The term 'Trunk pilot' is used throughout these programs but I can't find a definition for what that is. What is a FedEx trunk pilot?

Additionally, what happens if you complete the JTC and then are not offered employment with FedEx? Do you still have to repay the fee?

 

Those are the pilots who actually are employees of FedEx. The more common term is "Mainline". Mountain Air Cargo and Empire are contractors who operate planes which say FedEx on the side of them, but they are actually not employees of FedEx. Same situation as the passenger airlines.

 

The term trunk comes from the original trunk airlines of the 30s. I know the term was used commonly at least until the early nineties. I hadn’t heard it since Fedex. They tend to use that term here. Oddly enough, I don’t think Fedex was ever a trunk airline.

 

It does make me wonder if they're working on, or have already received a waiver to use the SIC in cargo.
I guess we'll know soon enough.

 

Yeah, I suppose. I'm not going to hold my breath though. Gonna keep on track to the regional jets then try to make my move. No JTC needed

 

This is definitely true for at least Empire side. They have announced that it is in the process of getting approved. I can't tell you a timeline, but I imagine it should be coming soon since its in the purple runway announcement as well. Sounds like it could be a good deal for people that can't afford to get CFI or just don't want to.

 

Federal register

Regulatory Relief: Aviation Training Devices; Pilot Certification, Training, and Pilot Schools; and Other Provisions

135.99 Composition of flight crew.
* * * * *
(c) Except as provided in paragraph
(d) of this section, a certificate holder authorized to conduct operations under instrument flight rules may receive authorization from the Administrator through its operations specifications to establish a second-in-command professional development program. As part of that program, a pilot employed by the certificate holder may log time as second in command in operations conducted under this part and part 91 of this chapter that do not require a second pilot by type certification of the aircraft or the regulation under which the flight is being conducted, provided the flight operation is conducted in accordance with the certificate holder’s operations specifications for second-in- command professional development program

https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-201...2018-12800.pdf

 

Equal Opportunity .............

 

Maybe you can help provide some guidance for us FedEx-hopefuls...

Is Mountain Air Cargo (MAC) or Empire Airlines the best route to FedEx?
-or-
Would a regional job be the better option?

Ultimately, whichever is going to provide you with 1000 TPIC in the least amount of time; in an industry where seniority is everything a 1 or 2 year difference between start dates means missing out on a substantial chunk of change...

If you were in our shoes today (single, no kids, willing to relocate) which route would you personally take?

All feedback is helpful! Thanks in advance

 

If getting the TPIC in the least amount of time is the goal, I’d go to a regional. You can fly 800-1000 hours a year easily at a regional. The feeders don’t fly nearly that much I believe.

Also, if you went to A feeder, you’d need to be in the ATR as the Caravan is less than 12,500lbs and isn’t multiengine.