busdriver12

This seems like the best place to access the brain trust. Was just talking to another retired FedEx pilot whose son might be interested in flying. No flight experience, but a smart, talented kid, recent college graduate. FedEx as the ultimate goal, of course!

This seems like one of the optimum times in history to get an aviation job. I would think getting a Guard or Reserve flying slot would be the best option, as you don't have to shell out a bunch of money, don't have to be a CFI, and you get quality flying experience/exciting missions. But then again, what do I know? Is it difficult to get a flying slot in the Guard nowadays? It used to be next to impossible, but with all the airlines hiring like crazy, maybe not.

Or is there a better way? I'm wondering what you guys would recommend, if this was your kid.

Thrust Hold

Get through the certificates and ratings as quickly as possible (All ATPs) and then get hired on with a Regional. Build time super fast, quick upgrades, potential Flow (should FedEx not workout), etc.

The real "Brain Trust" is on JetFlyers.

busdriver12

Thanks, I’ll pass that on. You’re right about Jetflyers, I thought of that and tried to delete this thread, but apparently you can’t delete a thread.

Noworkallplay

The real "Brain Trust" is on JetFlyers. [/QUOTE]


If you are referring to the same 12 angry men as this website constantly crying and complaining you are accurate

tnkrdrvr

Many Guard units filled to overflowing a couple years ago as Covid refugees sought safe harbor from expected furlough. They may be starting to hire again as guys realize their airline gig will continue to pay the bills.

However, while getting your training through the Guard/Reserve is a good deal, if you want to catch the current hiring wave you are probably better off going for broke and racing through your ratings and hours ASAP to get to a regional and put an application on file for that career destination airline. A kid with no flying experience (or military experience) may struggle to get a UPT slot with a unit and, even if hired quickly, the Guard/Reserve route may be significantly slower than the civilian route. I’d only recommend the Guard/Reserve route to a kid who puts a premium on serving their country. It may set you up for a great airline career or it could delay you such that the current hiring wave is over before you can apply.

Alpiner

Take a look at purple runway, probably the most straightforward way to get hired at this point.

opt0712

Also one of the slowest ways to get hired. Seriously, one could go to ATP, get all the ratings and instruct, go to a regional; upgrade and get at least 500PIC, and you'd still get to FedEx faster than the purple runway guys. The caravans and the ATRs don't fly near the amount regional guys do.

OKLATEX

This!!!! All ATPs, the LIFT Academy next door to our new Ops building in Indy or even look at programs like UAL AVIATE.

I’ll be honest; FDX is great, but I wouldn’t put all my career direction in one airline. I came up the civilian route, went to a College with an aviation program. Thanks to my regional, had a flow to a legacy and thanks to a college internship, had an interview with that legacy. Didn’t work out like I thought thanks to 9/11, but I’ve had a a good ride and hope it continues; wouldn’t change a thing!

But the opportunities that these kids have now with the regionals and their associated legacy airlines is unbelievable. Again, I’ve had a great career but I’m envious of the opportunities that are out there for the young. It’s great to see!

Flyweight

As a guard guy who has kicked ass, it isn’t the fastest way to mainline or fedex. Im older than all my peers at mainline and FDX took too long to call. (I still want cargo at both jobs deep down but cant justify newhire and seniority loss again)

Wear a flightsuit if you want to. Fly if you want to. Don’t do it because you’re greedy. I don’t like flying with guys who dont enjoy flying at some level.

Atrpilotcargo

I’d be curious what the average time people spend at a regional. For me, I was a little over 4.5 years total at a regional to being a new hire at FDX. 10 months total at my first regional then 3.5 years at a feeder. And I had one of the best QOL during that time working for them.

To each their own. I went directly to the ATR. No caravans for me.