Any UPS pilots?

[cole]

I do not post on this board too much, but I do check it out often and I was wondering if there were any UPS pilots on this board. If there are any I have a few questions I would like to ask them.
Thanks

[DE727UPS]

Ask away....

[stuckingfk]

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Ask away....

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I'll bite.

I have many career goals, but at the top is either A) A nice Corporate Job or B) UPS or FedEx.

In your opinion, what would be the best way for me to get with UPS?

Right now I am a flight instructor and I should be near 1000 hours in a year with 250 multi. I would love to try find a job where I could start to build turbine time and then try to move up that way. Or should I got to a regional and hope for an upgrade to build Turbine PIC?

Who knows, but any insight would be helpful?

Thanks Don

[cole]

How do you like UPS? Is commuting at all possible the first year? or would it be best to move to SDF? Not that it matters, unless I ever get an interview, but how long would it take to be based in ONT? What are the chances of even getting an interview if I don't know any pilots there? Any word on how long hiring will continue, or is it still a big secret how many are going to get hired? I am 25 and been a CRJ ca for a year and UPS has always been my dream job, I have an app in but I am right at 1000pic so there are tons of people out there with more time. Would getting a PT job throwing boxes help get on at all? I would definetly throw boxes on my days off it it got me a job interview. Well thanks ahead of time, if you have any tips I am all ears.
Thanks alot,
Nick

[DE727UPS]

"In your opinion, what would be the best way for me to get with UPS?"

A degree, 1000 PIC turbine, and at least one recommendation from a UPS pilot is a minimum. More PIC turbine, heavy time, check airman, multiple recommendations, or a recommendation from a management pilot, are things that are even better. A lot of luck is most important.

[DE727UPS]

"How do you like UPS?"

There are some things I like and some things I don't like. I can't be real honest about the things I don't like. It's a steady paycheck and a stable environment. Get to fly big jets. Because I'm senior, my schedules are pretty good.

"Is commuting at all possible the first year?"

Commuting is always possible. When I was back in SDF for two months going through 757 school there were guys going all the way home to the west coast on two days off. Not worth it to me. Reserve lines are 8 on, 6 off, or 16 on, 12 off.

"Not that it matters, unless I ever get an interview, but how long would it take to be based in ONT?"

ONT is a senior base. The junior guy there was hired 6/01 and is 2387 out of 2500ish. If we had steady hiring, I'd say it would take a couple of years to get ONT.

"What are the chances of even getting an interview if I don't know any pilots there?"

I'll say zero.

"Any word on how long hiring will continue, or is it still a big secret how many are going to get hired?"

Big secret. I'll just say that hiring will be minimal (which is a lot better than the not at all we've had for a long time). I believe we will continue to hire next year...maybe a couple hundred at the most. When the contract is settled and if we get the changes in scheduling we need, I think there will be more hiring.

"Would getting a PT job throwing boxes help get on at all?"

I don't think so.

You'd be better off moving to SDF (I'm serious) and getting to know a UPS management pilot.

[cole]

Well if you know of any senior management pilots out there looking for a friend, tell them to hit me up.
Thanks for all the answers, I'll just keep at it and one day hopefully get the call.

[scoobs]

I know that Fedex and UPS do lots of night flying but is there any day flying.And what kind of schedule do international routes have.Thanks

[DE727UPS]

I'd guess we have 25% day flying. They are usually 11 hour days with 6am shows, but it's day flying. International is usally long blocks. The best lines are 12 on, 18 off, but they often build in a couple days of forced overtime at straight pay. Sometimes, they break up the international lines into a week on, week off, rotation. These aren't quite as senior.

[CYWGMike]

Hi, UPS has a daily flight into Winnipeg (CYWG) usually a B757. Have you ever flown this route? If you have, can you please tell me where it goes to? How do you like Winnipeg, especially in the winter and it is -35C.

Thanks

[Stoney]

De727UPS,

Do you know Mike Starnes that flys for UPS?

[DE727UPS]

I don't do Winnipeg as that trip is flown with pilots from the Louisville international domicle. That plane would go to Louisville but might make a stop somewhere else on the way...I'm not sure. I'm in the Ontario, CA domicle and YVR is the only Canadian trip we have in ONT. I used to a lot of Calgary flying back in the day. Really liked it. Didn't mind the cold weather as the hotel had a two hot tubs and a waterslide. Never been to Winnipeg before. Also, did a lot of Vancouver flying back when I was on the 727.

[DE727UPS]

No

[buffalopilot]

DE727UPS,

I am an flgiht instructor in Buffalo NY. My goal is to get to UPS. I have 8 years of college and am a Physician Assistant.

Is it easier for advanced degree pilots to get in?

Also, i am looking at an Occupational Health job in JAX with UPS. Does a job with UPS help to get a flying job with them?

[DE727UPS]

Sorry dude, but I'm gonna say no and no.

