Flight Express

[CFIIer]

Anyone have any info on this company, besides what the website already offers? Also, does anyone have any info on any 135 companies on the western side of the U.S. besides Ameriflight (I've already applied there).

Thanks

 

[millhouse21]

What do you want to know? I worked at FLX until Jan and it's a pretty standard check hauler. Barons and 210s; you'll start on the 210. Don't know about the upgrade time. It takes a while unless all the Baron guys are getting hired at regionals which might be the case now. Maybe somebody who is still there can answer.

 

[whatwasthat?]

Anybody that's been here long enough to get a Baron is way too neurotic and dysfunctional even for a regional.

 

[CFIIer]

So about how long does it take to get into the twin? How's the pay? Do you get Jumpseat priveliges like some other 135 freight ops get, or do you have to live in one of those three domiciles?

Thanks

 

[Dustin H]

Back in 2001 it only took about 6 months to get into the Barron. Seems like FE has had some career Barron pilots sign on and the wait is well over a year (last I heard).

The pay depends on your duty day. 18k-36k /year

No jumpseat privileges.

Good company if you want to just build time. I wouldn't make FE a career, they don't treat their employees very well.

 

[millhouse21]

I thought being neurotic and dysfunctional was a requirement for flying at a regional.

 

[jon210]

I believe they treat their employees very well. At least they have treated me well. Baron upgrade is 2 years.

 

[Dustin H]

I believe they treat their employees very well.

I worked 18 months without ever being late once. Never called in sick and never in trouble or reprimanded for anything. Whenever I asked to cash in on some of my earned vacation time for time off I was told no. I had one of my runs cut from $130 a day down to $75 with out any warning at all. Dispatch said they knew it was going to happen for a while. I talking about stuff like that.

I hope things have changed since I worked there.

The place I work now will bend over backwards to give me time off whenever I want no questions asked.

 

[I Hate Freight]

Dustin is right on. I worked at FLX for two years and it was like pulling teeth to get a single day off. They don't care too much about your happiness.

But having said that, FLX is a good place to go to build time. The flying is not easy but it will make you a GREAT pilot and the experience is well respected. The airplanes are very basic but well maintained IMO.

When I started at FLX I had 1207 total, 105 multi and 150 actual IFR. After two years I had 3500 TT, 1400 multi, 500 IFR and American Eagle snapped me up.

When I started at Eagle last month, the orientation instructor on day one asked if there were any freight dogs in the class and a few of us raised our hands. He told the class, "these guys are the best pilots in this room." No kidding!

Go to FLX, build time and get out. That's what it's there for.

IHF

 

[Aerosurfer]

Hey So I take it The interview went well!! How is class going. Which plane/base did you get? I just finished my IOE in San Juan, ATR is soo much fun to fly.

Good luck

 

[I Hate Freight]

Hey Buddy, Yea, it went well and I started class on the 26th. I got the ERJ in Dallas. Only 6 props offered to our class so even the next to youngest guy got a prop. Lots of senior guys who could have had jets picked San Juan.

I'm in systems now and this stuff is pretty tough but the instructor is good. Hardest thing I've ever done but I keep thinking about that RJ at the end of line.

If I was 25 and single I'd definitely be in San Juan with you! It's all what you make of it so make it fun!

IHF

 

[Dr4uh60l]

Christmas bonus used to be $50 before taxes, but I heard last year they got coupons for 10% off at Denny's (Which all went out of business in Nashville)!!

 

[I Hate Freight]

Christmas bonus used to be $50 before taxes, but I heard last year they got coupons for 10% off at Denny's (Which all went out of business in Nashville)!!

After flying horrible airplanes in horrible weather during horrible hours, well $50 at the end of the year is a f**king insult. I felt like sending it back and telling them to shove it but that would have made them $50 richer, not me.

IHF

 

[millhouse21]

I can confirm the Denny's coupons rumour. I didn't even know that was our "Christmas Bonus" until I talked to some other folks. They just showed up with our paychecks with no explanation. The best part was the coupon was 10% off the 2nd meal (ie you had to eat with somebody) so it was completely worthless to me.

 

[$$$4nothin]

Aero surfer

Your phone doesnt work any more so if you see this call me.
G

 

[Freightpilot27]

For a New Hire at FLX the Baron upgrade time is approximately 1 year. I have worked there almost two years now. Management is friendly. The trouble with getting time off is their shorthandedness.

 

[Flyin Tony]

whats FLX's web?
Thanks Tony

 

[Flyin Tony]

found it www.flightexpress.com duh

 

[capndan]

Flight Express' days are numbered. Sorry boys and girls...but the spectre of "Check-21" is finally turning into reality. Check flying is coming to an end. FLX is transitioning it's business model emphasis to that of a GROUND COURIER. Banking customers continue to bail. It won't be long now. Can't say I didn't try to warn you. (see previous posts re: check-21) May still be time to build time for about 4 more months. Look for Airnet to rapidly phase out their check flying as well. Airnet is working with it's banking customers to be the supplier of the software needed to facilitate check imaging instead of flying them. Airnet and Flight Express still have a few lab contracts to keep a skeleten fleet in the air. Airnet much more than FLX. Flight Express' few (very few) airplanes that remain....may....stress.....MAY....be flown in support of the ground couriers.

I've been preaching this for a year now. Sorry to be right folks....check flying was fun while it lasted.

 

[Freightdoggy]

I'll believe it when I see it. We have not lost any work due to Check 21.

 

[starcheck1]

We have not lost any work due to Check 21.

Probably because it hasn't taken effect yet....

 

[Freightdoggy]

Thanks for pointing that out.

CapnDan said Banking customers continue to bail.

Flight Express has not lost any work due to Check 21.

 

[Flat-tire]

Good thing Flight Express carries more than checks. There’s plenty of lab work to carry.

 

[circle2land]

i see it happening too

i think capndan may be right. i see it happening all around me too. its like theres an undercurrent to check21. you cant deny that things are brewing. over the last year my cmopany has lost approx 20% of bank business. contacts at the bank admit they are retooling and gearing up. in the meantime they are relying on ground transportation to shuttle their stuff around until the transition is completed. besides who needs check flying? if youve got 135 mins why haul checks? jst get on board a commuter airline. their mins are about the same. ive seen guys get on with transtates, chataqua, psa, etc with as littleas 1200/100. thanks for the heads up capn.

 

[labbats]

I see those same numbers thrown at as hiring progresses. However, it's mainly bridge programs and walked-in resumes. I don't have either, so I guess I'm going to be staying up late the next year or so.

On that same topic, don't believe everything that you read. AviationInterviews.com is a great site, but if I had a quarter for every person who posted current job as 135 with less than 1200TT, I'd be off buying some CDs right now. Don't even get me started on the 800ME/1000TT posts. Yes, there's VFR 135, and some people get lucky, but it's a little more rare than that. Poke around a bit and you'll see what I mean.