✈Hey Pilots...Question! (I packed this part 2 video with info, so watch it again if you need to) but... What do you think about the Purple Runway Program? Let me know your thoughts below! 👇
The purple runway program is almost 5 years old now and I haven't heard of a single pilot that used it to get to FedEx. Though a few have, most FedEx pilots didn't fly cargo. Today, there's a healthy mix of former military, regional, and cooperate pilots (among other randos). And the parking lot...it's not uncommon to see a carbon fiber laden 911 GT3 parked right next to a rusted-out 86 Civic shitbox.
This channel is awesome man. Im currently a CFI,CFII,MEI and im debating whether to stick it out to 1500 for a regional gig or fly for empire for the purple runway program. This video made me want to fly for empire for a few years :) thanks for the video
Hey glad to be of value to your career! You should follow your gut, and don't look back. 10 years from now you will be glad you made the decision today.
Hey Seth! Thank you for the video. Yes, FedEx is the top level. I have heard for a long time thatn cargo companies such as FedEx, UPS, DHL and others provide the best possible conditions for work and career. But I was not familiar with the Purple Runway program. I'll take note of this opportunity!
I just stumbled on this thing. I’m a retired FedEx MD11 Captain, went there as a DC8 Captain when Federal Express bought Flying Tigers in 1989. FedEx is a great company to work for but be careful taking advice from strangers. As far as I know FedEx has NEVER hired a pilot from a feeder, nor would they hire a pilot or allow one to have facial hair. Some people have a great talk but have zero knowledge about the subject.
Hey George. Thank you for your comment, but I'm going to challenge you on a few things you said here. 1. A lot has changed since 1989 and the industry is not the same. I'm confident that feeders such as Empire and Mountain Air Cargo are sending pilots to FedEx from the Purple Runway Program. You can go directly to their website as proof. 2. Just because I have facial hair doesn't have any direct correlation to other pilots aspiring to be a FedEx pilot. (Not sure how you came to that conclusion.) I never stated that I am a FedEx pilot, just a cargo pilot working for another company that did allow facial hair for routes at lower altitudes not needing supplemental oxygen. 3. I have extensive knowledge on the subject because I worked in cargo, am connected to people in cargo, and have done my research.
@@CommercialPIC Since you talked about a FedEx pilot you talked to and then pictured a guy with a full beard. No FedEx pilot works 7 days a month and earns $400,000 a year. Pilots may change to more comfortable cloths for cruise but never is there just one pilot in the cockpit. Only brief times when on goes to the lav or gets a cup of coffee or to cook a meal. Two pilots can fly up to 8 hrs block, 3 pilots over 8 but less than 12, 4 pilots over 12 hours. Try Airline Pilot Central which has a FedEx section which is open to all believe. Want a great book for new airline pilots? Handling the Big Jets by D.P. Davies, which had a 3rd Edition dated 1971 but has great information useful today. How many in the Purple Runway Program are now on the FedEx Pilot Seniority list and have finished training and qualified?
@@georgeconway4360 Hey, George, how ya doin'? I used to fly with you on the DC-8 at Tigers. Good to see you're still kickin'! I agree with you that there are no FedEx pilots making $400,000 a year working only one week a month. Making that kind of money would require working nearly the maximum allowed hours per month, which would translate into something close to three weeks a month, about. Also there are very few of the pilots who drive a Lamborghini to work. If a FedEx pilot really did say these things to the guy running this video, then he was way exaggerating just to look impressive. Of course, we know pilots never exaggerate!
Hi, I’m a student pilot right now and I’m wanting to eventually work for fedex. I was planning on working for their feeder(as talked about in the video) but I’m not sure about that route after reading your comment. What do you think I should do to eventually work for fedex?
You can get to FedEx faster than doing the dog and pony show the purple runway requires. Go to a regional get your time faster without having to fly an old worn out turboprop. Nobody needs a “ jet transition course”. FedEx has never wanted pilots from the feeders anyway. If they did they would have an actual flow through high they have refused to do.
