FE positions

[hkgorbust]

Also, that was prior to the new contract, it's possible that that was company pressure on the part of contract negotiations.

Actually, I believe it had to do more with the horribly low success rate of low time FEs (PFEs and SOs) upgrading to FO. It isn't entirely unreasonable to want pilot openings to be awarded to pilots who have the best chance of succeeding. The open positions are due to the need for more people to fly the jets, not to let folks test the waters and see how it goes. That incurs lost time, expense and possibly unnecessary training failures on the record. After which, the need is still there for people to fly the jets!

PFE upgrades have historically been difficult, because they almost always have low time and very limited and spread out pilot experience.
For a short time, the company tried the the Second Officer scheme. When they hired pilots, those who had the best time and experience were offered FO positions. Those who didn't were offered SO slots. That didn't work so well, because after a year or two of sitting sideways their, in some case, limited pilot skills were allowed to degrade, so when the upgrade opportunity came, it was a huge struggle.

Now they're back to hiring "real" experienced FEs, typically not pilot wannabes.

I think that if a low time guy with an FE ticket really wants to be a pilot, there may be better choices than KA.

Just my $.02

 

[OrionFE]

Kalitta Air has several Captains that were PFE's that went out and got their ratings and upgraded with a couple hundred hours. Just as with most other similar cargo airlines.

ATI has/had a program where they would reimburse for the cost of flight training (after Private) to get your ratings and then they would allow to bid an upgrade.

 

[hanginupsidown]

Some of thre best pilots I've ever flown with have been ex PFE's!!

 

[hkgorbust]

Some of thre best pilots I've ever flown with have been ex PFE's!!

I absolutely agree. But good PFE skills don't necessarily translate to good pilot skills. Please don't misunderstand, I think everybody should have their opportunity. My point is that not everybody is a good candidate for upgrade.
There should be some honest soul searching when deciding to seek an upgrade because, realistically, having the seniority to get the seat is just the tip of the iceberg.

 

[Berkut]

What kind of qualifications do places like Kalitta look for in an FE? Does a pilot-rated A&P have a chance, or do you need to already be an FE with hundreds or thousands of hours?

 

[OrionFE]

I absolutely agree. But good PFE skills don't necessarily translate to good pilot skills. Please don't misunderstand, I think everybody should have their opportunity. My point is that not everybody is a good candidate for upgrade.
There should be some honest soul searching when deciding to seek an upgrade because, realistically, having the seniority to get the seat is just the tip of the iceberg.

As well with FO-Capt upgrades. Flying a B1900 and then two years in the right seat (B747) may not be enough time to bid the left seat when your number pops. Good point!

 

[Fedora]

I've flown with some great "fefo's"as we call them at Gemini, with at least one ready for upgrade to Captain. That being said, 250 hours of ME PIC time is a great place for them to start and a tough place for the airline to look at an "F/O" to fly a heavy jet. We have had some great sucess stories and some "crash and burn" stories in the sim. Bottom line is be ready and have some sim time flying on the instruments. It's a big transition between watching and doing. Good luck to all who get the chance!

 

[Fedora]

BTW, How come these posts are always " I've got a friend who" type posts? Does the friend actually have a computer? Can he post online himself? Why does he want to start out as an FE? Is he expecting you to get him a job in aviation?
I always feel like a shrink when someone asks "I've got this friend" kind of questions. What's the real deal here?

 

[Berkut]

What's the real deal here?

"I've got a friend who doesn't want to spend ten bucks to ask you this question."

What's with the blue?

 

[Junkflyer]

10 bucks is cheap if it leads to a job. Anyone interested should send their stuff in, but be forewarned that it is a difficult lifestyle. Also do not apply if you don't want a job here. If you turn it down you will probably not be given a shot in the future, though people that have quit on good terms have been rehired (with newhire seniority)