Fedex999999

Yep, I agree, too. I have been told from DAY ONE about how great our programs are at Fedex. Well, they all aren't bad- but no one at Fedex is willing to look towards programs from some of the other arriers- like USAir and ATA, and remnants from TWA. We could take out portions that worked well, and leave others behind to make a truly outstanding program. And why not hire Professionals that used to fly for and TEACH for these carriers? Diversity isn't just race and gender, guys.

Problem is, Fedex won't even LOOK at other carrier's programs. They think it looks like defeat or weakness? I don't know. But if I was in charge, I'd want to at least take a good, hard look at everyone's- worst case I would have confirmation that my program WAS good afterall. Best case, we'd be able to tweak our program to be the best out there.

This issue spans from training to CRM to ASAP to... everywhere. We are not the industry leader in all areas..... And those legacy and other charter type airlines that haven't "done so well?" It had noting to do with any of these programs.

We have a cultural problem at fedex- that is the hardest thing to change. But it CAN be changed.

Orion

Didn't even get the chance to open my mouth. Was told on day 1 of ground school they didn't want to hear how things were done at xyz airline. XYZ may have been in financial trouble because of mismanagement, but they sure had a heck of a safety record. So I kept my mouth shut and watched in amazement at the way some things were done.

Albief15

Orion,

Not a flame--what did you do at XYZ that you liked that you think would be a good or better idea here? I have no other frame of reference by our company for comparison.

I've asked this to about every Captain I've flown with lately...and nobody has a "silver bullet..." or "smoking gun". I'm very interested in what you think with an outside perspective...

fecav8r

OK, I agree that the process needs some changes, I just can't seem to get past the idea that we are going to hire somebody with 20+ years at brand X and let him retire and then come to FedEx ahead of some very qualified pilots in either the Regionals or the military. I understand the need for the most qualified pilots, just can't seem to get past the bias. Maybe it goes back to the days I got so much sh1t from the "real airline pilots" about going to FedEx instead of "a real airline." And then to let them go right to the left seat? Do you really think that's going to happen? Let's just forget about the seniority issues, how about the CRM issues. "yeah, I've only worked for FedEx for 6 months but I'm your Captain." Not likely to happen. I'm sure the Union would have a field day with that idea. Atleast I would hope we would. As far as looking at other airlines training programs, very food idea. I think it happens on a continuing basis. I've never been a real big fan of the AQP system. Had an F/O in training that tool 8 hours of ET's to get the hand flown to 200' right. Did it right one time and will never have to do it again, in training anyway. But he was proficient that one time on the initial check. Doesn't make much sense to me.
As far as the "known strong Union supporter/organizer" getting his app round filed, wouldn't know. Haven't seen any apply the past few postings.
I do think the system needs changing, ot atleast tweaked.
And you're right about this being the only airline I have worked for. Just curious what difference that makes.

130JDrvr

As far as FedEx programs go..... "IT"S THE SAME AIRPLANE, IT"S THE SAME AIRPLANE" (MD11/10)

fdx727pilot

At that rate, we shouldn't hire any retired military, either. How dare they come looking for a job at Fedex, when uncle sugar is giving them a good check every month for the rest of their lives!!

fecav8r

OK, Ok, I give. Let's hire all we can. You're right.

fecav8r

Just curious, is it any different than the 100 and 200 Boeing or the -10 and -30 DC-10. Have we had any "issues" with the MD-10?

Nitefrater

"And the Emperor's new clothes are made of the finest silk....."

The MD-11 and the MD-10's fly and land differently - despite what the simulator commandos have been directed to say. If not, why do we have different simulators? Why do we have separate and different CFM volumes? Why do we have separate and different MEL/CDLs? The 100/200 series 727s, and the DC-10-10 and -30 don't have these different volumes.

Have we had any issues with the MD-10? I'd rephrase the question: "Have we had any issues LANDING the MD-10's and 11's?" You tell me. If you land the MD-10 the way you land the MD-11, you'll thump the landing. Happened EVERY time I was with an MD-11 pilot making his first MD-10 landing. If you land the MD-11 the way you land the MD-10, you might get the tail. If you get a lot of landings in each, it usually isn't a problem, as long as you remind yourself on final what type airplane you're in. But we DON'T get a lot of landings in each. We usually get a handful of landings a month, fewer if you're an FO. And it may be several months between landings in one or the other (11 or 10), depending on your seniority and what you chose to fly, or are stuck flying.

I seriously doubt we'll ever unscrew this "common type rating" pooch... but the sooner we admit to ourselves that they ARE different, and train accordingly, the better off we'll be. Nothing wrong in being qualified to fly two airplanes. Just don't pretend they're one.

...IMHO

Huck

Albie, we hand-flew more. With the autothrottles off. Yes, on DC-10's and MD-11's.

At my previous employer I never turned the autopilot off without turning off the AT's. Why? Why not? I can't think of a reason not to, other than laziness. They're a cat C deferral for Christ's sake. Who's gonna fly when they're MEL'd?

Fast-forward to FDX: in ~600 hours right seat in the MD10/11 here I have never seen anybody so much as click them off in the flare - we're told to "override them" (how's that working out?). And so I don't do it either, unless it's a crosswind landing.

Suppose the captain of your smoker said, "Albie, it's a nice VFR day, so why don't you fly a visual approach and I'll run your throttles for you. Just tell me what airspeed you want to fly and I'll adjust." Would that make you a better pilot or a worse?

Fedex needs to face facts - our skills are atrophying out on the line. And I don't know why, other than communal laziness....