FE written at FedEx
I have posted this response several times on many threads about the FE written at FedEx but at the risk of coming off as a pompous a$$ I will gladly repeat it. I have also tried the search function several times and it is pretty unwieldy so I don't mind repeating answers for folks with questions that have been asked and answered before. That said:
Capt Megadeath: I have to disagree with your sponsor. I was told during newhire training that FedEx does not recognize the waiver on the FE written for folks who are continuously employed by a 121 carrier. I don't know why, and no real explanation was given, that is just the way it is. I doubt that you will get an interview without a current (WITHIN 24 MONTHS current) FE written. I am almost absolutely positively sure that you won't be able to start class without it as well.
There was one exception reported a while back for a pilot who was in the Iraq who couldn't renew his written for obvious reasons and the FAA gave him a new expiration date. I'm not sure of the specifics but that was an FAA decision which wasn't based on the 121 employment extension.
I don't think it is a post 911 thing, or a we're swamped with applicants thing, it is just the way FedEx views the requirement for the FE ticket. They don't want to mess around getting FAA waivers and extensions cleared up when you complete training and it is time for you to get your ticket. In fact, in 02 when my class went through we all had some kind of limitation on our FE ticket and we all had to immediately trudge over to the FAA to get new tickets without the restrictions. I can't remember what the restriction was for or why we all had it, but FedEx doesn't like restrictions on the ticket, kind of like SW requires an unrestricted 737 type rating. It is just the way it is.
So if you want to get on at FedEx, keep your ticket (and class I medical) CURRENT and don't forget to update your profile OFTEN. I'm not sure if I like the sound of the program that was just put out, but I think that as the hiring wave continues we will see a lot more folks without sponsors make their way into the system. Just my opinion.
Again, best of luck to those in the app process.
FJ