Serious Question: CAL or FEDEX

[LivinDaDream]

I have been extremely lucky. I have offers from both CAL and Fedex.

Besides the obvious pay reasons for the first few years, what would you do and why???

 

[i'mbatman]

Unless flying through the night is completely not your cup o' tea i know where i'd go.

 

[RocketRob]

Tough call. I'm happy at CAL and enjoy the variety of flying / equipment (nice and new/clean). But I have a buddy whose on the panel on the 727 at FedEx and is happy. Personally I prefer the lifestyle better on the airline side. Plus you enjoy your days off better when you haven't been up all nights on the road.

Prepare for many opposing views.

good luck on whatever your choice is

 

[Superpilot92]

lucky you, i wish i had your problems.

 

[D-Jumbo]

As RocketRob said, be ready for many different opinions, but then again I believe that is what you are looking for. I for one would go Cargo all the way, I really don't think the turmoil in the Airline (read Legacy Airline) industry is over, not by a long -shot. We haven't seen the last of the mergers yet, how would you do at CAL when they merge with .... UAL, or someone else? I truly think it will ans has to come to this sooner or later, and I for one don't want to be on the furlough list again. Flying on the opposite side of the clock is a very small price to pay for stability. Good luck!!

 

[Halo_RJdriver]

No Brainer

#1 Fedex
#2 Cal

 

[capt. megadeth]

#1 Fedex
#2 Cal

I agree

 

[Green]

Fedex has quite a few widebodies on order, Cal is doing everything they can to keep their head above water. Fedex will probably pay out close to double over your career. Also a merger, which is likely, could very well put you on the street for a few years. I don't see a single reason for picking CAL, except of course the hot FA's. lol

 

[SeaLord]

I'd go CAL but only because I actually like people....and flying them in the daytime.......and because my wife makes a fair income to supplement my alleged career. Safe bet? Cargo is much more stable.

 

[propjob27]

Lets be honest here. We shouldn't even be having this discussion. It's almost in bad taste, ie. showing off.

This is a decison you should be able to make on your own.


CAL:

• FA's to drink with on layovers
• Daytime flying
• Right seat of 757/767 and international flying with less than 1 year senority
• Travel benefits for your family
• Huge number of retirements in the next 5 years.

FedEX:

• 2nd year pay on the Bus/MD-11 is $117/hr. Guys are holding this before their 1st year is even up. You know how long it takes to break $100/hr at CAL?
• Compare retirement packages
• Job security
• Out of the cut-throat 'airline environment'. Not constantly trying to cut costs (read: pilots payscales) to stay competitive with LLC's
• 2nd year widebody pay is $117/hr. Ohh wait, did I allready mention that?
• A new contract is in the near future with even better pay and work rules

CAL has had several people leave recently for FedEX, myself included.

Like the other guy said, its a 'no brainer'. Take the Jan class at FedEX.

 

[michael707767]

Go with Fedex. Do not get involved in the airline industry if you an avoid it. Fedex is not an airline.

 

[pilot141]

Having done both (not CAL but AA in the good times) and FedEx, I'd say go with FedEx. If you already have the offer then you could be in class in January.

The growth in 2006 is going to be huge - upwards of 30 widebodies on the property (maybe more). The bid in the spring is rumored to have 300 (!) new weidebody CA positions. The training dept has been told to get ready for the biggest hiring year ever. Three classes confirmed in Jan.

Oh, and a pay raise coming along with (most likely) an increase in the B-fund and some better Intl trip rigs and the best vacation system in the industry.

If you go to the back of the Boeing you will be holding day flying lines within 6 months of finishing IOE. If you go to the right seat of the Boeing you will be holding B reserve (noon-midnight; ie day flying) within 6 months of finishing IOE.

Downsides: no F/As, night flying if you are junior, no travel benefits for the girlfriend/family.

I've made my decision: I'm not going back to AA, even though I liked the F/As and used the hell out of the non-rev privileges. I flew for 10 years in the military with no F/As, and I make enough at FedEx to buy my tickets when I want to go on vacation.

Good luck, and congrats on your "dilemma".

 

[COpilot]

I've been at CAL for 18 years, I really like it, and think its a great career.

I'd take FedEx if I was you.

 

[coogebeachhotel]

"daylight flying" at Cal ????? What about the international flying. Leave at 6-11 pm and fly all night to Europe.

FedEx no question

 

[Goose17]

If it's daylight you want...

I've been at FedEx for 4 years now and can count on one hand how many times I've taken off past midnight. We have a ton of day flying and even when I was junior, I was able to trade my night stuff for day stuff.

I do (for now) live in Memphis and this is a big part of why I have been able to avoid night flying.

Good luck with your decision. Lots of valid points are listed above.

Goose17

 

[twiceskunkeddog]

Definately CAL!!!

I only say that so that there's one more slot for me!!!

TSD

 

[sgu]

If I were you and I wish on my lucky stars it was me, I'd go to FedEx! As many have stated before the airline industry is in shambles and there is no guarantee that CO would be able to avoid trouble. Good luck with your FedEx career.

 

[1800 RVR]

Dispell some myths...

I'm recent hire with UPS, and, yes, there is alot of night flying, but there is still daytime flying. In my seat, I can hold a day rsv shift (11 am to midnight). Even the night shift is not bad. In my a/c, most trips are 1 leg into a sort, sit 3-4 hours, then 1 leg back to where you started; almost all legs are 1:30 long and under. It is not a bad gig. Granted, there are other fleets that will work you to the bone every night if you are junior.

I flew single-pilot night freight for US Check and while that was fun flying, it kicked my butt. Those hours were so much harsher than these hours. I feel fine on my off days, and the only times that I have felt tired when getting home were because of my own choosing (i.e. commuting home after working at night). Otherwise, it is not bad at all.

The biggest thing that you should consider is the stability of cargo vs. pax. Many posters have already touched upon those issues, so I will not rehash. But I think the best advice that was given already is that, you, and only you can decide what is best for you. The rest of this is just mental gymnastics.

Good luck to you and congrats for being in a position to choose to work for 2 fine companies!

 

[GogglesPisano]

I really get tired of these "which job should I take, I'm so f'ing lucky aren't I?"

You know the answer. It lies within (or in Yoda-speak, "Lies within, it does.")

 

[USNFDX]

I really get tired of these "which job should I take, I'm so f'ing lucky aren't I?"

You know the answer. It lies within (or in Yoda-speak, "Lies within, it does.")

May I suggest you not visit this board................