FedEx rumorville

[NightFlyer]

Goose,
Did he say which 737 we're getting?


NightFlyer

 

[Goose17]

nope

He just said "737s". I asked him, and he wasn't sure.

Goose17

 

[USNFDX]

Check this out

http://www.precisionmanuals.com/downloads/detail.asp?iFile=289&iType=15

 

[F18-FDX]

More Fuel

A little more to keep the fire burning. Disclaimer: "I'm just a line guy, livin' the life with zero inside info"

I flew with a Capt today, who happens to have a seniority number < 140 and has been in standards for 10+ years, said he talked w/his boss in standards the other day who said the 737 thing was a "done deal". He also seemed to think it was linked w/the MD-10 program, they had an updated Fleet Plan which used to have the conversion schedule with numbers, they were now "TBD". I tried to find this, but the website still shows the plan updated 12/04/03 with conversions continuing.

The Capt I jumpseated in with yesterday had recently taken the Chief pilot home on a jumpseat. They had just had a meeting on the subject and Jack was surprised the current airplanes being discussed (I think the number was 58 by early next year) were "old, round dials and everything". When I talked to Jack on the jumpseat just before xmas (see earlier post) he said unequivocally "we're getting 737s". I have always heard there would be a mix of old and new (-300/400s and -800s), but it sounds like he was surprised at the first "bunch". I glean two possible things: 1) We'll be getting a lot of old airplanes early, maybe newer ones to follow, or 2) We're getting a lot of old airplanes. This doesn't surprise me because FedEx doesn't buy many new airplanes, but if we do, there may be something to the link with the MD-10 program.

Also, my crashpad roomate (727) got back from a trip a few days ago and was shooting the $h_t with some maintenance guys during a turn out west. They said that 2 days prior they had a meeting with the regional maintenance manager who said we'd have 60 737s within 10 months.

What does all this mean? At this point absolutely nothing, but one thing is for sure, this rumor has generated a lot of talk on several different levels.

 

[FoxHunter]

The "Master Wide-Body Planning Schedule" has changed recently. The one I read previously in December had 14 MD10s for 05 and 14 in 06 with the last DC10 going away the beginning of 08. The new schedule shows 8 MD10s in 04(three delivered this month) and and 10 in 05 with 11 in 06 with tail number assigned to all but three of these 11 for 06. The three are marked TBD. The MD10 conversion schedule now goes out to the last delivery of 10/30/10. You can look at all this on the FedEx INTRANET(FedEx) computer only at http://chariot.aod.fedex.com:8080/convaq
Not sure if this address is the Air Fleet Conversion Home Page or the schedule itself. If it is the home page just click on the pull down menu in the center of the page.

 

[VaB]

Funny. I've heard the 60 in less than a year also, but failed to broadcast it because that number is outside the realm of possibly legitimate rumor. I think I could safely say that there is NO way we could get that many that quick. At least not operating on the line. We might own them, but they will either:

1) Not be cargo converted (door, etc.), or
2) We will not have enough crews trained that fast to actually operate them (pilots, mechs, box destroyers that know how to load them)

Not trying to be negative, because I do think a new airplane in the fleet will be huge for hiring and the poolies and such. Just "coffee talking" the 60 in a year thing.

On a different subject, has any even seen a cargo 737 anywhere lately? I've seen pictures, but I've never locked one up with Mk1 Mod0 eyeball.

Don't despair poolies, it's coming.

 

[firstthird]

The Navy C-40 is a 737-700 cargo (well, one of our 3 configurations is). We can put in 8 pallets with a total weight up to about 34k. Some of the books say 45k but that would require a higher MZFW, which was probably money we didn't want to spend or something. We don't normally fly all cargo and if we did the pallets have to be sort of short due to the overhead bins, but presumably a permanent all cargo rig like FedEx would fly would have them removed.

 

[F18-FDX]

VaB,

I agree, I haven't heard 60 "on the line" by next year either. I think that's next to impossible, didn't mean to convey that.

 

[VaB]

I actually did hear 60 on the line by the fall. Crew Scheduling also called and asked if my Concorde type was up to date, so... things are happening quick. All those little concordes sitting around collecting dust. hmmmmmm

 

[adqrip]

I'm dying for a window seat, anybody want to trade a S/O DC-10 for for a F/O 737-(take your pick) seat. Wedge..... I meet your crash-pad room-mate today..

