wmugrad05

Hey everyone, I just joined this forum and I would like to talk with some current fed ex pilots. For the past couple of months I have become OBSESSED with becoming a fed ex pilot. I'm really happy to hear that at least I have a guaranteed pilot interview, since I just started working as a courier for fed ex express permanantely. I have my comm multi with instrument and have a 4 year bachelor's degree, but I'm lacking the hours right now. I read from fed ex's website that you need to have 1500 hours jet or turboprop time, which I don't have at all. I am planning on getting my cfi and instructing, but what am I going to do if I get offerered a position flying for a charter or regional? I really don't want to quit the courier job since that will get rid of my guaranteed interview, but is it really possible to work both jobs? I've also heard from my co-workers you can ride jumpseat is that true?

JetJocF14

Since 9/11 regular employed folks at Fedex can no longer J/S in the company jet. Yes you might see a mechanic or a horse handler or somebody from operations on an observation ride, but for just going out to L.A. to see grandma forget it. Since you say you don't have any jet time or turboprop time, bottom line is that you need to get it. Period. If you could somehow work it so that you could still work as a courier and build flight time that would be great, but I think your brain might be fried trying to do both. So if you do get offered a charter/regional job then that is where you must go. Fedex will alaways be here. Hope it works out and don't quit on your dreams.

JDriver

If you want to land that pilot position at FDX, you need at least 1500 total time and 1000 pilot in command of a multi-engine turbine aircraft. To be competitive, you probably need more time than the posted minimums.

As far as what should you do - a guaranteed interview at FDX does nothing for you if you dont have the time required to meet the minimums. Catch 22, I know. If you want to be a FDX pilot, you have to fly - that means you may have to take the regional job and give up the courier position.

Since FDX is not hurting for pilot applicants, continue to build your flight time and build a network of friends that work or will work for FDX that can personally vouch for your skills. You will need your ATP and FE written.

Best of Luck.

JDriver

wmugrad05

thanks jet, that really sucks there's no more jumpseat opions I would of loved to take advantage of that. I have read stories of some pilots who were fed ex couriers while flying for a commuter/regional and eventually got a slot with fed ex, so I guess it all depends on who's willing to work with you. So what is the interview like? what is it going to take for me to stand above the competion and look like a real promising candidate If I'm offered an interview?

koz2000

The hard part is getting offered the interview. There are 11,000 applicants for pilot positions, and at least half are more than qualified. There's a lot out on the web about the interview but I think you're getting a little ahead of yourself. First you MUST get the flight time. Once you get the flight time, you could consider going back to the courier job for a year to get the interview. Unlike some carriers, the job is yours to loose if you get the interview. If you want the best prep for our interview contact Albie15 on this board. He runs an interview prep http://www.emeraldcoastinterviewconsulting.com/ and also has an excellent sim prep instructor.

Get on a regional, make capt, get your PIC jet time, at the entire time try to network. To stand above the competition (not competion), you'll need plenty of jet PIC time, and then find a well respected captain who will beat down an ACP's door to get your resume a look.

Good luck

atpwannabe

Although I'm just a wannabe, I would suggest keeping your courier job while instructing on the side...if that is a viable option for you.

Build your record as a reliable and accountable FedEx employee, while building your total flight time as an instructor. Once you meet or exceed the minimums for a regional carrier such as Comair or XJT, and you're HIRED, then make the switch. A couple of years later, go back to FedEx. Your past employment record with the company may be your ticket to the flight deck.

All the best. Blue skies.


atp

fdx727pilot

My sim partner, when I was a new hire, worked the ramp during the day and flew checks in a 1900 at night. Doing that, he got his turbine PIC and was an internal hire. It's tough, but it can be done. On the other hand, if you leave for a regional on good terms with your manager, you can be rehired later. We have numerous pilots who have done that.

fecav8r

It won't matter much if you're not currently working for FedEx. I would suggest that you stay at FedEx until you have the opportunity to go somewhere else to build hours. At the point you get a year or so to the minimums if there is anyway you can get back on at FedEx part time while still working to build your hours do it. It may suck for a while but if you get the interview it will be worth it.

PurpleTail

You are going about it all wrong in reverse order! Go fly your a$$ off for a couple of years and meet the min's and THEN get the courrier job and the guarenteed interview. Its not worth anything if you don't have the qual's.

Fxfan

I have resigned to the fact that I'll probably have to leave and come back at some point. Can anyone give a detailed description of what its like as an internal hire? I would assume that when i return to the company I'll have to put in my 6 months, or find a way to be exempt from that requirement.

What is required to use someone as a recommendation, do you have to fly with them?