rthompsonjr

So I'm looking way down the road as I'm just now starting flight school, but I want to know what a typical schedule is like for UPS or FedEx. I was a flight attendant for a major carrier so I know what those pilots schedules are like, and almost all of them say go cargo. My fiance (who is a private pilot and slowly working on her commercial) says to look at NetJets too, but I don't know if I'd like the 7 on 7 off schedule.

I've done a few searches and didn't really find a good summary, so guys and gals, whats a normal month look like for you? How many days on? What check-in times? How long are your layovers?

Thanks for any info!

Freightpuppy

If you do a search of this topic you will probably find some answers. The question has been asked many many times.

de727ups

There is something for everyone. There is flying at the cargo compaines that mimics what you experienced at an F/A, I'm sure. Day flying does tend to go senior, but there is a good bit of it. Check in is an hour prior. The typical week on, week off, night sked, has you commercial to an outstation on Sunday evening. Fly Mon night-Fri morn, then commercial back to base. Off the next week. Layover during the day 12-15 hours.

But really, there is so much variety, it's hard to talk about what "typical" is.

⌐ AV8OR WANNABE

Well, if you don’t think you’d like a NetJets schedule (week on week off) you might be disappointed with a cargo career because it is a fairly common schedule here, at least at UPS, but my “purple” friends tell me it’s similar over there too. In general we have week on week off, or 2 weeks on 2 weeks off, or “shotgun lines” which could be 3 on 2 off, 2 on 4 off, etc. (ok for locals, bad for commuters), there are also some other variations.

Here’s what I think (and I’m frequently wrong! ). I believe it’s great to do research and the more you know the better. Having said that, I think you worry about schedules waaay to early because by the time you’re ready to apply with Fedex or UPS they might be totally different than what they are now (new contracts, more international flying, etc. etc.).

I used to do recruiting for a small regional airline, did sim evals, interviews, went to the job fairs, you know, the whole enchilada. Therefore, I actually knew several former FAs who’d switched to the front seats. They were all very content with the choices they made but all had to go through some pretty tough and income deprived years.
(ok, they were a@@poor – a.k.a. they were regional pilots ) Remember that at many small regionals FAs earn more than the FOs, especially during the first couple of years.

The key is to make yourself marketable as soon as possible and it’s hard to spend money on flying when you aren’t making any money. Personally, (and remember this is just my view, many will disagree) I suggest you and you fiancé contact women-in-aviation (www.wai.org) and look into getting a sponsor or a career guide. This person (could be a woman, could be a man) will become a guide in your career choices. He/she can advice you on flight schools, regional airlines, major airlines, etc, etc. - really great benefit. Before some guys jump on me, please remember that guys can join wai too and get the very same benefits!

If I were you, I’d focus on getting your ratings ASAP as cheaply as possible. Do not listen to those who tell you their flight school is better than the other. I assume both of you have a 4-year degree, if not - enroll in an online college somewhere because your choices might be more limited without a degree. When it comes to "building your flight time" I'd recommend going the CFI route simply because that’s what I did and because I think 'teaching is the easiest way of learning' but other ways are just as good, for example check flying, etc. As soon as you meet the minimums to ANY regional – start applying! (do not look into benefits, schedules, etc.). If you focus on your quality of life too much you won’t be eligible to apply with the majors for years to come. You goal is to get pic time the fastest you can without any blemishes on your record.

By the time you’re working on your pic time at a regional – you and your fiancé will have a totally different perspective on your aviation goals and probably will know exactly where you’d like to end up.

Again, having said that – apply everywhere! Remember, the worst major airline is still better than the best regional airline (oh boy, I’m gonna get slammed for this one ).

You are in a great position because you know what airline pilots’ lives looks like, you’ve been exposed to it which can speed up your transition if you focus on it 100%. You can do it, just don’t get sidetracked by worrying about things that are way down the road – take one little step at a time and it’ll all happen.

To go back to your original question – I switched form passenger flying to cargo flying and am loving it for numerous reasons. However, do not make up your mind on which airline you might be applying with based on mine or anyone else’s experiences. Instead, make yourself marketable, apply everywhere and then when you start getting calls from different airlines (and it WILL happen) make your decision and stick to it.

Sorry about the lengthy reply – wish you both luck!

…and please keep us posted on your progress.

Freightpuppy

And whatever you do, don't pay 100 grand for a pilot mill school.

Spooledup

I work for a regional and I totally agree!