Flight Express

Astro27 · August 17th, 2006, 10:47

Does anyone here currently or previously worked at Flight Express? I have checked out their web site, but would like to know more about the QOL/company culture.
Are there any 'lifers' there? What to they top out at in pay? Is it hard to be based out of Orlando? Is Flight Express similar to Ram Air, or is one better than the other?
I appreciate any info. Thanks.

jtrain609 · August 17th, 2006, 10:53

Hit up mtsu_av8r, he's working there now.

goindownthepipes · August 17th, 2006, 12:16

I don't work there yet (start class hopefully the 28th) but since your questions are ones I asked and have had the same debate between different companies I thought I'd chime in. As far as QOL goes, as long as you are flexible it's one of the better freight companies to work for. Good MX, get paid more than a regional, and the employees are easy to work with. If the weather is exceptionally bad, say a supercell T-storm over the airport, ya won't be forced to go right away though once you get a break in the weather ya go. As for the type of job it's almost exactly the same as Ram. I think Flight Express has been around longer so they have more experience in the business than Ram. I wouldn't say either one is better than the other, just different. If you are like me and would rather have a FL base you want eventually and don't care about what you are flying, pick Flight Express. If you want a quicker upgrade to the twin and probably never see Florida, go Ram. It all depends on what YOU want. As for lifers at Flight Express, there are a few, most of them Baron drivers so that may explain the 9-12 month (6-8 month advertised) upgrade time. Pay tops out at $36,400 a year assuming you do a max 14 hour duty day 5 days a week, 260 days a year. Pretty much impossible! I'm expecting my pay to range in the low $20Ks. Still better than a regional right? Finally as for being based in Orlando, it's possible to get ORL as a base out of school, then again you may not. It all depends on what openings the company has at the time of your ground school. As a noob you go where they need you and later on if you are set on a spot they'll try to get you where you want to go as more noobs sign on. I myself also want a FL base but I have to be willing to go anywhere at first. There's plenty more info if you do a forum search on flight express...ranging from training gouges to living arrangements, etc. Hope this helps.

Will

flyboy04 · August 17th, 2006, 15:24

Ive been with FLX almost 4 months now, i enjoy it alot more than i thought I would , in 4 months ive only had two weather issues, i had to delay once for a few minutes because it was down-pouring so hard i couldnt see the plane from the FBO and last week the whole route of my last leg was covered with sever Tstorms and hail, dispatch didnt argue, or even pressure me, to top that they even paid for me a room at the hilton garden, how man 210 drivers work for a company that will do that? There are some lifers, but most people move on, and the experience you gain is priceless. I have a have a 13 hour duty day with 4 hours of flight time, and i make just as advertised $130 a day, which is good consdiering that a new hire at a regional airline only would make $80 for 4 hours flight. MY whole run is the day as many of the runs are, and decent benifits. Negatives are equipment is pretty old, and its hot as hell out here, i wanna fly something with a comfy cabin where i dont get the swamp ass lol.

mtsu_av8er · August 17th, 2006, 15:52

Sorry for taking so long to respond - I've been sleeping the day away.

At work.

For Flight Express.

Get the hints there??

As far as being different than Ram Air, not really. How is Chautauqua different from Express Jet? Different Company, different bases, same type of flying.

Company cultures are slightly different, although I've only worked for one of them. I believe that RAF has a daily pay system, where as Flight Express has an hourly pay system. You'll get paid $10/duty hour, with a minimum pay of $75/day. If you work a 14-hour duty day, you get $140/day. If you work a 4-hour duty day, you get $75.

Let me warn you - a 14-hour duty day takes alot of your day up. I have to take three naps, eat twice, borrow the crew car at least once, and surf LOTS of internet to pass the time . . .

There are a couple of lifers. We had one at CPS, who is now down in ORL. Strange thing, really. I don't think I could stay longer than a couple of years.

As far as being based in Orlando, really, it's a crap shoot. You never know where you're going to be needed. Things change constantly. When they tell you that they don't know what will be needed by the end of your class, they're telling the truth.

