This is the largest vacancy bid in my 10 years at UPS, with 97 net new captains required. It's also the initial bid for crews required for the arrival of the first 747-400F in 2007.

From the IPA Newscast:Summary of vacancies:

747-400 Capt ANC: 30 pilots
747-400 FO ANC: 30

MD11 Capt ANC: 30
MD11 FO ANC: 40

MD11 Capt SDF: (-30)
MD11 FO SDF: 10

757/767 Capt ONT: 18
757/767 FO ONT: 27

757/767 Capt SDF: 14
757/767 FO SDF: 7

757/767 Capt SDF Int'l: 5
757/767 FO SDF Int'l: 2

DC8 Capt: 10
DC8 FO: 14

A300 Capt: 11
A300 FO: 5

757/767 Capt MIA: 1
757/767 FO MIA: 1

 

Will UPS put new hires into the -400?

 

UPS places new-hires where there are openings or shortages in the system. If not enough FO's bid up to Anchorage on either the MD11 or 747-400F, then that's where new-hires will be sent. It's very possible that someone that flies -400s at, say, Polar or Atlas today could be flying the -400 at UPS in 2007, as UPS has been staffing the recent MD11 new-hire classes with pilots that have heavy jet time.

If the -400s and MD11s were all based in SDF, this all would not be the case. The fact that Anchorage is so far away makes it a very junior domicile-- regardless of what airplane is there.

This creates an advantage for those pilots who are flexible: 1. it allows a much faster upgrade to captain if you're chasing dollars, and 2. it allows anyone on the property within their first year to fly an all-glass widebody at UPS, even (perhaps) a brand new 747-400F.

 

I've been told that there are a lot of Atlas and Polar folks being talked to by UPS. The guys that live in the ANC area of great interest to UPS.

 

UPS has been interviewing pilots who have no internal recommendation, so if you have equipment experience on an MD, 75, or -400- apply now!

 

does a guy with no recent flight time (2 years), and 4500TT 1800PIC Turb, and 3500 Turbine Multi in CRJ's Citations, and ATR's have a prayer?

And no connections to boot?

After reading my post, I think I may know what the answer is..

 

What will it cost you to put your app in? Maybe 15 min. You'll never know if you don't try. UPS' interview process has no rhyme or reason to the casual observer. Not one single line pilot can tell you if you have a shot or not - because we DON'T KNOW! Good luck!

 

When does the bid close? I wonder if they'd award probie guys currently in training a vacancy? Guess you never know unless you've got the bid in there.

 

I believe the bid closes Dec. 1. UPS will put bodies wherever they are needed. Probation or not.

 

Sounds like good times at UPS.