Jetjok

The hardest thing about the DC-10 panel is learning your way around that damn seat. That aside, you'll really enjoy the job, as it's a very cushy job. Here at FedEx, I'm told that the DC-10 FE's have to make a total of 18 switch position changes per flight, as opposed to the 727 guys who work their butts off.

74plb

Actually, the hardest part of the job is working the coffee pot on cargo or ferry flights. If the seat would slide back another 18 " it would be almost comfortable. Almost.
A couple of my neighbors plumbed the 10 @ Fed-Ex, they warned me it would be an easy job....
And TX, MJ is the guy you should look for Wednesday.

74plb

TXairEMBdrv

Thanks guys. I'm feeling better already. I gues I'm getting too worked up about it. So what can I expect from an oral and P.C. Is it the same as other type rides just no flying?
Thanks for the advice.

TxAir

MJP8251

Man that was funny! But also remember that with significant airframe vibration the propeller should be feathered without delay! The Dc-10 has auto throttles for setting take off and approach power and I think the pilots start the engines so much of my job is already done for me. Chris N. at CBP used to fly KC-10's for a couple of years in the AF. He said it is a great plane but pretty boring for the FE compared to the Mighty Orion. I'll reserve judgement until I am one, but I am happy to get a flying gig and it looks busy enough for my aging brain. BTW: Lockheed never took my suggestion of installing explosive bolts and a prop eject lever for overspeeds!

1800 RVR

I was hired at UPS as a DC8 FE. Up to that point, I had never even touched and engineer panel. Training was very straight forward. Preflights, engine starts, callouts, checklists, and emergencies. That's about it. But, 2 hours in a sim doing nothing but checklists is pretty tiring.

As for my PC, it was limitations, memory items, preflight slides, and systems questions via going over the panel and all the lights, switches, and gauges. The sim portion consisted of preflights(safety, cockpit, and panel) and trying to find the "easter eggs", then engines starts, 3 or 4 abnormals, and engine shutdown, fuel transfer, and landing. We were done in about 1:20. Just study like you do the front seat stuff, and you'll do fine. Looking back, it wasn't any different in preparing for FE training than it is getting ready to train in a front seat of a new airplane.

Congrats and good luck to you!

Jetjok

Learn your "flows". Also, your bold face items (from memory items), checklists, every light and switch and gauge on all panels (yours, the captains, the first officers, the pedestal, and the overhead), and study your walkaround photos (if your company provides them.) The flight engineer job is a different world than actually flying the jet, as you're expected to do both your job as well as be the backup for the two guys up front. Sounds like a lot, but once you move for the purposes of flight, it's rather easy, and you can critique their landings with impunity. Just be sure to stop doing that a few months before you check out in a front seat, or someone will be on your case for your landings. When I was in the back of the Boeing 727 (for 5 years), I used to hand up a job change application form to either of the front enders if they had a bad landing. Everyone enjoyed that little treat. I got a few of them myself.

TXairEMBdrv

Thanks guys,
I wasn't even thinking about the stuff up front. Been getting ready to leave in the morning. They told us to expect to be gone six weeks. I don't even have a clue as to how I should pack. Well, every-one's gone to bed but me. Goodnight! If you think of anything else I would greatly appreciate it.

TxAir

jonnyjetprop

Bring a single suit if you want (wear it the first day), but the dress code at the training center is business casual. No jeans but chinos and a polo or golf type shirt are what most guys wear. It can be a long process, so pace yourself. The DC-10 program is far more like cooperate and graduate, unlike the MD program. PM me if you have other questions. Welcome to our World.

PS: Jetjock is right on with what you'll need to pass the course.

srgntdvs

Ve764, are u still on this thread? Would really like to ask u some questions. I can't PM yet so I was hoping you could email me. [email protected]

F15andMD11

I still doubt may S/Os will be in the seat long. Even with a year seat lock. At least two more A/C are coming, so the word is, not counting 137. WOA takes senority serious, they'll hire other S/Os as you move to the right seat. The only issue I see is we really need DC-10 crews / FEs. It will interesting to see what happens.