendation in after you meet the reqs and retire from the USAF... Just a thought!

Most folks go to the ATP weekend wonder program.... so that's a no brainer! Buy your ATP and Flight engineer study books from Gliem or another reputable source.

Gleim Aviation

ATP Flight School: Airline Pilot Training & Pilot Career Development

splat

Not many space shuttles either, but it's on the application. My guess is your bomber time is way more valuable than you think. . . .

Albief15

I separated from the Air Force in 2002 and transitioned to the ANG. I got my ATP in 1994.
I took the FE written 4 times...1992, 1994, 1996, and 2000....

My advice to all military bros lurking the site is simple. You can always update your profile once you are in, but you need to get it when the window is open. So, do a search for an old post called "timing your exit" for some general ideas. For specifics, here is what I would do...

1. Invest the $2000 or so and get an ATP on a long weekend somewhere. Plan it as part of a vacation for family if you like, but deciding to wait until you are either getting out or the airlines are hiring can put you in a rush. Additionally, how CHEAP do you think you could have done the course during the recessions? If you see a lull in your calendar go ahead and knock it out--they won't get any cheaper. Additionally, they don't expire, so there is no penalty for applying now.

2. FE written tests can be updated. Do the gleim book or Sheppard Air course, and even if you get a 72 get in the system. You can always retake the test and update it with your 98 or 100 you nail it on later. If you aren't leaving the military for a year or two who cares if it sits at 72 as long as you updated it during the year or so before you get out?

Having been in operational fighter squadrons for the first 10 years of my AF career, I know how busy things can get. At the same time, you have to invest in your future. Why not do it now? Get it done, and then you are that much closer when the big day finally does come and you start your transition to this great career...

Pakagecheck

Indy,
My humble advice is drop the $75 now and get in the system. That's one good round at the bar on a Friday. You can continue to update as you get your reqs done. Once the window closes...no soup for you until it opens again. However, you can still update your junk. We have had hiring without reopening the window. Not sure if you are talking 2, 4 or 6 years out but it isn't gonna hurt. If the airlines is what you want, take a long weekend and get the ATP done ASAP. No excuses to not have it. As far as the FE written, well it only makes sense to wait a bit on it. Your bone(so to speak) might not have a type associated with it but it will still be pic jet time. Good luck and pitch into the fight.