Well, if it pays VERY well. How many people will BECOME big jet pilots for fed ex? The hire you go in a organization you NEED to distingiush yourself from EVERYONE else. I suspect 90% of the guys who fly big jets for ups, fedex, dhl are former MILITARY pilots. If the job is $400k/year with great work schedule, those guys will probably never quit until mandatory retirement.
I’m a road driver for FedEx Freight, hauling double/triple trailer trucks for them. Do you know anything on how that may give me an advantage/disadvantage in the hiring process with FedEx Express, provided I were to meet the other flight requirements first? Just curious, thanks for the info either way.
Hey J, yes I think that is a great advantage. You have the opportunity to talk to Pilots I assume right? I would spend unloading time talking to them and picking their brains. Try and network with them and make a connection. That will help with your process if you want to fly with them.
Hey Luke, thanks for stopping by. No, I no longer work for Keylime. I have bigger aspirations to help other pilots in their career journey. I think my time would be best to use outside the cockpit helping pilots get to theirs.
What would commuting look like if I were to work for Mt. Air Cargo, Empire Airlines, or the IFL Group? Do you know their base locations? It was very difficult to find that information. I am currently very close to KMSP and would like to stay put if I can, but also work cargo. Most pilots from here here do Endeavor/Skywest - Delta. I liked what you said in the part 1 about being off on weekends. Are all cargo feeders sort of like that? Is there a cargo company comparable to FedEx that would be great pay, but has feeders based closer to me? Love the video!
I know the feeling and struggle Luke. I made those sacrifices and it was tough. Great think about cargo is that once you are in the feeder side (1st video I made) then you are home everyday and have the weekends off.
Can you go from 0 hours to FedEx before 65 if you start at 40? Or can I even make decent money as a cargo pilot in that time? Just jumped from law enforcement, and took a discovery flight. I got the itch.
As long as you start with Mountain Air Cargo or Empire Airlines. Their hour requirement might be around 350-500. I can't say because they aren't that public about those requirements.
How competitive is it to get into the purple runway program?? Let’s say you graduate from Purdue and receive your certifications, could you directly just apply to mountain air cargo and get in. Would you have to fly in regional airlines first to get into the program?
MAC has the same requirements as a regional except for the caravan which you can fly at 1200 hours because it’s part 135. Shouldn’t be any harder to get hired there than a regional
@@CommercialPIC do you know if MAC or empire are flexible on the degree requirement? I’m just started flight training, and working on my b.s. degree & I think I’ll be done my ppl, cpl, ifr in year, but I’ll still be finishing up my degree. Would I have to wait until I have it before I could apply for the program? Thanks
Hey! Just subbed to your channel. Im 33yo and and left my 12 year Solar career behind me because I just hated it every day. I was director of sales at Tesla, VP of sales at another prominent solar company for a while, great money but I left it all to follow my gut! So here I am Student again at 33 going to college of southern NEvada studying aviation technology -Commercial Pilot! I’ll be done spring next year and have roughly 100 hours, private and commercial aswell as an instrument rating! But here’s my twist to all this… I’ll give you a hint, gravity hates me way more, I can’t take nearly as many friends with me and my wings aren’t fixed 😂 I might do fixed wing as well someday but for now I love flying helicopters and fighting gravity constantly lol my question to you though is does fedex have cargo helicopter pilots and is it the same type of recruiting?? I never hear much about cargo helicopter pilots but I know they are out there!
