I can’t even stomach commuting from FL to EWR. Can’t imagine doing it half way around the world![emoji51]


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I flew a trip back to LAX from MIA a while back and had a deadheading crew in back. The young FO is married to a woman from Southeast Asia and she does not want to move, so this poor guy commutes back and forth across the Pacific to LAX.

Jeez. I cannot even fathom that.

I used to commute to DXB to see an ex (on 2 separate occasions).

Absolutely miserable.

Facebook rooms are all blowing up with news of 8 folks in the next class all to Hong Kong and then rumors that April will be the same.

1. Aren’t the FDAs voluntary?
2. What is the contract for folks to stay out there? 2 yrs? 3 yrs?
3. Is HKG that low on manning or are they increasing capacity?

Thanks

—Frustrated Poolie


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1. FDA’s are Voluntary

2. Commitment Period - A pilot must complete two years as an active pilot in the FDA, unless released from his obligation due to extenuating circumstances by the Vice President, Flight Operations.

3. HKG is the only base that I’ve noticed has Vacation Buy Backs and AVA (Advance Volunteer Assignments) nearly every month.

I'd recommend tracking down a copy of the FedEx CBA and reading over the FDA section if that's something you're considering.

Not really considering it (yet!!) for family reasons, just wondering what the deal is and why the company is prioritizing HKG.

Thanks!!


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The commitment period is 2 years, but in reality your minimum time out here will be 3 years.
HKG is usually understaffed, as FDAs are purely voluntary and not everyone wants to do it.
IMHO, even though I love it here, now is not a good time to come out here, just to get on the list. It is crazy.

In the door at Memphis to out the door to HKG is at least 90 days. Everyone will either be dead or laughing at all the panic by then. Hell they could go right to the left seat if it is a bad as all that.

You think all will be settled in 90 days?

I think a new hire will be able to make a much more informed decision in 90 days.