I can’t emphasize this comment enough. Being an FO was a huge part of becoming a good captain. In the panel interview for FedEx I got so many questions centered around “what would you do if your captain does this?” Had I not been able to experience being an FO for 2 yrs I wouldn’t have answered the questions the way they want to hear. It is important to be an FO, and become a good FO, and that will make you a better captain. CRM is the most critical part to safety in my opinion. FedeEx knows anyone they interview is a good stick. They want to know are you someone that can be a good FO for 5-10yrs while you wait for upgrade at FedEx. So don’t shy away from somewhere because you will be an FO for 2 years, but also don’t go somewhere will you will be stuck in the Right seat forever because upgrade is so senior.

Twitchy had the same idea I had. If you weren't opposed to being in the military, I'd rush every Air National Guard unit you can. Try to get hired by a Guard unit, have them send you to pilot training and FTU. That way you can build time while waiting for the airlines to start hiring again. Once they do, apply to a regional and fly at the regional and the Guard until you have the competitive stats to get hired at FedEx.

A couple additional considerations:

1. The Purple Runway Program requires 500 PIC in the ATR. Look into how long that will realistically take to get, including the time to upgrade. The feeder guys, at least in my neck of the woods, don’t fly that many hours per year.

2. The PIC requirement is for aircraft 12,500 pounds or greater. In other words, although the BE-99 (or similar) is multi-engine turbine, that PIC time doesn’t count toward FedEx PIC minimums.

This isn’t a case for or against the Purple Runway or flying the BE-99, just some things to keep in mind.

It will take you years, I would say a minimum or 2-3 year to get 1000 hrs SIC time and then from there another 2-3 years. It could be longer due to the amount of flying we do in conjunction with the amount of pilots we have. Please remember it is a chance to interview, it is NOT an automatic job with FedEx once you meet the requirements. If anyone tells you otherwise, they are wrong. You will have to go through all the same steps everyone else does just over a period of time. This job is a great QOL job if you live in base and you make good money to not work much. Enjoy the ride. I came to MAC with 450 hrs prior 121 time and it took me a year and half to meet upgrade mins. Of course, we were short pilots at the time I was hired and I was able to work every week to build time for most of my first year and after that it has slowed down. I don’t know if too many people flying as much as I did in my first year and half so just be warned, it could take you a while. Good luck!

Why haven't you considered UPS?

I haven't ruled them out. I know a few captains that work for FedEx and UPS and I've spoke with both groups about the pros, cons, and everything in between. I'm just weighing my options right now and trying to figure out which is the best path to take.

What a luxury to have all this time to weigh options. Keep contemplating how lucky UPS or FedEx would be to get you.

Weird. None of my questions were centered around being an FO. They're not hiring FOs. They're hiring Captains. And all of the questions I was asked were from the perspective that I was a Captain and how would I handle situations as a Captain.

I agree here. My advice is find the best regional that offers a reasonable QOL and upgrade opportunities. As COVID and numerous events in the past have proven, the Great Recession, 9/11, you never know what is going to happen. While getting to FDX is a great ultimate goal, your first goal is to become a good FO which leads to becoming a good Captain. Flying for a Regional gives you that opportunity and creates the ‘fundamentals’ if you will of airline flying. Lastly, realistically, from what I have heard, it takes around 4-000-5,000 hours total time for the average civilian to get hired at any major, so in the end, you are going to be building time.

Back to FedEx being your ultimate goal, that is great, and I highly recommend It. That being said, you may find that your desires change and perhaps flying for another airline is attractive. Perhaps future events will discourage you from coming here. There are a lot of unknowns.

Ultimately, put yourself in position to be highly qualified so you can apply to any airline that you desire.

Good luck, hope to see you on the line someday.

The Guard option is definitely something you should consider.

Id look into Ameriflight as well. With your total time you may be able to get in as an SIC with a fast upgrade once you get the 135 mins. I would venture to say your going to get more flight time(especially TPIC) in the next couple years that way vs the regionals. Especially considering upcoming possible furloughs. I was getting 500ish hrs a year there a while back. You may also be able to get to check the instructor box there as well. They have a path to UPS from what I understand. Purple pathway may be good but who knows how long you’ll fly the Van and not get the multi turbine you need to get on with FDX.