 

[FedExpert]

I haven't really heard differently about 737s. However, usually weight is not the problem, it is the number of cans. Any rumors whether 73s are a pure replacement for the 72s, for additional freight, or both? Also, I haven't heard what the company plans to do if the MD program is turned of. What about that freight?

 

[busdrver]

Extract of a "General Update" from the Fedex System Chief Pilot (25 Jan 04):
New hires
No clue – maybe late spring is a wag. My guess (purely!) is that we’ll hire less than 100 pilots a
year for several years. That means that, with 60 guys in the pool now and another 20 or so in
flight training and corporate aviation, classes this year, if we do hire, are probably already
determined. No plan to hire furloughed pilots….but your furloughed pals might actually get in the
door quicker by throwing boxes on a ramp if they can get a job (I-Service decimated the ramps
also). If a furloughee is a company employee and has good aviation quals, he’ll get an interview
when we hire and his commitment is up. If he goes to another carrier (read this as a regional, for
instance), we’ll also give him a good look. These two methods are the only ways a furloughee can
get an interview.

Aircraft
Hot rumor is 757s are out and 737s are in…either way, 3-man for 2-man reduces manning
requirements…RPV freighters in 3 years (only kidding again....HUDs, RAAS, Pegasus are still a few
years away. Stay tuned; the fat lady’s just warming up.

 

[switchbiatch]

Yeah it also looks like the jr guys will see no movement for several years with the new scheduling system to maximize the crew usage plus we also get to look forward to working alot more on reserve. But do not worry I am sure there will be plenty of guys begging for draft/vlt to keep new hire numbers down. It also sounds like they are going to have the uniform police out, better straighten up that tie. So work more, no upgrades and no fun while working will be tolerated.
YEEEEEEEEEEEEEE HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAW

 

[VaB]

Hey Switch,

If ya don't like it, I hear Southwest is hiring . I love flying with whiners. It makes me realize how stupid you sound when you complain about the best job around.

Hope you feel better soon.

 

[USNFDX]

Yeah what VaB said.

Sure the windchill was -30 in DTW on Wed am and I let out a little wimper about it...........but then I thought 'How many guys would gladly step over my frozen stiff dead body to be in my shoes'.................I Guess it's all about perspective. I'm just glad to have the job. I may get excess back too the 72, but it certainly beats the hell out of being on furlough!

Uniform Police: We Need it! Not everybody, but there is that 2% (or more) that look like unprofessional slobs....it's embarassing!

Respectfuly,

Switch Bitch on a bigger, kinder, gentler panel. (DC10)

And yes I did spend 3 months on the boeing.

 

[C-17->Majors]

After reading the SCP's e-mail I feel much better after flying with a senior Capt tonight who is very well connected. He gave me more encouragement than Jack's multi-page litany. In terms of hiring, the SCP can only be vague at best so not get the hopes up of those waiting on jobs, etc. The numbers he has heard are 100-150 this year with a 7000 pilot force by 2012. Why does this number keep popping up?

Interesting tidbits on fleet plans: a mix of 727s, 737s and 757s with upgraded 727s staying around until 2012. This makes the most sense of all of the rumors I have heard on the fleet upgrade. The 737 by itself could not replace the current Boeing in all of our 727 markets. Operating costs for fuel and crew (me) are $1 million per year higher on the 727 than the 737 while only one can shorter (his figures). He also mentioned that the Airbus went from a bid announcement to hard lines in six months, so it could happen soon. Also, he said to expect two bids this spring with one as soon as February. BTW, the company loves the MD-10 and plans to convert all planned, hince the continued drawdown of the DC-10. Sorry for the pending displacements!

I don't normally like to spread rumors (lie), but thought I should pass this along in hopes of providing some positive rumors to the fire. Don't apply to SWA just yet (unless you are senior to me), your 737 type rating may come in handy soon.

Patiently pouring coffee...

 

[satpak77]

7000 by 2012

Sorry for being ignorant, but that represents how many new-hires between now and that point?

Thanks

 

[Huck]

About 3000. Or about 350 a year. And then monkeys will fly out of my anus.

 

[satpak77]

Uh?

Ok, thanks for the numbers, 350 a year.