Hey Emme Apps, welcome! Thank you for sharing your story. I haven't really heard anything about helicopter pilots with FedEx, so I wouldn't count that as an option. The truth is, the farther you go down the helicopter path (great path btw!) the more difficult it becomes to change and go down the cargo airplane path. I would suggest picking one or the other and going all in that direction. I appreciate you and hope you get much value from your time on the channel! Thanks for being here. 😎
Fedex pilot here. This just popped up on my feed. No one is making 400k flying only 7 days a month. That is some fuzzy math. 12 to 14 days is more believable. That pilot you spoke to was a douchebag and was exaggerating big time. I don’t know about the lambo though 😂. If you have a family, that 400k disappears really quick and there’s no money left over for lambos 😂
What credibility do you have on knowing how easy it is to get through this pathway program? You make it sound like any decent pilot can go fly a small cargo op and walk in the door of the highest paying aircraft operation in the world. I don't think chatting with a senior FedEx guy for a few minutes makes you an expert. Sincere question though; not just being critical.
Hey Kyler, my credibility comes from being a licensed commercial pilot who has extensive real-world experience in cargo operations. I've also built a network of other experienced pilots that I consult for additional information. These videos were a collaboration of information, more than just my knowledge and experience.
@@CommercialPIC So have you been hired by FedEx? Have you talked to more than one pilot who has been hired by FedEx in the past few years? Does your network include those that have been successful through the Purple program within a year?
This video is a joke. He is obviously not familiar with flying for FedEx. Don't believe everything you watch on RUclips. You can literally make it to FO with FedEx faster not being part of the purple runway program. Everyone ACTUALLY flying 121 knows that 😂😂
Hey commercial pilot in command? Could you let me know this guys email so I can get in touch with him? I’m trying to grow my # of connections to increase my # of opportunities
✈Hey Pilots...Question! (I packed this part 2 video with info, so watch it again if you need to) but...
What do you think about the Purple Runway Program? Let me know your thoughts below! 👇
The purple runway program is almost 5 years old now and I haven't heard of a single pilot that used it to get to FedEx. Though a few have, most FedEx pilots didn't fly cargo. Today, there's a healthy mix of former military, regional, and cooperate pilots (among other randos). And the parking lot...it's not uncommon to see a carbon fiber laden 911 GT3 parked right next to a rusted-out 86 Civic shitbox.
This channel is awesome man. Im currently a CFI,CFII,MEI and im debating whether to stick it out to 1500 for a regional gig or fly for empire for the purple runway program. This video made me want to fly for empire for a few years :) thanks for the video
Hey glad to be of value to your career! You should follow your gut, and don't look back. 10 years from now you will be glad you made the decision today.
Hey Seth!
Thank you for the video.
Yes, FedEx is the top level. I have heard for a long time thatn cargo companies such as FedEx, UPS, DHL and others provide the best possible conditions for work and career. But I was not familiar with the Purple Runway program.
I'll take note of this opportunity!
Hey Andrey, my pleasure! Glad I was able to be of guidance! Thanks for being here as a subscriber. I greatly appreciate you!
I just stumbled on this thing. I’m a retired FedEx MD11 Captain, went there as a DC8 Captain when Federal Express bought Flying Tigers in 1989. FedEx is a great company to work for but be careful taking advice from strangers. As far as I know FedEx has NEVER hired a pilot from a feeder, nor would they hire a pilot or allow one to have facial hair. Some people have a great talk but have zero knowledge about the subject.
Hey George. Thank you for your comment, but I'm going to challenge you on a few things you said here.
1. A lot has changed since 1989 and the industry is not the same. I'm confident that feeders such as Empire and Mountain Air Cargo are sending pilots to FedEx from the Purple Runway Program. You can go directly to their website as proof.
2. Just because I have facial hair doesn't have any direct correlation to other pilots aspiring to be a FedEx pilot. (Not sure how you came to that conclusion.) I never stated that I am a FedEx pilot, just a cargo pilot working for another company that did allow facial hair for routes at lower altitudes not needing supplemental oxygen.
3. I have extensive knowledge on the subject because I worked in cargo, am connected to people in cargo, and have done my research.
