That pilot guy

Hello,
I am posting here because I've been a long time lurker and I'm hoping to get some advice on how to make my app stand out with UPS.
I'd like to preface this post with the fact that your input may affect my life decisions and I would appreciate it if you would proceed as such.
I have around 5k hours and am approaching my 1k tpic. My backround is instructing, 135 freight, 91k fractional, and current 135 charter. I have a spotless training record, driving record, no violations or LOI's, DUI's, and a bachelor of aeronautical science from ERAU.
I have a family related "in" at FedEx but would much rather work for brown. Life took me in a different direction than planned and now I own a home around the corner from SDF. I have a family here and have no plan of moving. I am on a third shift schedule with my fiancee and we are both happy with that. She works for UPS on the ramp and that's how we met. I currently do mostly medical flights with the occasional charter.
I have a few friends with apps in at UPS that have many more hours than I do and I'm wondering what I could do to stand out. Delta for example looks for volunteering "management" positions. I'm in the low 30's, white non military guy trying to stand apart while not tearing my family apart.
I am familiar with employee management relations at brown and have a thick skin. Brown would suit me as far as not commuting and my personality. Something else that is a draw to me is a strong union and brotherhood of a pilot group as I have witnessed. I have jumpseated in the past with many carriers and believe I could happily hang my hat at UPS.
Any advice would be appreciated, it's been a long ride here and long journey to go.

FTFF

The civilian guys hired are competitive anywhere, but usually with a higher mean flight time (8K is average I think). Thus, most are active beyond just flying the line, volunteer in their community, etc.

I can't imagine it would be a hard commute if you get on with Delta. Lots of ATL flights and you could drive it. Same with ORD/EWR with United.

CactusCrew

I don't know if that is still the case, but it was when I got hired. I actually had more than 8k.

But to the original post, what you may be lacking is 121 experience. ... and one other thing.

My app rested dormant for YEARS in the UPS HR system with thousands of hours and type ratings, airline experience, etc ... until a college classmate completed the online recommendation. I was called for an interview within 48 hours. This was 2006, hopefully a more "current" new hire will be able to share their recent experience.

MaydayMark

I'm a FedEx guy, I don't know anything about UPS hiring but your quote above might seem to get you in the door at most places?

Also ... it seems like a BUNCH of folks have had good luck using Emerald Coast to improve their resumes and interview expectations.

https://emerald-coast-interview-consulting.com

Aaron is a good guy. As smart as anyone in this business, he helps lots of good pilots get airline jobs.

Good luck,

DangaZone

If you live local to SDF (medical flights...JVY?) then you can't hardly swing a 3-iron in the area without hitting a UPS pilot with a ball...and those pilots you develop a network with might be willing to write a LOR for you. The more LORs you have the better, though developing such a network of people is a process that does not happen quickly.

The fact you lack 121 experience might be a slight negative in the current hiring environment, but probably isn't a "dealbreaker".

Any chance you could become a check airman or lead captain for your 135 op? That would probably be another feather in your cap if Chief Pilot or DO isn't an option.

sourdough44

Nothing wrong with targeting UPS, but what are their projected hiring numbers the next few years? Those numbers against the qualified apps on file is worthy of consideration.

IF you want to change/upgrade your job my advice is the 'shotgun' approach. Once you fill out an application, the next one is a lot easier. You could still be a little selective in what you may possibly accept, but the choice isn't yours UNLESS you have a job offer.

There have even been those that worked for one of the majors for a year or two then left to go where they wanted to be. Getting in the door at a major would boost your app at UPS.

I just don't think it's a good idea to limit your possibilities to hold out for UPS. You need to keep climbing, without putting all your eggs in the UPS basket.

FTFF

Couldn't agree more. I didn't just pass my UPS interview, I nailed it!

pony172

UPS doesn't tell us what the secret is for getting your app pulled for an interview. They don't even tell us when they are interviewing for the pool. I will say that they tend to hire a broad spectrum of people. If you get a call, the fact that your wife works at UPS and that you should be familiar with their ops could be a big help or at least help you stand out. Other than that my advice is be a competent pilot and a normal/good bro(person or whatever) in the interview. Just like you would at any other interview.

whalesurfer

A good friend interviewed and was hired within the last 12 months. (Adam Hughes prep - big thumbs up!)
From what we've gathered the recommendation system has changed somewhat from the '04-'07 time frame.
In the past a good recommendation could help you to get an interview, then you were on your own (sounds like your case). Now a computer algorithm selects interviewees without any inputs from current pilots. However, once you're interviewing a recommendation can help you to score higher if you stumbled somewhere or simply to speed up your class date.

So in the past recommendation would help you get an interview. During the interview you were on your own.
Now you're on your own as far as getting the interview. However, while interviewing good recommendations might mean yea or nay in actually getting hired.
In plain English - a recommendation won't help you to get an interview. It might help you to get hired.
Well, at least that's what we were told...

DrunkIrishman

Is your app "active?" Get an internal from a captain or check airman and you're pretty solid.