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Cargo(UPs) vs. People...lifestyle issues

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wolfbayne

Member
Joined
Oct 3, 2006
Posts
8
I'm a Regional Captain considering a move to Air Tran vs. UPS. For the money, I know its a no-brainer. I've been trying to gather info on exactly how hard the night flying is. I've seen quotes that it takes 10 years off your life, etc. Do you guys transition back to days on your days off, or try to maintain your night time circadium cycle.
How hard would a commute from Atlanta be?
I'd like to stay in Atlanta so Air Tran is a good option there.
What are my chances with UPS with a rec letter from a managing pilot, with only 400 PIC 121 hours, since they post 1000 as minimum? Do they waiver the hours with a good rec letter?
I have a Masters degree and military helo background prior to civilian.
What are my chances?

Main question I'm trying to get answered is.....Is it really that crappy flying at night, like I hear from some people....the money is great, but is it worth it? Theres tons of UPS/FedEx pilots who obviously think so, I know....just trying to gather some info...
Thanks
__________

Better a day as a lion than a lifetime as a lamb
 
Main question I'm trying to get answered is.....Is it really that crappy flying at night said:
different strokes for different folks.... The schedules here are so varried by fleet you could really fly what you want. Some fleets like the Airbus have A lot of day flying. Also consider that a lot of our flights are international, so what is night flying. I do Europe mostly because body clock wise is like day flying in the states. That being said for me when I do domestic night stuff it wipes me out, but guys do it. We have a lot of guys here that fly past 60.

Atlanta commute piece of cake...

Chance of interview.....? ... give it a try on HR seems to have the answers on that one.

Air Tran vs UPS.... I would take the company that earned over 4 Billion in NET profits last year. Stability is NICE.

AWD
 
Ups...

"Not sure about the package car division recs but I can tell you that 4 pilot recs and 1 ACP rec won't assure you a job, even if you think the interview went OK. A phone call is good, a letter is bad, I now know. You get one or the other in less than two weeks. Not sure if I'm going to reapply in January. I've heard UPS doesn't ever call you again. Anyone out there interviewed, got the no thanks letter, reapplied, reinterviewed and got in? Let me know..."

71Kilo [quoted from a previous post]
__________________


If I remember correctly, the new UPS application system won't even let you post your info absent the 1,000 TPIC requirement. The only option would be to check the "yes" box to bypass the 'filter,' and then subsequently post your correct time; which, in this case, would be less than what was required.

I think personal preference will dictate whether you enjoy night flying or not. For me, dealing w/ the "airport scene" would chip away at my golden years more so than anything else.
 
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I've been trying to gather info on exactly how hard the night flying is. I've seen quotes that it takes 10 years off your life, etc.

These years come from the BACK end. When the passenger pilot is sitting in a nursing home peeing himself for the last ten years of his life, we cargo guys will already be long gone. I say "die with dignity!"
 
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If I remember correctly, the new UPS application system won't even let you post your info absent the 1,000 TPIC requirement. The only option would be to check the "yes" box to bypass the 'filter,' and then subsequently post your correct time; which, in this case, would be less than what was required.

.

I wouldn't answer yes if the answer is no....basically you are lying at that point and one thing UPS hates is people to lie to them. From what I hear, they will not budge on the 1000 PIC Turbine time unless maybe you are Lekite's son or something.

As far as the night flying goes....the hardest for me is the last day when I get done. I usually head right to the terminal to commute home and end up getting kicked off a few RJs. By the time I get on a flight and home (6-8 hours after getting to the terminal) I am completely wiped out. I usually stay up until 10 or 11 pm (so at that point I have been up 24 hours plus), sleep in and feel fine the next day. I think there are definitely trips that suck the life out of you but it's worth it to not have to deal with the passengers and many other things.
 
These years come from the BACK end. When an Air Tran guy is sitting in a nursing home peeing himself for the last ten years of his life, us cargo guys will be long gone. I say "die with dignity!"

No doubt...:) Great point.
 
UPS App...

I wouldn't answer yes if the answer is no....basically you are lying at that point and one thing UPS hates is people to lie to them. From what I hear, they will not budge on the 1000 PIC Turbine time unless maybe you are Lekite's son or something.

Mega,
Absolutely don't lie on the app!! I should've clarified that that was what I implied...

I.e., no way to get around it.

Regards...
 
I'd like to stay in Atlanta so Air Tran is a good option there.

If your question is lifestyle. You would have a better home life not commuting, but if your looking for the lifestyle of the rich and famous - well you shouldn't be a pilot.

rob
 
I'm a Regional Captain considering a move to Air Tran vs. UPS. For the money, I know its a no-brainer. I've been trying to gather info on exactly how hard the night flying is. I've seen quotes that it takes 10 years off your life, etc. Do you guys transition back to days on your
__________

Better a day as a lion than a lifetime as a lamb

You should already know. Are you a people person? Do you like airline terminals? Do you like to sleep from 10pm-7am? If you answered yes to all of the above then stick to pax flying. While there is money at UPS, the style of flying is not for everybody. And despite what people may say it's a proven fact that working 3rd shift will kill you faster. There are a lot of people who are happy making substancially less so they don't have to wake up at 1am for a 3am flight for years and years. I really am the last person that should be giving you advice but since a close friend of mine made the transition, thought I add my 2cents.
 

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