@@CommercialPIC Since you talked about a FedEx pilot you talked to and then pictured a guy with a full beard. No FedEx pilot works 7 days a month and earns $400,000 a year. Pilots may change to more comfortable cloths for cruise but never is there just one pilot in the cockpit. Only brief times when on goes to the lav or gets a cup of coffee or to cook a meal. Two pilots can fly up to 8 hrs block, 3 pilots over 8 but less than 12, 4 pilots over 12 hours. Try Airline Pilot Central which has a FedEx section which is open to all believe. Want a great book for new airline pilots? Handling the Big Jets by D.P. Davies, which had a 3rd Edition dated 1971 but has great information useful today.
How many in the Purple Runway Program are now on the FedEx Pilot Seniority list and have finished training and qualified?
@@georgeconway4360 Hey, George, how ya doin'? I used to fly with you on the DC-8 at Tigers. Good to see you're still kickin'! I agree with you that there are no FedEx pilots making $400,000 a year working only one week a month. Making that kind of money would require working nearly the maximum allowed hours per month, which would translate into something close to three weeks a month, about. Also there are very few of the pilots who drive a Lamborghini to work. If a FedEx pilot really did say these things to the guy running this video, then he was way exaggerating just to look impressive. Of course, we know pilots never exaggerate!
@@schm1035 Nice to hear from you John. Yea, I guess I have a problem with people talking with great authority but no real facts.
Hi, I’m a student pilot right now and I’m wanting to eventually work for fedex. I was planning on working for their feeder(as talked about in the video) but I’m not sure about that route after reading your comment. What do you think I should do to eventually work for fedex?
A Pilot’s Life for Me.
Agreed! I have more pilot/aviation videos that I think you'll find valuable on the channel. Thanks for being here Jack
Great video! You should do a video on how to become a pilot for UPS and their best program.
Much appreciated! Love that idea!
As a current UPS employee this would be very much appreciated
Yeah I heard cargo pilots are like superstars.
😎
You can get to FedEx faster than doing the dog and pony show the purple runway requires. Go to a regional get your time faster without having to fly an old worn out turboprop. Nobody needs a “ jet transition course”. FedEx has never wanted pilots from the feeders anyway. If they did they would have an actual flow through high they have refused to do.
You never mentioned any of the aviation colleges that also have an affiliation with Purple Runway program. Have you any comments on that?
Not at this time, I don’t.
Well, if it pays VERY well. How many people will BECOME big jet pilots for fed ex? The hire you go in a organization you NEED to distingiush yourself from EVERYONE else. I suspect 90% of the guys who fly big jets for ups, fedex, dhl are former MILITARY pilots. If the job is $400k/year with great work schedule, those guys will probably never quit until mandatory retirement.
Well said & a fair statement
from what i understand fed ex requires a 4 yr degree from a university?
yes
Correct
Soon to be not the case
@@Sirpopeington are they removing the degree requirement?
@@bbqworld2103 no they’re removing your mom from the program
Hello, I would love to work as a FedEx cargo feeder pilot at the Indianapolis hub, but I'm new to aviation. Where should I start?
Difficult to say. Good luck with your career! Thanks for watching and commenting. 😎
"have you ever dreamed of becoming a cargo pilot?"
"Well, I am now...."
Haha yes 👍
I’m a road driver for FedEx Freight, hauling double/triple trailer trucks for them. Do you know anything on how that may give me an advantage/disadvantage in the hiring process with FedEx Express, provided I were to meet the other flight requirements first? Just curious, thanks for the info either way.
Hey J, yes I think that is a great advantage. You have the opportunity to talk to Pilots I assume right? I would spend unloading time talking to them and picking their brains. Try and network with them and make a connection. That will help with your process if you want to fly with them.
@@CommercialPIC thanks for the feedback, I appreciate it.
Oh my God it is a lovely dream I have had dreamed lot of , but when I get older is there a certain age limit to get this posotiob ??
A Pilot’s Life for Me
Agreed Julian!
