Tapp

I know this gets asked on the daily. I apologize up front but each circumstance is different. I’m new to the 121 world, as I’m retiring from active duty AF.

I currently have CJOs or upcoming interviews with UPS, AA, United, and SWA. I’m also expecting a CJO with FedEx sim instructor position.

My #1 has always been FedEx. I’m from MEM, and even threw boxes at FedEx prior to joining over 20 years ago. I do have two PE’s, but hear no more interviews for the year. My avail is 28 March 2023.

My priorities are to be within 6-7 hours of MEM, live in domicile, QOL>Pay, don’t care about widebody/narrow body. For this, consider DFW close enough. I have a current class 1 and actively flying. I have had medical issues in the past that grounded me for a @ year, so LTD plans and company policies are also important to me.

Which would you guys choose?

tnkrdrvr

The sim position at FedEx is a dead end job. You can make as much sim instructing as a contractor for the USAF.

Looking at your other options, SDF is within your driving distance making UPS fit, assuming you get SDF as a new hire. It would be a decent place to wait for FedEx to call. LTD at UPS is through the IPA and not taxable if you are receiving it. It’s approximately 60% of your min guarantee with a cap that can impact captains. So if you went out in year 2 as an FO, LTD would pay out ~$120,000/yr. Additionally, you continue to accrue good years towards your pension (A plan).

The other airlines you mentioned are great jobs, but I don’t know as much about them. However, someone will be along shortly to tell you AA will be bankrupt “soon”.

UNDGUY

Is there a path to move from instructor to line pilot at FedEx? Assuming that is what you want.

Alpiner

Think you might get an interview at some point, but doesn’t give you any extra seniority. I’d just go to UPS, get a seniority number and call it a day.

Tapp

24 month seat lock, but guaranteed interview for line pilot if they are hiring. Recency waived up to 6 years. Biggest negative is 24 months of lost seniority.

Im leaning UPS, but often hear their QOL isn’t as good. Made up for by high pay. Any truth to this?

Not really worried about furlough too much. With retirement/VA, won’t go hungry if that were to happen.

Thank you guys for the responses. This will really help my decision.

Otterbox

UPS is the shortest drive. Sims at FedEx sound like a dead end. Not sure what’s missing from your resume other than timing but 2nd choice would be commuting to WB at UAL from MEM if you need a type to boost it or more PIC time, or commuting to AA which has the better commuter clause.

Sputnik

Atlanta is within six hours of Memphis ..what about Delta. LTD is 50 percent of the 12 highest months in past 36. No cap and runs to 65. With very inexpensive union insurance plan that will take you to 100 percent up to two years (total through your career).

You probably know that the FAA and the AF have wildly different medical requirements.

Good luck, great problem to have

Tapp

I meet/exceed everyone’s mins. For some reason, Delta hasn’t given me the call. Got a fix it email initially (@2 months ago), but crickets since. They were my #2. Did go to RTAG, so maybe I’ll hear from them soon.

To be clear, I don’t have to live in Memphis. Just would like to be a half days drive ish to be able to help out aging parents/see family from time to time. I do not want to commute anywhere.

elmetal

How so in the commuter clause

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Whalehunter

Probably doesn't have to be own metal.