FMI

Hello everyone, rather new to this APC deal, but have spent several hours reading many threads and would like to pose a question.
Have always had a dream of flying a 747.. always. Even as a young kid flying a cub out of a pasture, couldn't wait.
Today, I'm in my late 30's and have found myself recently single, no kids, no ties. Able to go anywhere and willing to do so as well.
Pretty much gave up the idea of achieving said dream and staying with a nice corp job flying jets across the continent (well, ok, a young lady caused me to give up the dream).
However that has now changed.
I'm still in a nice cushy corp job today, but I want to get out there and accomplish my dream before I end up taxiing behind one of you guys at LAX or PANC, wishing I had taken advantage when I could.
With over 7,000TT, almost 2500 turb. PIC (no military experience sorry to say), I'm here to ask you guys for some advice in what to do or where to go.
I'm in Anchorage often and see you all running in and out of there like firefly's.
Love Anchorage.... would move there in a second.
Any thoughts here??? Have my sights/prayers set on UPS for sure.
Hope to hear from someone and thank you in advance.

Precontact

Well you sound like a good fit for UPS if you'd like to fly a 747 and live in ANC. Just that right now our online application window is closed, here's a great place to look for the latest pilot hiring info.

http://airlinepilotcentral.com/airlines/cargo/ups.html

Once the window reopens, definitely submit your app! Good luck.

CactusCrew

If you really want to fly the Whale that badly ... look into some lesser known carriers.

There are lots of B747 operators that you could be flying your dream aircraft while logging heavy international time !!

GOOD LUCK !!!

FMI

I'm fortunate to know, and have flown with, 4 close friends of mine flying with UPS now. I met with the reps at an Air Inc. seminar in Dallas as well. Great folks, very informative! Also occasionally try to strike up a conversation with one of your crews at the hotel while in PANC, all the while being repectful that your pretty tired.
I'm keeping my ear close to the UPS pilot hotline and check the website daily. I would be glad to fly any tail thats brown, and then hopefully work my way to the 744.
Thank you for your time, I appreciate it.

FMI

CactusCrew,
Thanks for the quick response.
I've looked into a few of these carriers, and thanks for the advice. Polar, Atlas, Evergreen are either not hiring, or have pilots furloughed. I'll keep checking though, glass is always half full!!
Any other recommendations? What about Intl? Cathay, Singapore, Emirates, JAL?? Thoughts on this??
I have a dream of going to UPS, so keeping my sights set there mostly. However, like you said, getting some heavy Intl. time elsewhere would make me more marketable.
Appreciate your time and any future posts.

CactusCrew

The way I see it, you can only improve 2 things for UPS ...

1) heavy INTL time ... the reason for my 1st post, and you can possibly change that.

2) Military time ... not going to change that.

And FWIW ... you CAN get hired at UPS without either of them !!!

BUT ... you really sounded like you wanted to sail on the Whale ! And you gave a few reasons why now was a great time for you to do it.

If your corporate job is that cushy, and keeps you happy, then stay put. You are qualified for UPS right now.

It really is a matter of what you want to do tomorrow ...

Purple F/O

IMHO, Don't take a downward move, or perhaps even a lateral one, just to fly a different aircraft. To live a different lifestyle, perhaps, but don't work for dirt just to fly a cooler airplane. I think you'll regret it in the long term.

FMI

Yes, agree with the advice about lat moves and will be cautious in any move.
The position I have now is the perfect Prt 91 job avail. As a Capt., I do very well here and have almost 10yrs seniority. Attentive to what I would be giving up and will weigh all scales before making any move.
So (and I pose this to everyone looking in) what are the thoughts as far as Cathay, Emirates, JAL, etc.? Are the opportunities avail and accepted for American pilots?
Its been recommended to me that I look into this avenue. The pay being well and X%, tax free, etc. There are many pros and con's, but what is available in today's market?
I cover the cont. daily here, only Intl. experience I acquire is Canada and Mexico.
No complaints, just tired of looking at all the whales and wishing I was there.
Holding out for UPS, yet willing to seek all options avail.
Rather nieve when it comes to all of this, as I've been a prt. 91 driver my entire career, so please excuse my lack of intl. carrier knowledge.
Acquired a 73 type a few years ago, was nice to have my hands on a Boeing yoke, even if it was a sim.!

FIT59

I let Cathay Pacific buy me 747-400 type rating right before I went to UPS. You can do the same!

767pilot

Going to UPS is not a lateral move, and like cactus crew suggested, it may help you to make a lateral move to improve your chances. I don't think that the foreign airlines that you mentioned pay as well as you think, plus I am thinking that they want people with larger airplane experience.