Package Express

[propilot1983]

This is for all you Package Express pilots out there. What do you like about package express, but also what are some of the pitfalls? I do not really care about QOL right now because I am young don't have a family to care for. I understand that pay is pretty good in comparison to other cargo operators (so i hear). Anybody know about benefits? Heath insurance (and how much per month) Good bases to meet some ladies? Thanks.

 

[Freightdog75]

Contact [email protected]

 

[Kaman]

Hello,

Good company to work for, and as far as QOL of life. It depends on your individual situation. If you are single, I think it would be pretty good given the runs that they had when I was there. The junior runs have some longer duty days, but weekends and holidays off. The good news, is that you won't be junior for too long and an opportunity exists for rapid advancement to the twins. I was very fortunate to fly the Seneca, Cherokee 6 (my favorite) and the Lance. The Cherokee 6, while not a twin is the BEST airplane to make money with and operate on the kinds of runs "Race City" does for a living. However, multi time is where it's at for advancing your career.
Equipment is pretty decent, and most of the airplanes had an IFR GPS installed and the plan was to standardize on the GNS-430 in all airframes. Sure, you'll have a few MX issues now and again, but maintenance was good in my opinion. Be ready for less than perfect, but safe airplanes.
The flying is great and I find myself missing it from time to time. Make the most out of the experience and be humble. Enjoy the days of flying a light-twin single pilot IFR... and be humble

Regards,

ex-Navy rotorhead

 

[1973Arrow]

I've enjoyed my experience so far. Having had friends that have worked for a few other 135 ops, we have it pretty good. Some of the runs have a pretty long day, but you're home every night.
Any maintence issues I've had get fixed. The planes aren't perfect (like many other planes of that age), but they are safe. E-mail Tyson (the director of ops), or PM me if I can help.

 

[Fuzzy_is_Hungry]

Hello,

Sure, you'll have a few MX issues now and again

...like 4 accidents in 2 years.

 

[1973Arrow]

...like 4 accidents in 2 years.

2 of which were pilot error, one was a mechanical defect in a part (same part could have been put on anyone's airplane) and one is still under investigation (all the current theories don't reflect back on maint.)

 

[CitationLover]

as a former race city operator i can tell you they are a first class organization. Tyson is a great guy to work for as are Bill and Julie. I heard that the lances are being moved down to Florida where they are picking up some runs. All I've heard is how they are buying more and more 402's and possibly an MU-2 will be on property soon. The company, well Bill, manages a JS31 for a race team, Robby Gordon Busch Team, so there may be a future opportunity also.

I heard they are hurting for pilots so let Tyson know.

Also yes there have been some incidents lately, however a lot of them have been stupid blunders by pilots (running a tank dry, etc). Johnny, director of maintenance, is a straight shooter and a stand up guy who is also a commercially rated pilot (I know because I was his instructor) so he does understand and appreciates the concerns of pilots.

 

[propilot1983]

Thanks for all the input. Does anybody know what it costs to but into the company's health insurance plan? I am really interested in flying for package but I have to make sure I can make the numbers work. I do not mind living lean and mean becuase I already do so working as a flight instructor.

thanks

 

[propilot1983]

I heard Package increased routes into florida anybody know where in Florida?

Thanks

 

[Lou3]

After your 90 day grace period the company will pay 1/2 of your (single) health care coverage. This comes out to about $60 per month out of your pocket. I worked for them as well and have no complaints. They are growing and are also hiring. Be sure you are comfortable flying in weather and shooting min's on approaches.

 

[kingaira90]

Good Place

I believe Richie Lengel is the DO there now. Very good guy to work for, lots of experience in the freight industry, and fair. I think their new florida run is Jacksonville. I KNOW there are hiring. The same old, everyone wants to got to a regional problem many small operators have to deal with. Of course it creates opportunities quick for anyone whoe comes on board. Pay is good for the type of work (in comparison to ramex etc). They are planning for the long term too, with the check hauling future shaky.-kingaira90

 

[Digital]

I worked with Bill many years ago when he was not the owner of the company. And Bill, as well as, his wife Julie were two very nice people. Billy was a go getter back then when we had two Aztec's and a Cherokee 6. If your wondering what kind of individual your going to work for, I'd say Bill would make a great boss. I'm glad to hear things are going well for him! And he could definately take a dull moment and and brighten it up. Good luck to those of you working for Package Express, as well as, those hopefulls. As I recall those were some of the most memorable times flying I can think of.

 

[JohnnyReb]

Pay is good for the type of work (in comparison to ramex etc). -kingaira90

Ram Air Freight has changed their pay scale. First year pay is now 22K reguardless of run assignment.

I'm sure Package is a good place to work too and the Owner (Bill) is a good guy. I don't know anybody else there.

 

[CitationLover]

i think Tyson W. is the DO now.