What are the chances of getting into cargo with FedEx but you didn’t go the college route and just got the pilot certification
it's a pilot's life for me
Agreed Patrick! I appreciate you and hope you get much value from your time here on the channel! Thanks for being here. 😎
Is FedEx your end goal in your career? Also do you still work for Key Lime?
Hey Luke, thanks for stopping by. No, I no longer work for Keylime. I have bigger aspirations to help other pilots in their career journey. I think my time would be best to use outside the cockpit helping pilots get to theirs.
A pilot’s life for me.
Agreed! Thanks for being here Bill
Is there a minimum obligation contract to FedEx if I use the purple ramp program?
A pilot's life for me
Agreed! I have more pilot/aviation videos that I think you'll find valuable on the channel. Thanks for being here
So, is the earth really just a level surface???
Yep! Ha. Thanks for watching and commenting. 😎
What would commuting look like if I were to work for Mt. Air Cargo, Empire Airlines, or the IFL Group? Do you know their base locations? It was very difficult to find that information. I am currently very close to KMSP and would like to stay put if I can, but also work cargo. Most pilots from here here do Endeavor/Skywest - Delta. I liked what you said in the part 1 about being off on weekends. Are all cargo feeders sort of like that? Is there a cargo company comparable to FedEx that would be great pay, but has feeders based closer to me?
Love the video!
MAC has a ATR in Duluth that flies to msp 5 nights a week.
If I use a flight planning app other than Foreflight, would they view me more critically at the interview?
If you already work for FedEx express as a driver is a BA still a requirement ?
Great video as always. The fact that FedEx is requiring a degree seems outdated way of vetting capable people. Hard pass for me...
👍
I really want this as my career. I’m just hesitant to be away from family for a week at a time. Only time will tell I guess. 🤷♂️
I know the feeling and struggle Luke. I made those sacrifices and it was tough. Great think about cargo is that once you are in the feeder side (1st video I made) then you are home everyday and have the weekends off.
Can you go from 0 hours to FedEx before 65 if you start at 40? Or can I even make decent money as a cargo pilot in that time? Just jumped from law enforcement, and took a discovery flight. I got the itch.
A pilots life for me
Absolutely! Thanks for being here 😎
So I wouldn’t qualify if I dont have a degree? Even if I have the hours? 😫
Correct for FedEx but you can still be a career cargo pilot flying for a feeder
question I do have 350 hours I did my 2 year associate degree in aviation program collegei have my multi engine can I get into the program
As long as you start with Mountain Air Cargo or Empire Airlines. Their hour requirement might be around 350-500. I can't say because they aren't that public about those requirements.
Thank you so much for what you do for us low time pilots trying to build hours without going to instructor route
Does Caravan PIC or SIC time count as part of 36 months at the feeder airline?
As long as you are doing time with that company, yes it should count.
How competitive is it to get into the purple runway program?? Let’s say you graduate from Purdue and receive your certifications, could you directly just apply to mountain air cargo and get in. Would you have to fly in regional airlines first to get into the program?
MAC has the same requirements as a regional except for the caravan which you can fly at 1200 hours because it’s part 135. Shouldn’t be any harder to get hired there than a regional
@@lukecole6203 thanks for the feedback. Appreciate it
@@namanrai4261 No problem. Are you in flight training or already a pilot? If so how's it going so far?
Hey Namam, I agree with Luke here. 👍
@@CommercialPIC do you know if MAC or empire are flexible on the degree requirement? I’m just started flight training, and working on my b.s. degree & I think I’ll be done my ppl, cpl, ifr in year, but I’ll still be finishing up my degree. Would I have to wait until I have it before I could apply for the program? Thanks
Hey! Just subbed to your channel. Im 33yo and and left my 12 year Solar career behind me because I just hated it every day. I was director of sales at Tesla, VP of sales at another prominent solar company for a while, great money but I left it all to follow my gut! So here I am Student again at 33 going to college of southern NEvada studying aviation technology -Commercial Pilot! I’ll be done spring next year and have roughly 100 hours, private and commercial aswell as an instrument rating! But here’s my twist to all this… I’ll give you a hint, gravity hates me way more, I can’t take nearly as many friends with me and my wings aren’t fixed 😂 I might do fixed wing as well someday but for now I love flying helicopters and fighting gravity constantly lol my question to you though is does fedex have cargo helicopter pilots and is it the same type of recruiting?? I never hear much about cargo helicopter pilots but I know they are out there!