1000 PIC turbine and a recommendation from a line pilot....that's what you need.

Anything more than a 4 year degree is overkill. Working for the company with the hope of "transfering" into the air group as a pilot....just doesn't happen.

[scoobs]

Why would you leave a high paying PA job to become a pilot?

[buffalopilot]

I love flying. I like medicine but I really want to fly for a living. Leaving a PA job shows how much I love to fly, because if it was about money i would stay where i am.

[CaptChris]

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I love flying. I like medicine but I really want to fly for a living. Leaving a PA job shows how much I love to fly, because if it was about money i would stay where i am.

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Stay where you are, get rich, and buy a jet!

[A300Capt]

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I love flying. I like medicine but I really want to fly for a living. Leaving a PA job shows how much I love to fly, because if it was about money i would stay where i am.


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I'm sure you originally became a PA because of the love of medicine or helping people or something along those lines. After a point the reality and problems of the job replaced your idealistic viewpoint and it probably just became another job over time. Aviation is a lot like that only under a different title.

As Don said, anything over a 4 yr degree is overkill. Your competition are currently the folks with thousands of PIC turbine hours from the military, 121 or 135 backgrounds. UPS puts HEAVY emphasis on letters of recommendation from current employees (the higher up the food chain the better). Right now, UPS has 10's of thousands of qualified applicants to choose from and competition is fierce for the few slots available. Some new hires, I've noticed, are coming from United, USAir and Atlas with 10-15 years at those airlines.

My advice, stay in medicine. The problems associated with being an airline pilot nowadays will quickly tarnish any love you may think you have for it and you'll regret leaving a PA position.

[buffalopilot]

Is it me or do you all regret your pilot jobs? When I started medicine, i liked it but not much. I was going to quit after my bachelors but my parents at that point pushed me to stay in. I wanted to pursue a pilot career then. 7 years later i regret not quitting and becoming a pilot. Now i am 29 and trying to build time to go to a regional and hopefully 1 day, go with air tran or UPS or Fed Ex. If I do not do it, I know I will wake up 60 years old and regret it forever!

[Derek_S]

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If I do not do it, I know I will wake up 60 years old and regret it forever!

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You have to do what you want to do regardless of money. You have to have a job you are going to enjoy for the rest of your career, with no regrets!

[I_Money]

I think what these guys are tellling you - however much fun you enjoy flying when flying becomes your job, it looses a lot of its glamour and appeal - you have training, friends being laid off, possibility of being laid off yourself, spending times (including birthdays, christmas, New Years) away from family, staying in the HoJo, etc

I live my life by following my heart - it has served me well, and I am sure no doubt it will continue to do so.

[scoobs]

It seems most wouldn't do it again which is sad.I think its all how you make it.

[A300Capt]

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Is it me or do you all regret your pilot jobs?

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Regret? No. But I've been extremely fortunate in my aviation career. I've seen a lot more deserving folks run into hard times through absolutely no fault of their own. It's true, life is not always fair. I grew up dreaming about becoming an airline pilot. Problem is, it's really not the fantasy I had dreamt about as a little boy. It never has lived up to the hype of the movies, books or magazines.

I've found myself spending a lot of hours and long duty days/nights away from my family during important occasions. This may not seem like much to the starry eyed young wannabe but I'd rather spend time with my family than spend another hour droning along in an airplane. This is why I have my doubts when I hear about some 30 or 40 something career changer with a family wanting to get into the biz. It's tough on those that have made it to that dream job and even tougher on those just starting out.

The reality is, I think you'll be extremely disappointed in an airline career if it's based on glossy brochures, movies or old books. An aviation job is peppered with potholes that one must circumnavigate successfully in order to have a long career. Problem is, many of those things are totally out of your control. Just ask Doug! Who would have thought 10 years ago that Delta, one of the premier airlines with a long history, would be in such dire financial conditions today? How about United? It's not the pilot's fault or any other employee group and they have very little control of their destiny. How would you like to be an 18 yr veteran at USAir and currently be at the bottom of the seniority list making peanuts wondering what happened to your career and what the future holds?

I feel like I'm one of the lucky few who is with a good company with good seniority #, but like Delta, United, USAir and others, I worry it could end tomorrow either through company financial problems, health issues, FAA enforcement actions, etc. Aviation is very volatile and as fortunate as I've been I'm just not sure I'd be willing to roll that dice again if I were just starting out in the biz. Maybe single and in my 20's but certainly not as a married man in my 30's or 40's with a family.

Just my opinion.

[buffalopilot]

I appreciate all your information A300. I have done alot of research on the industry and I know that there is really no job security, and it is a difficult career to hang on too. I also know I really want to do it, but I am hesitant because of the issues that you mentioned. I knew those issues existed. I am just not sure what to do. I am hoping that in hard times, my wife can help get us back up on our feet. I guess i have some big decisions to make!!