Some Basic Questions for FedExers
 

Seriously thinking about making a change to FedEx. Can you guys tackle some basic questions?

What are the junior bases and equipment? Do all new hires wind up in Hong Kong or Germany? How long to get to MEM?

What does a typical trip look like? 3 days? 4 days? 10 days? Commutability?

Which fleet type has the best QOL in your opinions?

How much of the flying is backside of the clock vs front side?

How is life on reserve, and how long is the typical new hire on reserve?

Thanks very much guys!!

OK, I'll try.

Bases are MEM, CGN, HKG, ANC, LAX, IND.

I guess the junior base is MEM.

Senior base, IMHO, is LAX.

IND is very small.

No one is forced to go to CGN or HKG.

If you are a new hire, you will probably be in MEM.

If you have certain special skills, you may be selected to fly the MD-11, MD-10.

Other new hires have a choice of aircraft.

The 757 is the junior aircraft, as it is the only narrow body pay airplane.

However, we have new hires in the 767, 777, MD. I don't know about the Airbus.

As a junior guy, expect to fly at night.

There is no up or out, so senior FO's have better quality of life, but may delay their upgrades.

It has been said that half the seniority list will retire in the next 10 years.

If you can't fly all night, don't come here. That is what we do.

Senior folks can fly in the daytime, but the majority of trips are at night.

If you like international, the 777 is a great ride. Also, most days off for most pay.

Of course, it is one of the most senior AC.

We are getting lots of 767's. Firm orders of 100, I think, and options for 50 more. Brand new 767's. It is a nice ride, but the 777 is better for a variety of reasons.

Ease of commute depends on where you live. You can reserve a FedEx jumpseat 3 weeks in advance. However, if you live in, say, DEN, or C-Springs, there just aren't enough seats.

The future looks bright, until the drones take over, then we are screwed.:eek:

What is wrong with where you are now?

Boxes don't complain, but sometimes they catch fire.

It's around 15 hrs to mem from hkg, and 10 hrs from cgn.

Great answer, but I don't think that was the question.:D

Lots of trips are one day trips, but they string them together for a series of "hub turns". An ideal commuter schedule is "week on, week off", which is not always exactly week on week off.

Some trips are longer, deadhead somewhere on Monday, fly until Friday or Saturday, then deadhead home. Longer trips seem to go more senior.

Thanks for the replies everyone.

To answer your question, I love my current job, but I'm making sure I'm aware of whats out there should I be forced to start looking.

Do most trips begin after the sort? IE, could someone commute in late at night to start their trip after the sort is complete?

How many days off per month, on average?

Thanks again!

What planes are based in HKG?

For night hub turn trips thru Memphis...

Yes

Yes (...and that's exactly what most pilots who fly MEM hub turn trips do, unless the trip has a company paid deadhead ticket to an outside city on the front end)

Average days off in a 28-day bid month are about 16 for a line holder and about 12 for a pilot on reserve

Minimum days off in a 4 week month is 13. It doesn't matter if you are a line holder or on reserve. You can choose to not protect min days off and work more.

Currently 767 (6 plus a spare) and some 757 (3 plus a spare)

All WB international override pay. $100 an hour minimum.

New hire into the bus. I sat reserve for 1 month. Getting awarded VTO (Secondary) lines since now. Getting all trips with a bunch of DHs that conveniently pass though my home airport. Most trips at night but I am enjoying the ride. Grateful for opportunity.

When did you get hired?

"If you have certain special skills, you may be selected to fly the MD-11, MD-10."

I have tried to notice international, where the MD has flown through. The only place I can remember is TPE and ANC. I would probably be hired into the MD I am assuming because of my experience. I only want international and would volunteer in an instant for (I know 76 base) HKG or anything with lots of long HKG layovers (777). Is the MD mostly domestic? Thanks, tried to find info on this but could not turn anyting up.

A plan at 15 years any idea on the amount? Guessing 10 years as F/O then upgrading maybe the last five years. Four bars honestly means nothing to me, I would rather have max time off and some control of my schedule and vacation.

1) Please pass the popcorn.
2) Do any of your special skills involve making and/or pouring coffee?
3) How do you feel about domestic four legs a night?
4) Would you be willing to change your username?

Not all C-17 guys and tailhookers are offered the MD-11.

I'm ANC based. The trip I'm on now goes ANC-MEM-HNL-SYD-HKG-TPE-ANC. My next trip is ANC-MEM-CDG-DEL-DXB-HKG-TPE-d/h ANC. Lots of international flying for the ANC base (it's all international).

Are you a good pilot? Because you have to be GOOD to ride the thoroughbred.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Really? I thought you only had to be senior.;) Although I guess that now, you don't even have to be that.

Jetjok the "old days" at Fedex when MD pilots had interesting personality quirks is now over. No longer are MD guys sought out who have strong opinions and a abrasive manner. Now they spend 3 months essentially teaching them the three step process of handing the thoroughbred of the fleet. Hint: step 2 is "flair the jet before landing" :eek::rolleyes:

What do the MD guys use for flair? Buttons? Pins? Jalapeño Christmas lights?

Sounds awesome.

Just a joke.

UA

THAT was funny! Well played.

Just a swag: If you are a Capt for 5 years you should be able to get a high 5 to the current contractual max of $260K. 15 years of service at 2% per year would give you an A fund value of $78K annually. If you have a spouse (see how PC I can be) who is within a few years of your age, I would guesstimate a factor of .89 if you take the 50% survivor benefit, for a benefit of of $69,420 annually.

This assumes you are at least age 60 when you retire and the current A fund benefits are in place when you hit 60. And these are strictly ballpark figures, your exact benefit would obviously have to be determined by the bean counters when you actually retire.

I tell everyone who is currently working elsewhere thinking of coming to FedEx to plan a small trip on our jumpseat and come see the job for yourself. Experience a night hub turn yourself. Jumpseat with a friend who can introduce you to other crewmembers while at the hub.

Nah, we've been relegated back to second class status. Just like when the 74's were still on the property. ✈️


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

"Not all C-17 guys and tailhookers are offered the MD-11."

Sorry guys I should of been more specific with my post. 10 years flying the MD-11 and not a mil guy.

Thanks for the response, much appreciated. That looks like two perfect trips for me. Great city pairings. Do you happen to remember the average layover? Is it the typical 24 24 36 type?

Thanks, I was trying to find out how the A plan was calculated but couldn't find the exact type of numbers. Yes 15 years would be age 60. Planning on retiring in Thailand so a descent pension where I would not have to touch 401k or B plan would be great. I guess I could stay a few more years to up the A plan but not really interested in working until 65.

BI in December. Finished IOE beginning of April.

MEM was 65, HNL 48, SYD 26, HKG 36, TPE 24. I'm fairly senior ANC Capt.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk