New FedEx Rumor

[WorldOnTime]

A buddy of mine who was in the AOC last night for the icestorm heard the latest hiring/bid rumor. There are approx. 60 guys in the pool and they are all going to the MD-11 in both ANC and MEM. This will take them through June and then regular hiring to continue from there. Not sure what constitutes normal. Also, the European domicile is out and will be replaced with Almaty. This is closer to India and can better capitalize on the burgeoning trade between China and India.

 

[GogglesPisano]

No flame here, but why is it such a big deal for FedEx to hire into the MD11? Other airlines (World, Gemini ...) hire RJ drivers, turboprop drivers, learjet drivers and get them through training with type-ratings at the other end just fine.

 

[2LT]

"Regular/normal hiring..."

Yeah, that's the real question. I apologize for redirecting the thread, however, how long before FedEx begins looking at guys w/ the MD-11 type but no internal contacts/sponsership? Is it unreasonable to assume they'd even consider this?

 

[Hdawg]

Also, the European domicile is out and will be replaced with Almaty.

ALA as a domicile? Cheap booze and blonde Russian hooks, a good combination for a domicle.

 

[CaptainMark]

No flame here, but why is it such a big deal for FedEx to hire into the MD11? Other airlines (World, Gemini ...) hire RJ drivers, turboprop drivers, learjet drivers and get them through training with type-ratings at the other end just fine.

2nd year pay over 6 figures..that's why!!!!

 

[GogglesPisano]

2nd year pay over 6 figures..that's why!!!!

2nd year pay is great. No doubt. But you haven't answered my question. I was asking from a training standpoint.

 

[CaptainMark]

It is just unusual..that's all...historically you wrench for a few years..but remember it is all about the money

 

[FedEx1]

You mean you forgot what it was like in third grade already?

"No fair! I had to do it, so should he!"

"I didn't get to do that!"

What some of our guys forget is that when you get to Fedex, you have already paid some dues somewhere else.... 7 years on the panel might have been painful for the guys that had to do it, but that doesn't mean we ALL should HAVE to!

Seniority, seniority, seniority....

 

[sandman2122]

If there's a choice - no one should have to "pay their dues" or go through the "hazing" on the 727 panel.

This is not your daddy's FedEx anymore.....

 

[New FDX Guy]

Any apprehension over new-hires going directly to the MD-11 probably comes from the reputation that the MD schoolhouse used to have. Apparently it's changed a lot...for the better. Also, I think it would be a good idea for anybody who plans to bid the left seat of the Boeing at some point in their career to have done some time in the back, or they'll be at the mercy of their S/O who may or may not be the sharpest tool in the shed.

I think it's a misnomer that the company 'wants' to hire directly to the right seat of the wide-body. They are just predicting that as a necessity to fill the appropriate seats after the pending bid. If every S/O bid to WB F/O, then the company would train them before putting a new-hire in that seat. What they don't want it to have to re-train folks multiple times in their first few years of employment. With current growth this is a near-impossibility, but 'seat-locking' folks and putting new-hires into more senior positions which some S/Os don't want right now is a way to mitigate the numbers to a more cost effective level.

Almaty...I don't buy it. But they are bidding for the 2014 winter olympics so perhaps it would be a happening place by then. If we're not careful, the Almaty base will be filled with pilots from China or some other country with cheap labor.

Another prediction: once a few new hires go through MD-11 class and don't have any problems the aura of worry around memphis about the plan will disappear.

 

[New FDX Guy]

Yeah, that's the real question. I apologize for redirecting the thread, however, how long before FedEx begins looking at guys w/ the MD-11 type but no internal contacts/sponsership? Is it unreasonable to assume they'd even consider this?

Unreasonable, yes. Impossible, no.

 

[MemTrash]

ALA as a domicile? Cheap booze and blonde Russian hooks, a good combination for a domicle.

The booze aint cheap, but the girls, you may have something there. Of course there is sticker shock there too. The Subic guys will have to dig deeper at the local bars but it is worth the upgrade. I'm in for ALA!

 

[WorldOnTime]

I forgot the other thing he heard was that the bid is delayed until early-mid March. Thoughts?

 

[Sluggo_63]

I forgot the other thing he heard was that the bid is delayed until early-mid March. Thoughts?

Don't you have a home?

 

[WorldOnTime]

Don't you have a home?

Yes, it is the Brokeback crashpad. We miss you.

Love,

WOT

 

[coogebeachhotel]

MD-11 the magical mystery liner. Have not met a mechanic yet who does not have his or her own special name for each MD-11.

 

[Echopapa]

MD-11 the magical mystery liner. Have not met a mechanic yet who does not have his or her own special name for each MD-11.

What does that mean? Does the MD-11 have a lot of MX issues? The propaganda from the company about air turnbacks etc didn't seem to be too bad.

 

[F18-FDX]

Also, the European domicile is out and will be replaced with Almaty.

Yeah, right. The guy who thought this up in his crashpad is laughing his a$$ off seeing how far/fast it will get around.

 

[VaB]

I think new guys will do fine in the Mad Dog.

First rule to remember, though:

PUT THE FRIGGIN LIDO CHARTS AWAY!!! Jeez they've only been on the plane for a week or so now, and already I've found guys aren't cleaning them up.



The maintenance thing you hear about with the MD program is probably for the MD10s. Some of them don't work so good sometimes.

 

[dojetdriver]

2nd year pay over 6 figures..that's why!!!!

Yep,
Don't forget, CaptainMark makes $22,000 a month and LOVES to brag about it.

 

[sandman2122]

You sure that's not in Pesos?????

 

[TheBaron]

A buddy of mine who was in the AOC last night for the icestorm heard the latest hiring/bid rumor. There are approx. 60 guys in the pool and they are all going to the MD-11 in both ANC and MEM. This will take them through June and then regular hiring to continue from there. Not sure what constitutes normal. Also, the European domicile is out and will be replaced with Almaty. This is closer to India and can better capitalize on the burgeoning trade between China and India.

Heard or started? Rumors are so much fun. In Gulf War I me and two buddies started a rumor about Saddam infecting thousands of cats with rabies and setting them loose. Within one day we were hearing it back from people like it was gospel. It took on a life of its own. Guys swearing they had a buddy in intel that had confirmed it...supposed orders to shoot any stray cats on sight. It was fun and sure helped pass the time! :laugh:

 

[CaptainMark]

Yep,
Don't forget, CaptainMark makes $22,000 a month and LOVES to brag about it.

Boy..that is stuck in your head...do you want my autograph? get a life! and don't star this back and forth crap again just put me on your ignore list! and NO! you cannot have a loan.

 

[dojetdriver]

Boy..that is stuck in your head...do you want my autograph? get a life! and don't star this back and forth crap again just put me on your ignore list! and NO! you cannot have a loan.

No, I don't want your autograph. But is there any chance you would sponser me at FedEx?

 

[SNIZ]

Training Programs

No flame here, but why is it such a big deal for FedEx to hire into the MD11? Other airlines (World, Gemini ...) hire RJ drivers, turboprop drivers, learjet drivers and get them through training with type-ratings at the other end just fine.

There should be no big deal. I think the Fedex training pipeline is designed for a fella to start as an 727FE, learn some specifics on the business (pre-flights, MELs, Mx Procedures). Then go to the right seat of the 727 to be the "hands" guy, learn the FOM, Flight Plans and get familiar with the domestic system. Then go on to the MD, int'l flying, FMS, glass...heavy flying etc. Also, it seems the 727 is basic Captains course for guys.

I've heard fellas say that if they didn't follow this then they had to recalibrate their instructors a little but had no problems. So you're right...a company the caliber of Fedex should be able to retune their programs for their students background. Hopefully.

 

[dojetdriver]

There should be no big deal. I think the Fedex training pipeline is designed for a fella to start as an 727FE, learn some specifics on the business (pre-flights, MELs, Mx Procedures). Then go to the right seat of the 727 to be the "hands" guy, learn the FOM, Flight Plans and get familiar with the domestic system. Then go on to the MD, int'l flying, FMS, glass...heavy flying etc. Also, it seems the 727 is basic Captains course for guys.

I've heard fellas say that if they didn't follow this then they had to recalibrate their instructors a little but had no problems. So you're right...a company the caliber of Fedex should be able to retune their programs for their students background. Hopefully.

Good point. Lord knows that with the quality of people that FedEx hires that new hires would know absolutely nothing about pre flights, MELS's, MX procedures, Flight plans, FMS, glass cockpit, ect.

Especially those who haven't ever pre flighted a plane, flown with MEL's , flown FMS/Glass aircraft.

I mean, come on, really. What is all that 1000 pic requirement about anyway?

Sarcasm off.

 

[CaptainMark]

upgrades are quick..they want command experience...bottom line

 

[New FDX Guy]

Good point. Lord knows that with the quality of people that FedEx hires that new hires would know absolutely nothing about pre flights, MELS's, MX procedures, Flight plans, FMS, glass cockpit, ect.

Especially those who haven't ever pre flighted a plane, flown with MEL's , flown FMS/Glass aircraft.

I mean, come on, really. What is all that 1000 pic requirement about anyway?

Sarcasm off.

They have to allow us dumb/underqualified military guys enough time to learn what flying in the real world is gonna be like before they release us to the controls.

 

[dojetdriver]

They have to allow us dumb/underqualified military guys enough time to learn what flying in the real world is gonna be like before they release us to the controls.

I didn't imply that at all.

 

[AlbieF15]

...uh...I resemble that remark. Flew civilian light aircraft then single seat fighters for YEARS. Made my FIRST real position report coming back from Panama last November. So--I WAS a green guy with airline flying, crew cockpits, international stuff, etc etc. But--I was trainable and am doing okay and loving it. Being on the panel WAS a big help for me to step back and learn what was going on. However--with the right training--I'm sure I could have figured it out even if I went to the right seat of the -11. Point of this is A) there are some dumb guys out there (like me) who all this stuff is new to and B) training folks VFR direct to widebody F/O will be a new task for FDX. As someone else mentioned--they'll figure it out and it should be no big deal eventually. However--it is a change and with any change comes some resistance...