Someday I would like to work for one of the big cargo companys. I am not ready yet but in an effort to position myself I had some questions.

I am flying the Beech 1900 at a regional right now, is there any benefit to my getting PIC time in this airplane? Would there be any value to me as an applicant to get on with a company flying long haul big jets or should I take the available upgrande in an ERJ or CRJ.

What are your thoughts on what maybe more beneficial?

Thanks

PS: I know things change quick so I am stuck on this plan just looking forward a bit.

 

It can never be repeated enough, PIC PIC PIC!!!!!!!!!

If you haven't followed the trend, getting on at FedEx and UPS isn't so much about having jet time as it is having connections to get you in the door. It would great to have 10000 jet PIC, but there is no way FX will come close to talking to you unless you know somebody(s) there. Network, keep in touch with buddies you went to school with as well as every CA you ever flew with. Who do you think is in the best position to give you a rec?

FWIW, a guy at my former employer was an FO, never got any PIC, plenty of jet SIC I believe. Got hired at a B1900 operator as a DEC. Almost exactly one year later, hired at FedEx.

How do you think that happened? They didn't just call him out of the blue.

 

If you only had a crystal ball... right now UPS is selecting candidates with heavy experience, MD or military equivalent is a big plus. In a few years, who knows. Things will change, the pool of available pilots will shrink and the cargo companies won't be a able to be so choosy. I would build as much PIC time as you can, get into the RJ for sure and if an opportunity to fly larger equipment comes along, take it. You've done the hard part! You've got a job building turbine time. Keep out of trouble and keep in contact with those you fly with. It will always be about who you know as much as what you know. Fred or ups will be happy to hire someone like you in the future!
Good Luck!

 

Twin Turbine PIC is worth something even if it is a Beech 1900. Get as much PIC time as you can. If given an opportunity to fly something bigger.......do it.
Don't pass up an option to get bigger more quality time.....Corp Jets, RJ's maybe even a non sked or charter outfits. Fly Skydivers in DC-3's or Twin Otters or Shorts sky vans on Sat/Sun. Think of every move as a stepping stone.

Ensure you have a Bachelor degree and Major in something worthwhile just in case you need to fall back on it later.

Ensure you get all your ratings........Comm /INST/MEL and ATP and a type rating if you can get it, especially if someone else pays for it.

Stay healthy and try to stay in decent physical shape.

Network with as many Airline Pilots as you can and stay in touch.

Keep your record clean, no violations /accidents and don't get any DUI's or arrested for something stupid. You will have to pass a background check.

Set realistic Goals, have your dream sheet but apply to everyone. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Don't get discouraged..(easier said than done).
Something will materialze.

Good Luck..........

 

3 posts, all at the same time, all giving the same advice. I think we're on to something!

 

Yeah, thats some funny shyte. Screw Kit Darby, Airinc, and the job fares. We should be charging for this crap.

 

Great Minds think alike.................but be warned I predict Skyhigh will soon arrive to rain on this poor Fledgling's parade

 

Redeye's advice is very sound. One thing I would like to add to his comment is something that a now retired United pilot told me over 10 years ago when I was thinking about going to the commuters, as it was known then. When you make a decision concerning your career think of where you want to be in 5 years.

Good luck!

 

Personally, I would rather be a BE-1900 CPT than an F/O on a RJ. So would the HR folks at UPS. I asked! They say PIC is more desirable. Turbine is turbine. Good question! Good luck

 

Hi, I would like to add a follow up question to this. If turbine is turbine, then why were some of the earlier posters saying “if an opportunity to fly bigger equipment comes along, take it” Does this mean that if I am a CA on a B1900 and a chance to fly as FO on a CRJ came about, that I should stay put as a CA and not try to move up to get jet time? I am sure this question sounds a lot like the one that started the thread, but I am just a little confused.