Hey Emme Apps, welcome! Thank you for sharing your story. I haven't really heard anything about helicopter pilots with FedEx, so I wouldn't count that as an option. The truth is, the farther you go down the helicopter path (great path btw!) the more difficult it becomes to change and go down the cargo airplane path. I would suggest picking one or the other and going all in that direction. I appreciate you and hope you get much value from your time on the channel! Thanks for being here. 😎
Can an indian national pilot join FedEx
As long as you are eligible to work in the US and fluent in English, I believe so yes.
You need a 2-4 year degree to be a cargo pilot after getting all your ratings? Wtf
Difficult to say. Good luck with your career! Thanks for watching and commenting. 😎
Fedex pilot here. This just popped up on my feed. No one is making 400k flying only 7 days a month. That is some fuzzy math. 12 to 14 days is more believable. That pilot you spoke to was a douchebag and was exaggerating big time. I don’t know about the lambo though 😂. If you have a family, that 400k disappears really quick and there’s no money left over for lambos 😂
Good input and I appreciate you adding your take on it. Thank you for commenting. 😎
FedEx pilots changing into pajamas? One sleeps while the other monitors? Uh I think that dude was kidding.
Maybe he was, maybe he wasn’t. Still a funny story regardless
@@CommercialPIC yes maby but your presenting it as fact you must be easily fooled.
Sorry that is a very tall tale.
What credibility do you have on knowing how easy it is to get through this pathway program? You make it sound like any decent pilot can go fly a small cargo op and walk in the door of the highest paying aircraft operation in the world. I don't think chatting with a senior FedEx guy for a few minutes makes you an expert. Sincere question though; not just being critical.
Hey Kyler, my credibility comes from being a licensed commercial pilot who has extensive real-world experience in cargo operations. I've also built a network of other experienced pilots that I consult for additional information. These videos were a collaboration of information, more than just my knowledge and experience.
@@CommercialPIC So have you been hired by FedEx? Have you talked to more than one pilot who has been hired by FedEx in the past few years? Does your network include those that have been successful through the Purple program within a year?
A pilot’slife for me!!
Agreed!
This video is a joke. He is obviously not familiar with flying for FedEx. Don't believe everything you watch on RUclips. You can literally make it to FO with FedEx faster not being part of the purple runway program. Everyone ACTUALLY flying 121 knows that 😂😂
Glad to hear you enjoyed the video rio 😎
Agreed. While his intentions are good, it becomes clear fairly quickly he’s never been in the 121 world.
First?
Haha yep!
How about giving the employees back their jumpseat privileges .. stop being snobs .. it’s not just your company
I don't represent this company and have nothing to do with that decision.
@@CommercialPIC well you’re using their name to make money .. they have a lot of lawyers .. good luck
Hey commercial pilot in command? Could you let me know this guys email so I can get in touch with him? I’m trying to grow my # of connections to increase my # of opportunities
Feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn. You can find info in the description of the video.
A Pilot’s Life for Me.
Agreed Trevor! Thanks for being here
A Pilot’s Life for Me
Agreed! Thanks for being here Kris
A pilots life for me
Agreed! Thanks for being here Stefan
A Pilot’s Life for Me.
Agreed! Thanks for being here Robert
A Pilot’s Life for Me
Agreed! Thank you for being here
A pilots life for me
Agreed Tyler! I appreciate you and hope you get much value from your time here on the channel! Thanks for being here. 😎
A Pilot’s Life for Me.