FedEx chief pilot rant

[PurpleInMEM]

JL is exactly right we need an up or out policy, the sole reason i dont fly m uch is because quality of life takes a long time to get at Fedex, because of folks staying put for so long once they achieve quality of life, maybe adjusting the lines to spread the wealth and quality of life would cause more movement?????????

Sorry but I disagree. There should be senior lines and junior lines. When I was junior I did not expect to be off for the holidays or work the best trips. Now that I'm senior I expect those things. There is movement here, it is just slow and there is nothing wrong with that. You can expect great lines, but it might take you a long time to get them. You knew that going into a place like this. I for one would ferociously fight any attempt to negotiate an up or out policy or some kind of line adjustment that in any way affects quality of life. Line purity and double deadheads make this job doable. Being able to decide when (or if) you upgrade is priceless.

 

[FlyBoeingJets]

JL is exactly right we need an up or out policy, the sole reason i dont fly m uch is because quality of life takes a long time to get at Fedex, because of folks staying put for so long once they achieve quality of life, maybe adjusting the lines to spread the wealth and quality of life would cause more movement?????????

You misjudged the culture of the company you applied to. Your opinion is in the minority. But you are good Chief Pilot material, so don't let that stop you.

I'm almost certain you are relatively junior.

When you are senior I'm also sure you would complain about being pushed around. (After said up or out policy is in place)

I don't hear senior guys ANYWHERE complaining how they are getting a much better schedule and how they need to spread the wealth to the newbies 'cause it isn't fair.

Go Flex if you don't like to fly much.

 

[Big Beer Belly]

Someone posted JL's letter on an internal IPA website ... which is where I read it. Since it's being discussed in public, here's my opinion without addressing specifics:

I found it refreshingly honest in a world of politically correct speech where we fear offending everyone. With the possible exception of a sentence or two, I agree with the guy and his in your face attitude. Don't think for a minute FedEx has cornered the market on the types of events, outcomes, appearances, etc... JL describes. We're getting paid to move the freight safely, on-time, and to make decisions and exercise sound, rational judgment with a professional bearing.

After reading his letter I have no uncertainty about what he expects from his crews and captains in particular. Actually, after reading it a second time, I think it's an awesome letter and wish it would be disseminated throughout our industry (after being company sanitized). I congratulate your CP for having the cajones to write that letter in today's world of "participation trophies" and 9th place ribbons where we're all winners for participating and feeling good about ourselves is more important than results. This guy expects his captains to perform well each and every flight. Good on him.


BBB

 

[Phaedrus]

Well said BBB.

 

[USMCFDX]

I thought it was unprofessional, both the Capt and the FO letter. Sorry Jack I am not in the military, you shotgun bast missed the mark. If the job has made you bitter towards the crew force quit.

Yes there are the 10%ers, hammer them as required.

 

[AlbieF15]

Leadership 101. Praise in public, critique in private.

 

[Big Beer Belly]

Leadership 101. Praise in public, critique in private.

Kind of unrealistic to call all 2000 guys into his office to have a personal one-on-one chat and lay down what he expects from his captains, wouldn't you agree?

In the military (as you well know) we'd stand down for a "safety day" to reflect on the various points he brought up in his letter. Unfortunately, the business world doesn't stand still for such things. How else do you suggest your CP communicate his displeasure with recent events and relay to/remind the line pilots what is expected of them when they sign for the jet?

Like I said before, I thought it was an awesome and frank letter designed to shake folks out of their complacency. I've worked for guys like that and there was no mistaking what was expected from me. His next recourse will, without a doubt, be punitive for non-compliance ... then morale will really plummet. The fact is an awful lot of preventable damage has occurred, continues to occur, and JL no doubt thinks will continue to occur if the mindset of some captains is not changed. I applaud him for being forcefully proactive in his effort to prevent a tragedy.

It's worth repeating ... what he describes at FedEx occurs at all carriers to some extent or another.

BBB

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

Any connection with the letter as a response to the TA?

 

[seefive]

The message isn't a bad one, just presented poorly. You have to look at the whole package from this CP. I've yet to see a truly professional email from him in my time at FedEx. I'm told he is a good man and I'm glad about that. Leadership isn't about being a good man though.

 

[FoxHunter]

Someone posted JL's letter on an internal IPA website ... which is where I read it. Since it's being discussed in public, here's my opinion without addressing specifics:

I found it refreshingly honest in a world of politically correct speech where we fear offending everyone. With the possible exception of a sentence or two, I agree with the guy and his in your face attitude. Don't think for a minute FedEx has cornered the market on the types of events, outcomes, appearances, etc... JL describes. We're getting paid to move the freight safely, on-time, and to make decisions and exercise sound, rational judgment with a professional bearing.

After reading his letter I have no uncertainty about what he expects from his crews and captains in particular. Actually, after reading it a second time, I think it's an awesome letter and wish it would be disseminated throughout our industry (after being company sanitized). I congratulate your CP for having the cajones to write that letter in today's world of "participation trophies" and 9th place ribbons where we're all winners for participating and feeling good about ourselves is more important than results. This guy expects his captains to perform well each and every flight. Good on him.


BBB

I have never agreed with one thing that you have written. I have to make an exception in this case.

 

[snow-back]

Where would one find a copy of this Chief Pilot Rant?

Another message board, PM, ???,

Inquiring minds and all that.

 

[Big Beer Belly]

I have never agreed with one thing that you have written. I have to make an exception in this case.

See, there's hope for a few of you old geezers yet!

BBB

 

[JAM-BRO]

Where would one find a copy of this Chief Pilot Rant?

Another message board, PM, ???,

Inquiring minds and all that.

I second that... BBB or The Guat, can u PM the letter, I would like to read it.
Thnks

 

[ExAF]

Ditto

I second that... BBB or The Guat, can u PM the letter, I would like to read it.
Thnks

Ditto...Me too.

 

[ballsdeep123]

I second that... BBB or The Guat, can u PM the letter, I would like to read it.
Thnks

Me too.