Perm11FO

Flybynuts: What you'll get, where you'll work is exactly the same as in the military.... "the needs of the manning guys." The history of new hires going to the MD-11 in ANC is probably going to remain history. With the stagnation of seat progression at FDX over the past few years for any number of reasons (age 65, 'recession,' etc.), there are probably enough folks already on the seniority list that will bid up.
Plan on a MEM basing, however. The new hires going to HKG and ANC widebodies went OK for the company, initially, but now they are faced with having some seniority issues that will end up costing money from the bucket.
Thoughts of getting a Cologne seat are probably day dreams. I'm sure that there are enough people interested in going to Europe or the 757 that new hires would not be close to consideration.
No one knows how the bid will go, however. It's been said that the company and ALPA are working to hammer out a new agreement regarding overseas basing, but nothing is signed, sealed and delivered until it is signed, sealed and delivered.
Don't worry about where you will be based, what you'll fly. Get in the door, get on the seniority list and work it from there. If your application depends on a reasonable chance at a widebody right seat, then you should probably save your time and money.

Perm11FO

Are you kidding????? The date on your application will predate the date on your written and show an absolutely, positively comfortable attitude about dishonesty.
With hundreds of applicants, you, your application and your written results will be out on the street in an instant.
FedEx is huge on honesty. Attempting to do an end around on honesty will be an absolute step to assure that the current application will be rejected and all future applications will be round-canned.
Have all of the required minimums or keep working to get them. This will not be the last time that FedEx will hire in the future. Don't shoot yourself in the foot, hand, torso and brain just to attempt to get in on the first pass.

greenhorn47

Has anyone heard how many total will be hired? Are walk ins alive or dead?

Perm11FO

Greenhorn: Nothing about numbers, just a promise that more information will be forthcoming. You can be sure that the penny pinching money counters are trying to limit the hiring, while the optimists and planners are begging for more bodies as the aircraft acquisition team is out beating the bushes for any flyable 777s.

globalexpress

FEDEX guys have a pension? Do you know what the formula is to determine benefits once vested?

Jetjok

The formula is a simple one. (Number of years of service) times (2 percent per year) times (the average earnings of your high five years) divided by (12) equals your monthly pension. I believe the maximum percentage is 50 percent, or 25 years of service, regardless of how many years over 25 one works.

JJ

Palmtree Pilot

I had the pleasure to experience some of the flying that FedEx had us (World) do for the last few months. I really thought it was a "top notch" operation in all of the stations that we flew through, and everyone seemed professional, motivated, helpful and kind. The trips were kind of ball-busters, but seem very productive from a pilot's stand point.

I have a few questions for you guys if don't mind entertaining me.

1) What is life like as a no seniority SO; Minimum days off, schedules, training pay etc.?

2) Is there any kind of commuting policy?

3) How long could one be... stuck... in the back of the 72?

4) Is there any knowledge of future fleet plans? Are the 72s, -10s and -11 sticking around for the foreseeable future? Are 75s to take over 72s routes?

5) How does reserve work as a 72 SO? Is MEM the only 72 base? Can you work a week to 10 days on and a week off or is there a more typical type of sched for SO reserve?

Thanks in advance! There are so many FDX threads and not really anything new for potential new hires beside this one.

PtP

Perm11FO

Thanks for the kudos on FedEx. It truly is one of the better gigs today. Now on to your questions:
1. I cannot comment here, will leave that for folks closer to that category of seniority.

2. Commuting policy is simple.... live anywhere, but get to start of trip location with ample time to get legal rest prior to your scheduled activity. Commuting costs are covered by you if you pay, jumpseats on FDX and CASS carriers are available.

3. As I posted before to a similar question, there is no guarantee where you'll end up in the fleet. It's according to the needs of the company and what the current folks have bid. Furthermore, there is no way to determine how long you'll sit in any seat. Too many variables to get a specific answer. Get hired, do your time, then let the seniority bidding process take you where you would like to go or do.

4. DC-10s are gone, the viable ones were converted to MD-10s, which are quasi- MD-11s flown by a 2 person crew. Aircraft acquisitions is actively seeking viable 757s and 777s worldwide. Many former 727 cities have been converted to 757s, but some have been added to other fleets as well. The loads generated by the city are a big determining factor. Some cities shift back and forth over time. The MD-11s, it would seem, are still making money and are likely to be in the system for a while, as we have no other long range aircraft other than the 777 and those are fully involved in the most profitable long range routes.

5. I'm too far removed from the 727 SO seat and MEM reserve in general to be qualified to reply. Regarding your basing question: All fleets have domiciles in MEM. HKG currently has the Airbus, while MD-11s are also based in LAX and ANC as of this writing. Future company plans indicate a desire to open a 757 base in Cologne and MD-11 or MD-10 base in HKG.

Lindy

World Pilot --

Thanks for the interest!

I do have a question for you because I saw the aircraft parked on the ramp:

Can you list a "typical" pairing that you called a "ball-buster"?

I think you would be surprised that what you flew might be a "normal" trip pairing that is awarded internationally on the MD-11. Just curious!

globalexpress

Thanks........