The posts above have been right on, though . . . but watch that flyboy guy. He ain't right . . .

wombat · August 17th, 2006, 19:32

i was there for 14 months, just left.. like they said, good company, decent pay, and cool people to work with. BUT my baron upgrade was 12 months to the day, and that was taking the first run that came open. i enjoyed my time there.

flyboy04 · August 18th, 2006, 09:34

"The posts above have been right on, though . . . but watch that flyboy guy. He ain't right . . ."

This coming from a man who sings Springtime for Hitler while shooting Instrument Approaches lol. In all seriousness though, this job will make anyone question their sanity at times!

bama*pilot · August 20th, 2006, 20:11

I heard that they are starting to charter out baron runs beacuse there are not enough of 210 pilots... is that true?

wheelsup · August 20th, 2006, 23:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by bama*pilot

I heard that they are starting to charter out baron runs beacuse there are not enough of 210 pilots... is that true?

I don't think that's anything new - they had the same problem last year.

wildfreightess · August 22nd, 2006, 09:06

And they'll have the same problem again next year, too. The reason for the long upgrade is the fact that they have to have enough pilots to fill all the 210 runs before a current 210 pilot can upgrade into the baron. Trouble is, most people who meet the hiring mins would rather fly a shiny jet and be a radio jock instead of flying a dirty 210 and getting the best flying experience possible.

So.... help us out. Come fly a 210, so someone can upgrade!

I've been with FLX since 12/04 and although I promise I'm not a lifer, I don't want to leave because:
1) I like being my own captain
2) I get paid $135 a day to sit on my ass and don't want to take a pay cut and take the chance of having to WORK at the same time
3) The MX and my fellow pilots are the best people (especially those at CPS and the CPS alums!!)

moxiepilot · August 22nd, 2006, 10:47

say hi to Tak and Brad for me

moxiepilot · August 22nd, 2006, 10:49

i you don't mind me askin, what do you guys average for the annual salary? Can you make 30-35K?

Michigan_Flyer · August 22nd, 2006, 12:21

moxiepilot, Brad is working at Air Tran these days. I have been at Flight Express for 11 months and I am on track to make 32K.

goindownthepipes · August 22nd, 2006, 14:58

Question for you guys there already. I contacted the pilot recruiter and expressed interest in attending the Aug 28th hiring class. He said he'd put me down for the 28th tentatively, asked me to send him a resume, and then he'd call me to make it all official. It's been about a week since I sent the resume and no call. Should I contact him to make sure he got it? Maybe even drive down there and walk it in? What do you think?

Will

wildfreightess · August 22nd, 2006, 21:20

Things are really crazy there, especially this week. Do contact the recruiter again, and make sure he's there when you send in the resume. Send it to 407-894-1260. Check out mtsu_av8r's gouge on the ground/flight training. It's not hard, but you do have to put forth a bit of effort to pass. Hope to see you soon!!

goindownthepipes · August 22nd, 2006, 23:30

Disregard my previous post. Gary emailed me shortly asfter I posted that. Looks like I'm gonna be in Orlando on Monday.

Will

flyboy04 · August 23rd, 2006, 21:01

Welcome aboard! Good luck in training, im sure youll pass with flyin colors!

surreal1221 · August 24th, 2006, 23:16

FLX has a base in ATL correct?

How long would I have to deal with an odd commute to wherever before I could bid for ATL?

I'd move again, but the wife (and myself honestly) won't be able to do it again for a number of years, at least until I'm flying for 121.

Plus I suppose, with ATL only being a 210 base. . . multi time would be pretty much zero.

Also, here is a hypothetical.

Say I get on with FLX, get my dream base of ATL, do my time on the 210, then upgrade to the Baron. Is it possible to "jumpseat" on a 210 flight from ATL-Baron Base?

mtsu_av8er · August 25th, 2006, 02:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by surreal1221

FLX has a base in ATL correct?

I know we DID. I'm not sure if we do anymore.

Quote:

How long would I have to deal with an odd commute to wherever before I could bid for ATL?

