I'm just tired of FedEx and Delta holding GPA as some indicator to how well we are at a trade skill. "Flying an airplane is no different than riding a bicycle, its just a lot harder to put baseball cards through the spokes" Capt Kramer. I know...a discriminator. When there are thousands of us out here, they've got to go to something. I too shall await a miracle.

 

[QUOTE=Albief15;2025558] I don't know what it takes to get called, but anecdotally there were about a dozen guys with 76 experience in the app file who said they'd go to Hong Kong. All were apparently interviewed, and most hired. If FedEx was my long term dream job I'd run, not walk to Ryan or Atlas to get some 75/76 experience and check the "yes" to FDA block on the apps.Albie thanks for the insight. You give solid advice--thank you for the time and thought you put into your responses. So here's my situation...I'm currently the Chief of Stan/Eval in a tanker (KC-135) guard unit. I work full time as an ART. I have checked the boxes of degree (MBA), high GPA, and heavy overwater experience. I want to earn my spot as a FedEx pilot but I'm unsure how best to do it. Would you suggest leaving my job as an ART to go to Atlas or another operator to get the 75/76 type or would you continue to build your resume on the ART side of things? The airlines are my ultimate goal. FedEx is certainly at the top of the list. Thanks for the help.

 

If it means anything, GPA doesn't seem to matter in my case. Summa cum Laude with a 3.95 GPA and all I've ever heard is crickets. Go figure....

 

I'm pretty sure FedEx is not really looking at GPA (at least in the last few classes) Plenty of dudes with GPAs in the mid to low 2s that don't have MD or 75/76 time. It took me 8 years from start to finally finished to get my degree (I'm not a doctor. I took a couple years off and raced SCCA Formula Ford and Formula 2000 cars).

I'm sure it's been said here before, but they're not looking for FOs, they're looking for future captains. Guys (or gals) with a breadth of experience. Multiple type ratings or experience on more than just one aircraft. I also know they've given a few TBNT to guys with DC10 and 767 time.

They're also looking for people that they're going to get along with and not want to jump out of the airplane half way across the Atlantic. Once someone is hired, it's hard to get rid of the d-bags.

The hiring department of HR is only a couple people and they're swamped as you can imagine. That, and it's peak season, so hiring and training is slower than what it would be otherwise. They will be hiring (I've heard) anywhere between 30-50 a month for 2016. If you're a good person and have the experience just keep the app updated and keep the faith. You will get a call.

 

[QUOTE=3downandchecked;2025739]My gut says you are exactly the kind of guy they would call without having to make the detour. Talk to your sponsors and get their read. I wouldn't give up a six figure job and leadership position if you were happy.

What I will say is the 767 type if you could get it would probably scream "hire me".

My advice to RUN to supplementals was for guys in regionals or a dead end job somewhere. It seems you are in pretty good spot.

 

[QUOTE=Albief15;2026176]Albie thanks for the response. I thought staying put was the best course of action. Patience, constantly improving my resume, and studying for the interview seems like the best thing to do as I prepare for the call. I'll look at the type. Our unit isn't slated for the KC-46 but, going the Atlas route may be an option I need to look at. I was able to talk to John Ryder and Capt Fischer at OBAP. Their feedback was very positive. I just want to make sure I'm doing everything I can to make myself competitive and stand out amongst the pool of very qualified folks out there. Good luck to all!

 

Questions for active fedex commuters, is it possible to park a small class b, or camper van in the parking lot on fedex property and use it while on reserve?

 

Used to be but they FCIF'd that away a decade ago.

Not to sound snarky, but with what you will be making at FedEx you don't have to make yourself completely miserable. A shared crashpad room can be found for 200ish, a private one for 400ish, and in some good neighborhoods.

As a technique, when I was there in years past I kept a car, but would float from hotel to hotel. Weekdays were often spend 40 minutes away in Tunica casinos, which had 24/7 food, good gyms, and a nice pool in the summer. The Grand/Harrahs was closest but went under, but there are still bargains to be found Sunday-Thursday.

Weekends I would migrate to Millington NAS. World class gym (Dugger center), great outdoor pool in the summer, and safe place to run and be outdoors.

As I got more senior and didn't have to watch the $$$ as close, I often just stayed at Marriott Courtyard close by. Once I ditched MEM car a few years back this was nice.

There are some nice RV parks in MS, and a good friend stayed out at Shelby Farms for training in an RV park. I think hanging out on Sardis Lake might be a nice respite from training, and the training center is easy to get to off of the interstate (assuming you aren't training at Hack's).

Everyone has a different way of dealing with commuting, and I understand as a new hire you aren't loaded. However, I will say that one of the smartest decisions I made was deciding "it wasn't going to suck..." when I went to work. Take care of yourself, make going to work as much fun as possible (and there is/are some fun things around Memphis) and enjoy it. Picking up one trip a month will more than cover the difference in cost, and lately there's been a ton of flying available again.

Probably more than you wanted than just a simple "no" but I hear some of these questions frequently.

 

I used an RV for 13 years as a crash pad in Memphis.

I had a 22' class C that fit nicely in the parking lot on Democrat. I spent one night there once and the crew buses kept waking me up. It's much more restful to drive up to TO Fuller State Park over by the river. $20 a night.

For training I stayed at both the Agricenter in Germantown and the Jellystone in Horn Lake. Just depended on whether I was going to Hacks or the Gucci Building.

 

Sadly its all about points to even get you out of the computer stack and in front of those who decide if you get a interview.