As far as that anus stuff, thats cool, uh, yeah........uh, hmmm

 

[active_herk]

Actually, if we are to have 7000 by 2012, we'll have to hire a lot more than 3000. Considering we're at 4200+ right now, the 3000 will only account for growth to 7000, and not for retirements between now and then. I don't know the exact figure on that, but would imagine we'll lose at least 1000 or more between now and then.

 

[switchbiatch]

Hey guys I was just trying to put a little spice into the topic with that flamebait post earlier, and hey it worked. I love the company I work for and believe me I am very grateful I have this job. The only rumor I know is do not believe anything until it is on property (equipment or new hires) b/c as in the past ideas change not daily but hourly.

 

[USMCFDX]

The e-mail from the chief pilot seems to lend weight to the 737 issue, but his e-mails have been off before.

Another thing that I heard today about the MD-10 program: The Air Force was doing the same mod to the front end of the KC-10, minus the fuel system, and this was one reason for our slow down of the conversion. Any active tanker guys out there know the answer?

Also heard the 737 thing was a good rumor to float to see how fast the crew force got it. The company just testing the waters in this era of contract talks.

Mongo just a pawn in game of life

 

[Mr Zog]

Air Force KC-10 converting to MD-10 = TOTALLY FALSE. NEVER HAPPENED AND NEVER WILL. They are modifying the cockpit to all glass, but there will ALWAYS be an engineer. Don't know who was passing that false info.

 

[VaB]

Keep the thread alive

Also heard the 737 thing was a good rumour to float to see how fast the crew force got it. The company just testing the waters in this era of contract talks.

No good rumor thread would be complete without the hint of company conspiracy. "Just because all the old guys are angry and paranoid, doesn't mean they aren't out to get us". Has anyone else seen those little cameras in the men's room in the AOC?

 

[USMCFDX]

Mr Zog
That is what I implied, KC-10 going glass up front with someone still turning the wrench in the back. Any Idea where this conversion is being done? Heard it could be the same outfit doing the FedEx conversion.

 

[h.simpson]

actually, the KC-10 to MD-10 is being looked into by boeing per USAF request. (i know the dude who is doing some info gathering for boeing on the fuel system to make up for the onload/offload/two x-tra fuel tanks issues) initially FedEx asked the USAF if they wanted to go in on the conversion with them to lower cost. USAF said no, we want to save money (yea, right) and just to an avionics mod to ensure future GATM compliance. Now that the program to do just that has been mired in Rockwell Collins failures, they are looking at other options. who knows???

h.

 

[klhoard]

737 Rumor

Good News: We're getting 737's. . . . .

Bad News: They are the fully automated model that FedEx has been secretly developing and testing out in Nevada in full cahoots with the FAA and Bush Administration.

VaB:

Yes, I've seen the secret cameras. . . they're the ones peeking up thru the holes in the bottom of the urinals!!

 

[Huck]

They can convert the KC-10's, then replace them with 767's, then park the KMD-10's next to all the re-engined 135's out in the desert....

 

[Lightninglou]

KC-10 to MD-10

Boeing initially offered the Air Force the MD-10 conversion on the KC-10 when we were first looking at FMS's several years ago. The reasoning was that doing the MD-10 conversion would save money instead of doing the FMS conversion, then the GATM conversion. It was a good idea, and we wouldn't have had to deal with theat piece of $h*t Collins FMS-800. Of course in their infinite wisdom, the AF said no, we WANT to pay more! Your tax dollars at work.

Actually the FE union probably had a lot to do with it, since they had a vested interest in NOT doing it. They tried to put an Engineer on our C-40B (737-700) before it was squashed at the last minute.

Lightning

 

[PurpleTail]

Before we start talking about more airplanes, more pilots. etc. etc. I would just like to see another bid come out.

We know that there is going to be a DC-10 S/O excess bid (too many 60+ and DC->MD) soon but will that be seperate from another seat bid?? I have only been on property for less than 3 yrs so I would like to know if FDX has had to do an excess bid anytime before? How did it work when FDX bought Tigers and got rid of the 74's?

I know the Kinko's deal did not have an immediate impact on business but I think over the next 3-4 yrs it will be a huge bonus along with the postal contract.

Just my .02 cents, thanks for any info...