You could bid for ATL immediately, but we know that that guarantees!!

Quote:

Plus I suppose, with ATL only being a 210 base. . . multi time would be pretty much zero.

Flexibility is the key!!

Also, here is a hypothetical.

Quote:

Say I get on with FLX, get my dream base of ATL, do my time on the 210, then upgrade to the Baron. Is it possible to "jumpseat" on a 210 flight from ATL-Baron Base?

Absolutely impossible. In all honesty.

surreal1221 · August 25th, 2006, 06:34

Roger that, appreciate the info Lloyd.

adreamer · August 28th, 2006, 00:14

I thought you guys have FTY base. Just wondering

adreamer

moxiepilot · August 30th, 2006, 10:47

how easy / hard is it to land a route with a 14 hour duty day? at $10/hr thats the only way to make $35k

flyboy04 · August 30th, 2006, 14:26

I got the base i wanted and a 13 hour duty day in a month. Like Lloyd said it all depends on how flexible you are, but they really work with you here to get you where you want to be.

mtsu_av8er · August 30th, 2006, 14:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by moxiepilot

how easy / hard is it to land a route with a 14 hour duty day? at $10/hr thats the only way to make $35k

Flexibility, flexibility, flexibility!!!!

I landed one in just over a month. flyboy04 made it closer to home inside of a month, but I'm pushing 6 months, and still not in my first-choice base. You take it how it comes, or don't take it at all!

wildfreightess · August 30th, 2006, 16:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by moxiepilot

how easy / hard is it to land a route with a 14 hour duty day? at $10/hr thats the only way to make $35k

I lucked out and got a 14 hour duty day as soon as I got to my perm. base (after doing some TDY). Then I hung on to it for over a year! Surprisingly, there is not as much competition for those runs as I thought. Like Lloyd said, flexibility is the key. And persistence!

August 17th, 2006, 10:47	#1
Astro27 Newbie Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 13	Flight Express Does anyone here currently or previously worked at Flight Express? I have checked out their web site, but would like to know more about the QOL/company culture. Are there any 'lifers' there? What to they top out at in pay? Is it hard to be based out of Orlando? Is Flight Express similar to Ram Air, or is one better than the other? I appreciate any info. Thanks.

August 17th, 2006, 10:53	#2
jtrain609 Old Skool Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Park City, UT Posts: 12,321	Re: Flight Express Hit up mtsu_av8r, he's working there now.

August 17th, 2006, 12:16	#3
goindownthepipes Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 55	Re: Flight Express I don't work there yet (start class hopefully the 28th) but since your questions are ones I asked and have had the same debate between different companies I thought I'd chime in. As far as QOL goes, as long as you are flexible it's one of the better freight companies to work for. Good MX, get paid more than a regional, and the employees are easy to work with. If the weather is exceptionally bad, say a supercell T-storm over the airport, ya won't be forced to go right away though once you get a break in the weather ya go. As for the type of job it's almost exactly the same as Ram. I think Flight Express has been around longer so they have more experience in the business than Ram. I wouldn't say either one is better than the other, just different. If you are like me and would rather have a FL base you want eventually and don't care about what you are flying, pick Flight Express. If you want a quicker upgrade to the twin and probably never see Florida, go Ram. It all depends on what YOU want. As for lifers at Flight Express, there are a few, most of them Baron drivers so that may explain the 9-12 month (6-8 month advertised) upgrade time. Pay tops out at $36,400 a year assuming you do a max 14 hour duty day 5 days a week, 260 days a year. Pretty much impossible! I'm expecting my pay to range in the low $20Ks. Still better than a regional right? Finally as for being based in Orlando, it's possible to get ORL as a base out of school, then again you may not. It all depends on what openings the company has at the time of your ground school. As a noob you go where they need you and later on if you are set on a spot they'll try to get you where you want to go as more noobs sign on. I myself also want a FL base but I have to be willing to go anywhere at first. There's plenty more info if you do a forum search on flight express...ranging from training gouges to living arrangements, etc. Hope this helps. Will

