FDX pilots, what do you think about Jumpseat?

[HighSpeedClimb]

Oops...delete

 

[HighSpeedClimb]

I wouldn't change a thing.

Especially if the jumpseater looks like your avatar! :blush:

 

[FedExFlyer]

Since you guys are talking about it, I would like to know why your station people (and jumpseat committee) is so anal retentive about being there exactly 1-hour before departure?

I don't work for FDX, but one night I showed up around 40 minutes before departure, and this rude lady denied me boarding. I was legitimately delayed due to traffic on the interstate. She caused me a great inconvenience.

It happens at your airline too Mr. Critter........

I was denied a seat in the back on one of your flights too because the gate agent thought she was god. The flight was full and my family was on board and she left me hanging at the gate with one seat left on the plane. She came back up and apologized that there wasnt enough time to get me down to the jet and she had to close the door so they wouldnt be late...........geeee thanks.

I smiled and went on my way ........

p.s. ..... thanks for the ride home that day Delta

 

[Caveman]

Purpled,

Right, off-line pilots can only book their jumpseats 24 hrs in advance, and are instantly locked into their seat because it's "within 2 business days prior to flight" which doesn't include Sat-Sun.

To which they reply:"Wow, our jumpseat policy is BETTER than yours because I can bump YOU off my airlines' jumpseat right up to showtime!"

Also, off-line pilots don't get disciplined for not making their jumpseat - unlike our 30 day suspension we face if we miss a flight.

I simply suggest to "level the playing field": allow FedEx pilots to bump off-line guys right up to show time AND discipline off-line guys (30 day suspension) if they miss one of our jumpseats. Or do away entirely with the discipline program our wonderful FDX Jumpseat office has - that probably won't happen.

As a commuter, a "token show of good faith" won't cover my hotel expense in Memphis when an off-line guy takes my jumpseat home.

Adios,

Interesting. It wasn't that long ago that FedEx pilots were riding other airline jumpseats without ANY reciprocity. Now all of a sudden you want exact reciprocity. Some people have short memories.

 

[sandman2122]

Why should the FedEx group not have "exact reciprocity"? Explain that.

Oh, yeah it's because of our temporary jumpseat restrictions after 9-11 that management implemented. So based on our management's actions you believe the lowly FDX cargo boys should slowly earn equal jumpseating rights across the industry?

Don't count on it.

 

[ASAFOE120]

You are on to something there. FedEx is as close as you are going to get to the military, but in this case the system does work (with some room for improvement). We could have a pure seniority based jumpseat, I bet most don't want that.

It is important for FedEx pilots to bend over backwards to help offline jumpers. I was riding to the lot on Democrat from the MEM terminal with a first time American jumpseater. Another FedEx pilot was also going to the crashpad, but took the time to go with the guy to Ops to help him get checked in. Next time I'll do that.

I have jumpseated on FX several times (all pre 9-11) and had nothing but good experiences. One time in particular (my first ride on FX) going from SYR-MEM-DFW, the FO was kind enough to show me through the security screening in MEM, got me all checked in for my outbound leg, showed me around ops, showed me where to catch a quick nap (and watch the midnight showing of con air) and where and at what time to catch my flight to big D. He probably didnt know how much I appreciated all he did for me that night, but if by chance you read this post, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

Z

 

[Caveman]

Those 'temporary' restrictions you alluded to lasted 3 years and it really doesn't matter who was at fault. The fact is you guys had zero reciprocity and now that you think things aren't quite fair all of a sudden you want to "level the playing field". Hopefully, you'll remember that we didn't require exact reciprocity when you couldn't reciprocate. Besides, the rules you're having a problem with are, as you say, management implemented. Why hold me accountable for that? You didn't have a problem with it when the shoe was on the other foot.

BTW, I have no problem at all with a company pilot bumping an OAL pilot at the last minute. That's the way the game should be played. Some times it works for you and other times you're the one that gets bumped. As a matter of fact it happened to me this past Friday and it cost me another night in the crashpad, but I had no hard feelings about it. The other guy has a right to the jumpseat on his airline over me.

 

[big_al]

OK enough of this talk, lets get back to that video with the 2 girls and one filming!!

 

[sandman2122]

So Caveman how long do we lowly cargo slugs at FDX have to wait until we can ask to "level the playing field"?

Please let us know what you think, especially since you don't work here.

 

[Caveman]

Level it now if you want. It's your management and your company. Take it up with them. I was only commenting on your short memory.

 

[sandman2122]

what?, I missed that.......

 

[Caveman]

I forgot what were we talking about.....

 

[seahorse]

I agree with most your points from the fellow FDX pilots who responded.

I harbor no ill will against any FDX pilots for this. What I don't understand is why you have to be there exactly 1-hr prior to departure? Why can't I show up 20 - 30 min before departure? All you do is sit on the airplane for an entire hour while a bunch of people walk back and forth to the flight deck.

Yes, I appreciate the ride. But loosen up the show time a little. Jumpseating is different then working a flight. The briefing takes 2 min, then another minute or two to stow your bags.

By the way, I don't work for valujet. I just put that critter avatar up to piss of ty webb (a.k.a. - mr. captain critter bigshot LOL).