Just curious if anyone at UPS has heard anything from the powers that be about possible hiring in the near future (i.e. fall/winter 2008 or early 2009). Any information would be great.

As of yesterday, Manpower Planning has no information on the presumed DHL contract, which could be a catalyst for hiring. If there is hiring, it will be into the FE seat, and the current training classes are scheduled as follows.

There are 9 FE’s in simulator training at this time. There are 12 more presently in ground school, and 12 more start ground school on 14 August. (The normal class size has been 8 per month.) There are no FE classes scheduled in September, October, November, and December. Next year there are four classes of eight (8) each beginning 8 January, 12 February, 26 March, and 30 April.

The DC8 FE position is critical to the timing of any future vacancy bid due to the likelihood that many of the future vacancies, both for CPT and lower-48 FO's, would be awarded to senior FE’s. Alaska FO vacancies would be filled by the junior FE's. I think if there is a vacancy bid, the timing of the bid will be dependent upon the progress of DC8 FE training. UPS cannot let too many FE’s leave the seat before sufficient replacements are trained. Under some circumstances, it may be necessary to train new-hire FE’s in the fall to take up the loss should there be a vacancy bid (as a result of DHL) before the 2009 FE’s are trained.

If we do not have a vacancy bid until late next year (for the 747 and 767 scheduled deliveries), we will have an abundance of FE’s. If we do not sign the DHL deal, we will probably have an abundance of DC8 CPT’s and FO’s also.

These are just my opinions based upon presently available information. Other information and opinions welcome

Hi Roberto,

In another thread, recently you had mentioned that you thought there would be FE classes in September and perhaps running into October (from the displacements), or perhaps it was in discussion about there being a lot of FE instructors scheduled for the fall. Has there been a change or did I completely misunderstand? I understand how things unfold greatly hinge on whether an agreement with DHL is reached, but I appreciate any clarification because I am a little confused. Thanks.

Take it for what it is worth, but the RUMOR I heard last night outside of SDF was they have been given the OK to hire 300. Don't know when but that is what I have been told.

Let's keep these rumors going... Just got an AIR Inc email (how do I get that to stop again?)... it listed UPS as a possible attendee. Probably getting ready, just in case. Good luck to everyone!

Bat

This is another way of presenting some of the same information from the recent training award. The 14 August class will complete in October. That is the last class start date, however, until January. UPS normally has them once a month.

There was a post by SaltyDog stating that there is heavy FE training all the way to Peak. At the time, however, he didn't know if it was due to the displacement bid or newhire training. I'll try to get more info in the next few days.

Ah, now I understand. At my present company, our new equipment training has been slashed to 20 day courses. I just went through 767 training, which consisted of the 757/767, a differences course for 4 airplanes, and international training, you guessed it, all in 20 days. So, I guess it just didn't occur to me that most companies actually take the time to properly train their pilots. Thanks for clarifying.

All the FE awardees are accounted for in the dates I posted above, with the exception of 5 FO to FE displacees who were not given a class date due to military conflicts. The training dates awarded (or assigned to probationary and previous bid pilots) accounted for 33 trainees starting class in June, July, and August, and another 34 who start in 2009.

There is room (IMO) for classes in the fall, if the company should find it necessary to hire. I do not believe Manpower Planning has any information re. DHL at this time to predict hiring one way or the other. I do not think they are in the loop as to the DHL negotiations.

Roberto and UPSFOLIFE,

Thanks very much for the timely responses. I am kind of ignorant on some of the terms you used so bare with me. When I said hiring I guess I should have said interviewing. From what you said Roberto it sounds like UPS already had guys and gals interviewed and hired from when the window was open back in late 07 early 08, and those will be the bodies they will be using to fill any vacancies should they open up. UPSFOLIFE when you said (and I know you prefaced your statement with "rumor") that they might be hiring 300, is that going to be people already interviewed and waiting in a pool or do you think they will do some more interviews? Again, any and all thoughts current employees have are welcome. Thanks for your time.