Random Commercial Aviation thread

[Gatordev]

Question:

I know flying for FedEx heavies is a hard job to get relatively speaking. It usually involves knowing someone and having the mins. But who flies the FedEx Caravans around? Are those guys who also "knew someone" but there's no room for them in the heavies yet, or are the Caravans the equivalent to the FedEx Regionals?

 

[A4sForever]

It's the freight airlines' version -- FedEx Express, in this case -- of the tried & true feeder wet-lease operation, although some wags who split hairs call this type of lease a 'damp' lease or even a 'moist' lease, depending upon the level of service that the lessor air carrier provides.

In the case of 'big' FedEx, the smaller birds -- generally props, if not exclusively props -- (consider them FedEx's 'regionals', if you like) feed the bigger FedEx Express jet birds at the larger bases (FedEx Express being the current name for the aviation side of the FedEx house). Big FedEx usually owns the feeder/prop birds used in the USA and wet-leases them to outfits like Empire, Barron, CSA, Merlin, WestAir and others -- who in turn provide the 'discount' aircrews and maintenance to operate them.

They operate in the FedEx livery and carry FedEx callsigns (somewhat akin to the Continental Express bird that recently crashed did -- leading to the confusion on the part of many and most of the media thinking it was 'big' CAL). These birds used in the USA are bought & paid for by big FedEx -- but overseas, I think some outfits that provide a similar service to 'big' FedEx own/fly their own feed operation.

The pilots?? They're not FedEx pilots in the sense you're thinking of -- i.e., 'waiting' for a spot in the big jet -- they are hired, employed, and fired by the little guys ... if they wanna' work for FedEx and fly the 'big iron' -- they gotta' get hired by FedEx.

I think I got this right. It is an example of my shoot-from-the-lip knowledge(s) in answer to the question ... and thus subject to error ... but it's generally the way most of the large airlines 'work' their feeders/regionals, with slight variances from airline to airline. Perhaps Frank or HAL or some of the boys more involved can provide more enlightenment.

 

[Gatordev]

The pilots?? They're not FedEx pilots in the sense you're thinking of -- i.e., 'waiting' for a spot in the big jet -- they are hired, employed, and fired by the little guys ... if they wanna' work for FedEx and fly the 'big iron' -- they gotta' get hired by FedEx.

This is what I was guessing, but I wasn't sure if it was as relatively as "reputable" as a Continental Express or if it was like a Gulf Atlantic airways where have guys paying to build hours.

I've always seen the planes flying, but wondered if they were as busy as Check couriers used to be or if they're a sweet flying deal. Probably somewhere in between.

 

[FrankTheTank]

Basically what A4s (the all knowing) said. We also have a Corporate flight department that fly Lears and do progress to 'The Line' if they decide to.

The 'feeders' are similar in dynamics to 'regionals'. I will caviot (spelling) what A4s said in they don't 'normally' use FEDEX callsigns but Mountain Air, Empire, etc. Mountain Air Cargo flies our feeder stuff here in graceland but they vary by location. http://www.airlinepilotcentral.com/airlines/cargo/mountain_air_cargo.html

They also normally have different ops, flight planning and such from us. A/C may be parked on same ramp but they feeder folks are usually in a different building or office/lounges. But at the smaller stations you would be hard pressed to not see and chat with them. We do have some big egos that ignore those folks and treat them like lessers. But life is too short; but me being a terminal 0-3 and 1/2 have never particularly cared about rank and heiarchy and my FITREPS reflect it.

Most folks flying OUR feeders like the schedules, benefits, well maintained A/C, etc and aren't using it as time builder. Or so it has been the case with those that I have bullshitted with. YMMV.

Air Fleet
71 Airbus A300-600s
56 Airbus A310-200/300s
13 ATR 72s
26 ATR 42s
79 Boeing 727-200s
1 Boeing DC10-10s
6 Boeing DC10-30s
57 Boeing MD10-10s
12 Boeing MD10-30s
57 Boeing MD11s
10 Cessna 208As
242 Cessna 208Bs
24 Boeing 757-200s

More facts: http://about.fedex.designcdt.com/our_company/company_information/fedex_express

 

[CashvillePlt]

I've heard (mainly through rumors and heresay, mind you) that working for one of these 'regionals' for FedEx is not a good way to make it to the 'the line' and may even put applicants at a disadvantage? Is there any merit to that info? (I always thought that sounded a little peculiar so I'm just curious)

 

[FrankTheTank]

I've heard (mainly through rumors and heresay, mind you) that working for one of these 'regionals' for FedEx is not a good way to make it to the 'the line' and may even put applicants at a disadvantage? Is there any merit to that info? (I always thought that sounded a little peculiar so I'm just curious)

FEDEX doesn't care where you get your flight time but I would find it hard to imagine the feeder guys being competitive and networked enough. Multi engine PIC is the name of the game and if not multi, better be military jet time. Most the feeder/corporate/internals that I know or have flown with are from here and know/knew lots of folks!

#1) Qualifed
#2) Timing
#3) Competitive Resume
#4) Who you know!