Questions about Going From Box Handler to UPS FO??

[dueguard1]

Just recently got a call from UPS to work the sunrise shift (CFI is my other gig) at a local UPS Facility.....................Any other UPS folks out there take the back way in like this????? Did U Get a Leg up when U got enough hours to apply for a flying slot??..................Did U have a thousand PIC when hired, or were U able to go from Box handler to Flight Line??

................I would love to take this PT position as trying to survive on CFI pay in NYC isn't happenin', but I'm also scrounging for every little flight hour I can possibly get, Any Advice??

 

[hr2eternity]

Try to focus on building your turbine PIC time. If you have the UPS experience, it will likely help in an interview, but without the PIC, you prob. won't get the interview. With the thousands of other dudes with 5000 to 10000 hours waiting for the call, being a box handler alone won't get you in the right seat. Best of luck to you. TH

 

[Yank McCobb]

Make sure you always use the letter "U" instead of the word "you" when you fill out the online application. They will be extremely impressed by your level of internet "cool".

 

[dueguard1]

Riiiiight............................And The purpose of your Comment Wuuuuuuz??

Come on Dude, this is a professional Forum for individuals trying to better themselves, or at least get the information which would better themselves, let's just keep it that way.................I think we all took Eng 101 before!!

 

[Yank McCobb]

Well since you mentioned it, make sure you find a way to work "Dude" and "gig" into that online app, as well. Then there will be no doubt as to your level of "cool".

 

[wingnutt]

...oh neat! advice on how to be professional on the internet from one who calls himself "yank my cobb"

 

[PastFastMover]

no doubt as to your level of "cool".

Really laughing here. Someone with absolutely no hint of whats cool trying to be cool and dump on someone trying to get ahead in life. When you think you have seen it all, just wait a few more minutes.

 

[Yank McCobb]

Really laughing here. Someone with absolutely no hint of whats cool trying to be cool and dump on someone trying to get ahead in life. When you think you have seen it all, just wait a few more minutes.

Ah, yes indeed. Another numb-nuts without a clue. Wouldn't know cool or funny if it kicked you in the groin. So who cares?

However, wingnutt WAS funny.

 

[Dave Siegel]

Try to focus on building your turbine PIC time. If you have the UPS experience, it will likely help in an interview, but without the PIC, you prob. won't get the interview. With the thousands of other dudes with 5000 to 10000 hours waiting for the call, being a box handler alone won't get you in the right seat. Best of luck to you. TH

Get the time and stop whining...what are you wasting your time throwing bags for. Nobody cares!

 

[PastFastMover]

Like I said, just wait a few more minutes. Chuckle.

 

[Darby Crash]

Be very flexible. Be willing to move where the job takes you. I would leave the Northeast for somewhere with better weather if you want to build time as a CFI. I remember many days lost due to low IFR and icing conditions.

 

[aerosquirrel]

The only reason I would work at UPS while instructing is for the benifits and income, not to mention you do keep in shape. The letters would be a bonus though. UPS likes letters from managers and if you can get on as a Next Day Air Delivery Driver, or any other part time delivery driver position, they dig that also.



I worked at UPS for 5 years while going through college /working on my pilot ratings and enjoyed it. It all depends on your location and managers though. I quit UPS after college to instruct and flew over 1100 hours in one year, so I never had time stay working at UPS. If you’re looking for a supplemental income and benefits while instructing, it would be great. I also got a chance to go take a tour of the facility in Louisville and fly the 767 sim which was pretty cool. I just got my commercial cert and really had no clue what I was doing so I didn't get a chance to impress anyone, but it was cool just the same.



I kept in contact with a one UPS pilot and a couple UPS center managers thinking I might call upon them once I got some turbine PIC time, but I recently got hired by another airline which I plan on going to and staying.



I know of someone that went over as a management pilot and he quickly found out how divided management is with the union. From the ground side of it, it's pretty hostile. I imagine the air side is the same. I'm sure management is trying to scheme up some way to get pilot salaries down to industry average. I'm not sure I would want to be there in the future when they start hitting the pilots up for pay cuts or outsourcing. Anymore, in this industry, it doesn't seem like the top paying jobs stay that away, although China is opening up. Just my take.



To sum it up, I would concentrate on your flying. If you find yourself with some open time you can schedule students around, needing some medical benefits or extra cash, and don't mind working hard, UPS would be a great option. I don't think I would work there just for a letter of recommendation. I would rather hang out at a bar where some UPS pilots hang out at to get that.



Good luck

 

[2Green]

dueguard1,

I worked the sunrise shift at UPS during college. At the time it was the best show in town. It was great pay and provided good benefits. The first piece of advice I can give is you had better be ready to work. They will get every penny out of you. It's a great part time job but it's no cakewalk.

IMO I don't think you should approach this as inside route. I doubt it will help you. You may be able to meet a senior manager or possibly some pilots, but who knows. I would approach it as a good job with good benefits.

Will it help you? Well, it hasn't helped me (yet, hope hope). I'm over 5K TT now with 2400 twin turbine pic, profile online for 5 years, a degree, an A&P, two LOR's from captains, and one from a pretty high up management dude. The phone isn't ringing.

It may be because my blades spin on the outside. Can't be sure.

Best of luck to you.

Oh, and before you think about going across the street...I worked 5 years for FredEx in the 90's. It hasn't helped there either (yet, hope hope).

 

[Ty Webb]

I agree with these guys. I worked part time for Fedex about 12 years ago . . . they do not see you as a pilot working hard on the ramp, they see you as a ramp rat who thinks he can fly. I know a guy who was a 121 capt and a current Lear Capt who busted his tail on the ramp for a year, only to be told during his internal interview "'Good job. Put in for it again next year".

He's at NWA now . . . what a shame- Fedex talks a good "promote from within" but it was all lip service in 2002. I doubt it has changed, or that UPS is much different, but it'll be a good part time gig.

 

[wingnutt]

. . . they do not see you as a pilot working hard on the ramp, they see you as a ramp rat who thinks he can fly.

...interesting.

 

[inline]

Be very flexible. Be willing to move where the job takes you. I would leave the Northeast for somewhere with better weather if you want to build time as a CFI. I remember many days lost due to low IFR and icing conditions.

You should stay in the Northeast, get a non-cfi job with a 135 carrier and build time flying in actual IFR, this time is better than flying around the pattern in VFR. CFI time is gonna get you CFI jobs.