August 17th, 2006, 15:24	#4
flyboy04 Junior Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 289	Re: Flight Express Ive been with FLX almost 4 months now, i enjoy it alot more than i thought I would , in 4 months ive only had two weather issues, i had to delay once for a few minutes because it was down-pouring so hard i couldnt see the plane from the FBO and last week the whole route of my last leg was covered with sever Tstorms and hail, dispatch didnt argue, or even pressure me, to top that they even paid for me a room at the hilton garden, how man 210 drivers work for a company that will do that? There are some lifers, but most people move on, and the experience you gain is priceless. I have a have a 13 hour duty day with 4 hours of flight time, and i make just as advertised $130 a day, which is good consdiering that a new hire at a regional airline only would make $80 for 4 hours flight. MY whole run is the day as many of the runs are, and decent benifits. Negatives are equipment is pretty old, and its hot as hell out here, i wanna fly something with a comfy cabin where i dont get the swamp ass lol. __________________ C-SEL, C-MEL, I/A, CFI. CFII, MEI

August 17th, 2006, 15:52	#5
mtsu_av8er Old Skool Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Utopia Posts: 12,503	Re: Flight Express Sorry for taking so long to respond - I've been sleeping the day away. At work. For Flight Express. Get the hints there?? As far as being different than Ram Air, not really. How is Chautauqua different from Express Jet? Different Company, different bases, same type of flying. Company cultures are slightly different, although I've only worked for one of them. I believe that RAF has a daily pay system, where as Flight Express has an hourly pay system. You'll get paid $10/duty hour, with a minimum pay of $75/day. If you work a 14-hour duty day, you get $140/day. If you work a 4-hour duty day, you get $75. Let me warn you - a 14-hour duty day takes alot of your day up. I have to take three naps, eat twice, borrow the crew car at least once, and surf LOTS of internet to pass the time . . . There are a couple of lifers. We had one at CPS, who is now down in ORL. Strange thing, really. I don't think I could stay longer than a couple of years. As far as being based in Orlando, really, it's a crap shoot. You never know where you're going to be needed. Things change constantly. When they tell you that they don't know what will be needed by the end of your class, they're telling the truth. The posts above have been right on, though . . . but watch that flyboy guy. He ain't right . . . __________________ ------- One person says "stop gloating - life sucks!" while another says "be happy - at least you have a job!" . . . people are just stupid.

August 17th, 2006, 19:32	#6
wombat Junior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: MO Posts: 54	Re: Flight Express i was there for 14 months, just left.. like they said, good company, decent pay, and cool people to work with. BUT my baron upgrade was 12 months to the day, and that was taking the first run that came open. i enjoyed my time there.

August 18th, 2006, 09:34	#7
flyboy04 Junior Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 289	Re: Flight Express "The posts above have been right on, though . . . but watch that flyboy guy. He ain't right . . ." This coming from a man who sings Springtime for Hitler while shooting Instrument Approaches lol. In all seriousness though, this job will make anyone question their sanity at times! __________________ C-SEL, C-MEL, I/A, CFI. CFII, MEI

August 20th, 2006, 20:11	#8
bama*pilot Newbie Join Date: May 2006 Location: Down South Posts: 12	Re: Flight Express I heard that they are starting to charter out baron runs beacuse there are not enough of 210 pilots... is that true?

August 22nd, 2006, 09:06	#10
wildfreightess Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Jefferson City Posts: 507	Re: Flight Express And they'll have the same problem again next year, too. The reason for the long upgrade is the fact that they have to have enough pilots to fill all the 210 runs before a current 210 pilot can upgrade into the baron. Trouble is, most people who meet the hiring mins would rather fly a shiny jet and be a radio jock instead of flying a dirty 210 and getting the best flying experience possible. So.... help us out. Come fly a 210, so someone can upgrade! I've been with FLX since 12/04 and although I promise I'm not a lifer, I don't want to leave because: 1) I like being my own captain 2) I get paid $135 a day to sit on my ass and don't want to take a pay cut and take the chance of having to WORK at the same time 3) The MX and my fellow pilots are the best people (especially those at CPS and the CPS alums!!) __________________ "It's so much fun to be black." - mtsu_av8er

August 22nd, 2006, 10:47	#11
moxiepilot Old Skool Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: CFI / CFII in PA Posts: 2,670	Re: Flight Express say hi to Tak and Brad for me

August 22nd, 2006, 10:49	#12
moxiepilot Old Skool Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: CFI / CFII in PA Posts: 2,670	Re: Flight Express i you don't mind me askin, what do you guys average for the annual salary? Can you make 30-35K?

