When asking a question like this make sure you separate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to answers. There's a lot of "info" out there about FDAs that comes from "well everyone I know who's out there," or "I talked to a buddy of mine who was going to bid it, but..." There are guys on this board who are actively living and working in our FDAs (Like Albie in HK, and I'm sure there are guys form CGN on here as well). Put a little more weight on their answers than the rumored ones...

 

I know this guy in CGN!!

 

Yes, it has to be substantiated.

 

Germany was cool. Lots of festivals, driving in Europe is great, lots of places to go and see. I enjoyed my time there

 

Don't listen to him, he has no idea what he's talking about!

 

I just received a CJO last week and am trying to make an educated guess regarding moving to Memphis or Cologne. It's easy to do research on the housing in MEM, but I'm finding it a bit more difficult regarding CGN. Is there a group of FDX pilots on the internet somewhere that I can query? I'm trying to find basic info like the cost of housing; do most pilots live in a general area; will I need to get a car; etc.? Anyone help that can point me in the right direction would be fantastic. Thanks for the insight!

 

NMNG, Check PMs

 

I'm trying to get more info about CGN.

I understand that most of the flying is night hub turns through CDG, is that true?
How often do you deadhead out of CGN? Are all DHs out of CGN, or can they make you go to DUS?
How easy is it to get to the FedEx station at CGN using public transportation?

 

Yes most of the flying is hub turning thru CDG, but not all of it.

All the trips (except two or three that operate a live leg out of the CGN airport) start with a deadhead out of either Cologne or Dusseldorf. Getting in between the two cities is a piece of cake on the train. FedEx pays for the train ticket.

Getting to the FedEx ramp in Cologne is also very easy. Just take the train. Then walk a couple hundred yards to the pickup point for the FedEx driver who takes you to the ramp office. You can also get to the airport by taking a taxi or renting a car and FedEx pays for all of it. The car rental is done using an app like "Drive Now".

I think it's really easy to commute to the base especially if you live on the east coast. Just jumpseat on FedEx a day prior or use your deadhead ticket money to buy a positive space ticket to work.

 

Cost of living comparison-
https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-livin...&city2=Cologne

To Generalize Cologne seems to be empty nesters, singles, and couples without kids (no car needed and apartment living). Düsseldorf and Bonn attract the families because of the schools (car needed for Bonn and more single family home living).

A nuance to CGN is that you have a 5 year expiration date due to the FDX/German agreement. My understanding is that after being in CGN for 4 years you can bid out directly to any seat your seniority will hold, with caveats of course. Like HGK it's still a 2 year minimum.