Actually, I thought our recommendations meant absolutely nothing anymore. Not required, not requested.

The app still had a special section for internal recs so I figured they were still important.

Any best guess how how many months that will last? Looking to apply next spring. But I'm not available till spring '17.

probably 10+ years.

(usually slows/stops during peak)

I know the application system is not open now. But just some advice that has worked well for others - whenever it does open, fill out your app ASAP, and update it regularly (monthly), regardless of when you will be available for hire.

For all my moaning and groaning over the CBA we might be signing tomorrow on the FedEx TA subforum, I still believe this is the absolute best airline job in the world.

+1. I like to define "luck" as the intersection of preparation and opportunity. So prepare now so that when the opportunity appears, you are primed to be "lucky." Get those log books dusted off, electronic flight logs updated, resume updated/polished, buy that new navy blue suit [and decent dress shoes that aren't plastic :-)], and interview prep through Emerald Coast Consulting or another great team of your choice. Study the applicable areas of technical knowledge upon which you can expect to be tested. Work that network of folks you have flown with previously, and discover who at FedEx would be willing to be a sponsor or at least write a recommendation letter. That stuff will still matter--how much I have no idea, but it (shouldn't) hurt at all. Start giving your 30-second elevator speech to the mirror, then your spouse, and then watch a video of yourself. Practice, practice, practice. And good "luck" to all future applicants. We need (a lot) of great folks. :-)

Everyone is singing and dancing around rainbows when they predict FedEx hiring right now. Here's my warning: This place stops hiring on a dime, and when the music stops its sometimes quiet for years.

"This time its different...." I hope so. Demographically things look good. But we have pulled wet rats out our pool after they swam 5 years, and a bad quarter can freeze flight ops out of money overnight when the accounting department gives orders.

Be ready. Be optimistic. I look forward to you joining us if you want to be here....but ask Huck about Delta's Plato Rhyne telling folks "...we are going to hire 60 a month....FOREVER!..." FWIW...they stopped hired in July 01, just before 9/11.

Point is lean forward and don't delay taking an interview or a class if you want to be here. And if you will consider an FDA...well...you just might end up at the front of the line.

So, now that the TA is over and done with, is there any chance there will be an uptick in hiring?

The TA did not help with retirements, but hiring should continue as forecast. We should see it pick up significantly after Peak. IMO. Good luck mate.

This TNT news today should eventually help hiring:

http://on.ft.com/1GRrqeP