The DOD will allow any aircraft type with a non-experimental Airworthiness Certificate issued by the FAA. The only restriction on aircraft provided in airlift operations (in my experience) was the length of time the aircraft was in service prior to beginning operations. I’m 99% sure an aircraft has to have been in service(scheduled/regular use) by the carrier for at least 366 days prior to commencement of first charter flight.

Waivers may be obtained, but unlikely to be granted as Swift is not a major player in the DOD/DOS/AMC market.

So to recap, once Swift receives the aircraft they must wait a year(minimum) after said aircraft enter into operations in order to be eligible to provide this type of lift.*

*All the above is only applicable when the carrier has been found to be acceptable by the DOD/DOS/AMC.

From reading these forums though I can tell Swift may have an issue when they have to explain:

How Captains are upgraded? Why turnover is so high? Why they have had to previously hire contract pilots? What safety systems are in place to ensure pilots and management are working towards safe operations? The countries in which pilots hold Certificates? The experience level of all pilots?

Then the best part- an overview of all incidents and accidents during a given time frame and how they have worked to prevent them from reoccurring.

I personally think it would be hilarious to witness the faces made during these audits for approval. Best part is, all of this will be available thanks to FOIA once an application is made.

Maybe then we can find out why Mexi stays at Swift 😉

Not true. A certain operator proposed to get 330’s. They were told no, due to national security. If a war pops off, the DOD wants domestic aircraft so that aircraft remains serviceable and not reliant on a foreign government for parts. Other government agencies may not care. Especially ICE.

Then how did USAir participate in CRAF with their 330s back in the day?

That’s participating. That’s being activitated by the DOD. Initially, the DOD said that an operator can only have a certain percentage of their business from the military. A certain ACMI operator told them that in order to maintain readiness and capacity, they needed a certain guarantee. That exemption was granted. Then said ACMI proposed buying Airbus. The DOD said no. There you have it.

I’m not sure where you get your information from but a restriction on the A330 in particular is non-existent. Ryan, and Delta, both operated A330’s for the DOD. Delta still operates A330’s for the DOD but usually the determining factor is airframe and crew availability (plus capacity).

Another point in the audit of DOD flying is Maintenance programs and parts on hand. You must satisfy that you have a significant parts inventory or be available to source parts through agreements.

But, let’s get back to Swift.

As someone mentioned there’s multiple carriers flying the a330 for the DOD. Yes it takes a year of flying to be able to introduce the type into the market. But I think their focus is more on the European market from South America. I guess there’s a lot of European companies that want lift in that direction.

We have the DOD approval for the 737. We just don’t have any contracts since we got signed off in the fall. Not to mention I’m sure it would involve using 800s for lift. They’re all in Europe getting worked to the bone.

Our DO looks he’s leaving for a better opportunity. Hopefully something less stressful.


Also why am I going to jump around airlines? I’m not going to change airlines every year like some guys do, that’s a lot of instability for ones family. Not to mention it’s horrible for your resume. I make ok money here and I’m senior enough to have a decent life here for now and take care of the family. It’s not all flowers and Daisy’s but it is what it is, I know it’ll get better, it has over several years. I’ve been here long enough to have a comparison. I make the best of the situation, for me it’s still a fun time. When it starts becoming work is when it’s time to go.

Off track, grammar nazi here. I wish they proof read emails for grammar and spelling errors before shooting out a pilot wide email. My head is hurting from run on sentences.

I have been reading the post for the last few weeks. I can’t believe anyone would work for these douche bags. Wtf!!

Well said Capt Hunter

Posted it days ago