The rest of the industry does it, but it’s not a good idea. Got it. Stick to what you know because the rest of the world is scary.

 

The rest of the industry (except UPS, which still has a PIC requirement) can't afford to restrict hiring to only those with TPIC. We can (for now). So that's not a good argument to get rid of ours. We've already lowered it, and dropping the degree requirement.

If it ever gets to the point where we can't attract people with PIC then it may be time to revisit that issue, but for now it's a good thing to have.

 

I think you put way too much stock in whatever training program airline X, airline Y or even FedEx has for Captains. You seem to place minimal value on previous PIC experience when it's probably the most important asset any future airline Captain can bring to the table. There's no substitute for it. Removing the PIC requirement is an economic decision by various airline's management who have decided they have no choice. If it is such a great improvement, why didn't they make the change 5, 10 or 20 years ago? Just because those airlines have reached that level of desperation definitely doesn't mean it's the best option. FedEx has always stated they're hiring future Captains because every single one they've hired up to now has already proven they can actually fulfill that role and their experience was part of the qualifications that got them the job. That's not the same thing as flying around in the right seat and somehow getting that command experience by osmosis.

Justifying hiring pilots without PIC time just because they might be able to pass the training necessary to get into a left seat at an airline doesn't negate the fact that they are behind their peers who already have thousands of hours as PIC in a military aircraft, RJ, corporate or ACMI cockpit. Foreign airlines like to put ab initio pilots into the right seat of an airliner with 250 hours, the ability to run a checklist and use the autopilot. That doesn't mean that FO is going to be worth much if the flight goes off script. It definitely doesn't mean it's the best way to cultivate solid FOs and future Captains. Same thing for us. We have the option at the moment to continue hiring pilots who have already proven they can be a Captain. What value does moving away from that requirement bring us? Absolutely none. We're not a training ground for pilots with no PIC experience because we don't need to be. I'll take a new Captain in command of the aircraft on which I happen to be jumpseating who already has plenty of experience as PIC any day over someone who is using that flight for OJT.

 

UPS guy here and I totally agree. We are both hiring future captains.

 

SO much This^^^

Whenever I get asked when FedEx will drop the PIC requirement: We don't need to. That's what your previous flying job/s was/were for.

 

Very well said. The only thing I could possibly add is that at FedEx/UPS most of our operations occur at a time when your mind and body aren't at peak performance. Having already perfected PIC and leadership skills enhances flight safety and the chances of an on-time and efficient operation.

 

How Jr is it, btw? First time poster. Had my app in at FedEx for about a month now. About 6800 TT, 5,000 121 TPIC. However, I had a long layoff and left 121 flying for 14 years, and just returned as Jet PIC with 100 hrs of recent experience. Previous 121 Check Airman, Master's Degree, and no skeletons, but I'm fearful the extended layoff and time limited to RJ's could reduce my chances for a look. I primarily ask about current/anticipated upgrade time b/c I'm in my mid-50's, and just now repositioned to enter the hunt now that my kids are raised. Many thanks in advance.

 

57 went less than 6 months
11, 30, 67 around 2.5 years
77 around 4.5 years

 

Guys and gals, the minimums are strictly due to market forces. When there is more pilots than pilot jobs, FedEx prefers applicants with astronaut ratings. And when the market shifts, they start by getting rid of certain tests, then with the 4 year degree, and eventually with the PIC time requirement. We are not there yet for the last. But if/when the it becomes necessary, they will lower that requirement. Otherwise the freight doesn’t move. And they’ll defiantly lower hiring minimums before letting too much freight stay idle.

It’s not personal, it’s business.

 

Is this from day one to first day of upgrade training?