August 22nd, 2006, 12:21	#13
Michigan_Flyer Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Orlando, Florida Posts: 158	Re: Flight Express moxiepilot, Brad is working at Air Tran these days. I have been at Flight Express for 11 months and I am on track to make 32K.

August 22nd, 2006, 14:58	#14
goindownthepipes Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 55	Re: Flight Express Question for you guys there already. I contacted the pilot recruiter and expressed interest in attending the Aug 28th hiring class. He said he'd put me down for the 28th tentatively, asked me to send him a resume, and then he'd call me to make it all official. It's been about a week since I sent the resume and no call. Should I contact him to make sure he got it? Maybe even drive down there and walk it in? What do you think? Will

August 22nd, 2006, 21:20	#15
wildfreightess Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Jefferson City Posts: 507	Re: Flight Express Things are really crazy there, especially this week. Do contact the recruiter again, and make sure he's there when you send in the resume. Send it to 407-894-1260. Check out mtsu_av8r's gouge on the ground/flight training. It's not hard, but you do have to put forth a bit of effort to pass. Hope to see you soon!! __________________ "It's so much fun to be black." - mtsu_av8er

August 22nd, 2006, 23:30	#16
goindownthepipes Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 55	Re: Flight Express Disregard my previous post. Gary emailed me shortly asfter I posted that. Looks like I'm gonna be in Orlando on Monday. Will

August 23rd, 2006, 21:01	#17
flyboy04 Junior Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 289	Re: Flight Express Welcome aboard! Good luck in training, im sure youll pass with flyin colors! __________________ C-SEL, C-MEL, I/A, CFI. CFII, MEI

August 24th, 2006, 23:16	#18
surreal1221 Old Skool Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Alpha Tango Lima Posts: 9,264	Re: Flight Express FLX has a base in ATL correct? How long would I have to deal with an odd commute to wherever before I could bid for ATL? I'd move again, but the wife (and myself honestly) won't be able to do it again for a number of years, at least until I'm flying for 121. Plus I suppose, with ATL only being a 210 base. . . multi time would be pretty much zero. Also, here is a hypothetical. Say I get on with FLX, get my dream base of ATL, do my time on the 210, then upgrade to the Baron. Is it possible to "jumpseat" on a 210 flight from ATL-Baron Base? __________________ AGI.MEI.CFI.CFII.FO.CRJ2 \| Josh \| The TRoP \| Rmble On \| ALPA \|

August 25th, 2006, 06:34	#20
surreal1221 Old Skool Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Alpha Tango Lima Posts: 9,264	Re: Flight Express Roger that, appreciate the info Lloyd. __________________ AGI.MEI.CFI.CFII.FO.CRJ2 \| Josh \| The TRoP \| Rmble On \| ALPA \|

August 28th, 2006, 00:14	#21
adreamer Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: AZO Posts: 1,331	Re: Flight Express I thought you guys have FTY base. Just wondering adreamer __________________ CFI/CFII/MEI/Right seat

August 30th, 2006, 10:47	#22
moxiepilot Old Skool Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: CFI / CFII in PA Posts: 2,670	Re: Flight Express how easy / hard is it to land a route with a 14 hour duty day? at $10/hr thats the only way to make $35k

August 30th, 2006, 14:26	#23
flyboy04 Junior Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 289	Re: Flight Express I got the base i wanted and a 13 hour duty day in a month. Like Lloyd said it all depends on how flexible you are, but they really work with you here to get you where you want to be. __________________ C-SEL, C-MEL, I/A, CFI. CFII, MEI

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