TipsyMcStagger

Since you're asking for opinions...don't worry about a type rating. Just find one of those two-day ATP courses in a Seminole or Duchess, etc and bang out your ATP ASAP. These courses are designed pretty much around guys like yourself. I used to instruct at one of those pilot factories many moons ago. The average guy who came in for a two-day ATP had stats just like yours (there was a large AFB nearby). Not that it's right, but the DPE's were all too happy to collect their $200 and hand you your shiny new ATP certificate...usually three times a day. For many of the applicants, it was the only piston time in their logbook.

Again, just my opinion, but I really doubt anyone in HR at UPS or FedEx is going to look at your package and say, "well he's been flying in the AF for the last 10 years and he's got an ATP, but I wonder if he's got what it takes to get a type rating?"

Just my opinion, but I'd go get the ATP ASAP and forget about wasting time and $$$ on a type rating.

Tipsy

MaydayMark

I'm just an average line "dog" (in other words: I have absolutely NOTHING to do with hiring) but I've never heard of a (formal or informal) requirement for a type rating at FedEx. Generally speaking, An established military background speaks for itself. I understand the discussion above about the competition for this job but I'd say you're already highly qualified.

I'd spend my time getting to be REALLY good friends with your sponsor. He's now the key to your M&G (I really hate that term; I prefer to call it the IFTI, "Interview for the Interview") at FedEx. He's really the key to breaking you out of the quadrillion applications.


Mark

tinygiant

Mark and Tipsy,

That's pretty much the type rating info I was looking for. Any, hey, we military types have more than that for piston time! According to my logbook, I have a full 33.1 hours of piston time! Getting my ATP will bring it up to at least 36.0.

Thanks for the help so far everyone, I'm sure I'll have many more questions about cargo carriers for you soon.

JollyF15

I agree with Capt Mark that your number priority should be working with you sponsor to get a M&G, that's the thing that will get you hired here. As far as the ATP is concerned, I'd knock it out just so you don't have to take that test again at a later date. I did mine in a Cesna 310 at Holloman's aero club. Took me about 6 hours to knock it out and then I could use the airplane out there too. You can use your GI bill to pay for most of it, so why not knock it out. If you plan on applying to SWA too, then it's a no brainer to wait until you get your type. SWA is a great company, but when you looking at both it's like apples and oranges. But's that's another discussion.

Jolly

arjmjj

I've got an additional question. I have a sponsor as well as 5 or so internal recs. Should I have the recs submitted ASAP or should I wait until I get a M & G. Have received differing opinions.

Jetjok

First off, we have enough pilots with tiny Richards and giant watches, so you're probably not going to get an interview. So, with that in mind, you should expect a letter in the mail in the next few days, stating that you are not going to get an interview, and for you to not bother setting up a meet and greet.

Seriously, get your on-line application in and let the guys that you know here, know you've applied. Ask one of them (not the one you like the best, but the one that's in the highest paying seat) to be your sponsor. Send him a few copies of your resume, making sure the information is the exact same as the stuff you typed in on-line. Ask him to walk your resume into his ACP's office, and for that matter, into the offices of any ACP that he might know. And for gods sake, don't sweat not having an ATP. Here is a link to our requirements. They are the minimum requirements, but they will qualify you to interview. https://www.pilotcredentials.com/car...qualifications
You are competing with a lot of highly qualified pilots, both military and civilian, many of whom are either currently flying the heavy iron, or have been in the past with thousands and thousands of hours of multiengine/complex/glass/international/night freight time. Don't be dismayed. We've hired other A-10 pukes and most have worked out just fine.

Good Luck,

Jetjok (formally an A-10 puke from 1979 until 1999)

kwri10s

NOW!! Have your on-line records as tight as possible. When your sponsor has you pulled up by the ACP to schedule your M&G, you want then to see all your recs and be "impressed" by your complete package. (Not that kind of package). Never leave anything up to chance. Preparation is 90%. Assume everyone else around you is at least as qualified as you, and the only difference left is how well you prepare. Be anal on anything paperwork oriented. Have each person writing you a rec walk into their ACP and ask the ACP to pull your file to "make sure their rec got attached to your file". A complete file is the best you can do. This also give the ACP one more chance to see you on screen. Anytime you are being looked at you increase your odds. Paperwork/interview prep is also critical.

Just to give you an example: when/if you are asked for a flying time summary/logbook, your answer is "here you go, Sir...here is my logbook and a copy of my AF/Army/CG/Navy/AirTran computer flying summary also I have a complete copy A-forms records and my AF form 8s for all check rides." Be fastidious. Have a copy of everything, and have an extra copy to give away of everything. If someone asks for a copy of your xxxx, you have already made a copy for them. "Here you go, Sir." Not, "well let's see...oh here it is...no wait...here is my logbook...I also have a computer printout somewhere." If you allow them to think about your poor organizational skills, you have allowed a potential crack for doubt. You are selling yourself. Never give any reason for the company to question your competence in any facet.

Organization will never overcome inept flying skills or the personality of a rock, but all you are looking for is a small edge on the next guy. Make them want to bring you on before someone else snaps you up. You can never bring too much energy into the fight. Now if you "bring a knife to a gun fight" you're on your own.

Jetjok

Kwri10s, What company do you work for?

tinygiant

Still working on getting the sponsor. I have a few names of pilots in the company. Some I know, some I don't. Hopefully it'll pan out soon.

tinygiant

JJ,

Thanks for the info and the link. Still much more work to be done!