CloudSailor: Thanks for the information about that other pilot. Its stories like that, that give me hope about doing it quickly. Question about Express vs the others. There are a few FedEx planes out of CLE that I have seen there. If I were to get on with them to help load on the ramp, would that be helpful?

Threeighteen: Thanks for the suggestion.

Thanks,

Runner

I'm pretty sure what the deal is, is if you throw boxes (or are some other sort of FedEx Express employee), as long as you have the minimums, you will get interviewed. To my understanding, it's a guaranteed shot. So they may interview you with thousands of hours less than the other guy, which is why it might be worth it. As long as that policy doesn't change.

This!

I threw boxes for 18 months (after 8yrs in the Navy), and came to the line 18 yrs ago this coming Fri!

And after eight years in the Navy, you were probably extremely well qualified. But with as many applicants out there and as few slots, hey, whatever it takes!

As an internal, if you meet the minimums, you will get the interview! What happens after that.....

busdriver12: Thanks for the info.

MD11FrDog: Thats cool, though I am sure the 8 years in the navy was a huge help. I am a little confused on the whole fedex express vs the other fedex positions? Congrats on the 18 years!

Runner

FedEx Express is the cargo airline, a subsidiary of FedEx Corporation. You have to work for the Express division to get the airline interview. You would NOT be able to get the interview if you worked for FedEx Ground, FedEx Office, FedEx Freight, etc... So, yes, working at the airport, will be for Express.

About your experience, as long as you meet the minimums, you get the interview (once you've completed the required time, 18 months?, and we are actively hiring) - it doesn't matter if that is 10,000 hrs of international wide body PIC, or 1001 hrs turboprop PIC, all military or all civilian... Historically at FedEx (which somewhat changed when the recent PhD "genius" got involved in the hiring process), if you get the interview, the job is already yours, you can only lose it during the interview.

Good luck.

What is your total flight time, ME, SE?

The tough thing is working at the FedEx Express job as well as flying. However, these days the economy has conspired to make it easier. A lot of FedEx ramps have reduced hours of their "permanent part time" employees, making it easier to hold two jobs. Two guys in my class were senior enough in their flying jobs that they flew only during the week and worked at the company on the weekends. Something like that is ideal.

You just have to make and assessment of your qualifications and ability to pass the interview and decide if jumping off the cliff for a year makes sense. It has worked for a lot of us. The nightmare is that at the end of the year or so, we aren't hiring. But it is the best way to get your foot in the door.

Working at FedEx Ground, Kinkos, Freight or any other company under FedEx Corp does you no good. Only FedEx Express.

HTH

CloudSailor: Thanks for the breakdown of the company. There is a fedex loading base at CLE which is only about 55min north of me. If I go the regional route I might try to get a part time job with express after I get established at the airline.

LightAttack: 2200tt, 1150me, 565multi turbine pic, with 1000 turbine pic. I like the sounds of the part time box thrower and full time airline pilot thing, it sounds like it could be a good deal. I would consider making the jump, but I do not have the minimum qualifications.

MD11Fr8Dog: Thanks, I will make sure it is Express and not the other ones.

Thanks again guys, this has been very very helpful!

Runner