Nice!! You don’t need to speed things up, most reasons people watch are just to enjoy the experience. I like the no music in your video. Thanks for posting.
Just stumbled across this one by accident. I was lucky enough to get stationed in ANC, not only once,...but twice. During each assignment I lived off- base in homes I purchased. During my 2nd assignment the "neighborhood" / development where I bought a home had (and certainly still has) a number of "Cargo Dawgs" living in it as well (folks of all types, who fly for both the large and small air-cargo carriers). This gentlemen was a next door neighbor of mine.
Nice, beautiful country and a great job to have if you dig flying. No bullshit music playing like in most videos. The sound of Z plane's engine is all you need. Look! Z plane, Z plane.
Thank you for the comment, Joseph. 31 days until I retire for good. I will be living, and cruising on a sailboat for my remaining good years. Starting in California. Follow our adventure at Romantical Sailing.
Thanks for posting this, no shitty music, just the experience. Thanks for not sugar coating the experience *cough cough swayne* and just showing us the raw experience. Safe flights, cap.
Awesome Video Sir!! I really appreciate how you handle yourself and you professionalism. From one pilot to another, Fly safe brother! Please more videos!
Less than 90 days for me now, until retirement. I may possibly never fly again due to living, and cruising on a sailboat, with my wife. Look for our new RUclips channel, “Romantical Sailing” coming in July 2021
@@romanticsailor1952 - that explains the sailor part. Enjoy. A friend of mine cruised for years. All the way Northern California to Baja and then to South Pacific (Tahiti?). I think their boat is still somewhere in the South Pacific. Communication was an issue, super slow speed. Even email was painfully slow. I guess soon you can get Starlink for a boat soon so that problem should be solved.
Wonderful display of methodical single pilot preparation and operation. Good editing too. Thanks for taking the time to produce and share this flight. Hope it inspires others to pursue a career in aviation.
This was exactly was I was looking for. Something to show a bit of what's in the day of caravan cargo pilot. I just applied at a feeder flying caravans in California. Single pilot IFR hauling some cargo. Next step in my career.
I am 65 years old - thank you for sharing your video. Its is refreshing and well done. I love the way you methodically went through your steps, voicing out loud to confirm that your not missing anything. You just proved that some people have enough wits still at our age to safely operate a high performance aircraft.
Thanks Dan! I come from an airline background, and I operate the airplane as if it had a two pilot crew. I just perform the roles of both the Captain, and the First Officer, it only takes an extra minute, and I sometimes catch a missed item. ~Fred~
@@romanticsailor1952 Thank you for the response. If I was able to still fly I would be doing it the same way thanks to you. Your a very safe pilot !! I would fly with you anytime Sir. You have a wonderful holiday and please post more videos. Thanks
It is definitely something to strive for, if you just want to enjoy flying a great little airplane. FedEx feeders, are not a good place to build time, as we only fly 10 hours a week. Grant Air, or Bearing Air may get you more hours per month. ~Fred~
Portland! Empire Airlines has a crew base there. Send in a resume, Empire is often hiring for the Caravan, and the ATR. Empire also operates Ohana Airlines in Hawaii with the ATR. Here’s a link: empireairlines.com/careers/ Good Luck, ~Fred~
I want to be you sir! I'm actually retiring from my engineering job and training on my instruments followed by commercial so that I can do what you are doing.
Thank you so much for this video. I’m 3rd gen pilot but been out of the left seat for about a decade. Wanting to get back in it and I have my eye set on caravans and doing just this sort of work. Something about single pilot - up there all alone that is really appealing to me. My best memories of flying were always just me and the plane. What do you like best about your career?
I know right? I was pleasantly surprised when I saw it the first time. It is a Garmin 600 display, with a G-530, and a G-430 GPS. Not quite a G-1000, but pretty nice none-the-less.
UPS got clearance first. Does that mean they can deliver my packages faster? 😏 Cool video. As you incorporate more video equipment I’d like to see more scenery. I know they have go pro mounts that can stick to the wings of the aircraft.
They might stick to ground vehicles, but it is not going to stay stuck to a wing. You and your GoPro will part ways. GoPro mounts are mounted on an inspection plate and screwed down to hold it on the plane. The Caravan is not that fast, but it does have air hitting it at 140 mph.
That’s a lot of checks. Safety first! Great video! Doesn’t FedEx have a special name for these small planes? I do have to say that, for a lot of remote villages in Alaska, delivery by air is critical to their survival.
D Pete , G, as in Garmin. G-600 PFD, MFD, G530 GPS/Nav/Com, G430 GPS/Nav/Com, G-200 Map/Radar Display. It’s not as integrated as a G-1000, but still pretty sweet. We are equipped with a pretty lame Bendix-King autopilot that has to have the signal converted from analog, to digital so the G-600 can read the commands from the autopilot, and vice-versa.
This is wonderfully produced and presented! Do you have any suggestions for a Private Pilot working on Commercial and Instrument looking to fly with Empire out of Oregon?
First, I did the acceptance checklist, to verify all required documents are on board, and all switches are in a logical position. Then, I hook up the battery, and preflight the airplane. When that is done, I allow and observe aircraft loading. All this occurs prior to the “Before Start Checklist”, and takes about 90 minutes. Thanks for your observation, and comment. ~Fred~
I retired from American Airlines, then I moved to Alaska to pick up a retirement gig. I am doing this because it is fun! Empire Airlines has a 401K, but it is up to you how much you would put away for retirement, just like most of corporate America these days. I am retiring again in three weeks, so June 25th will be my last flight.
HackedEchan. It is an Inertial Separator. The engine air intake duct normally makes a smooth transition into the engine intake at the rear of the engine. When the inertial separator is set to bypass (pulled out). It re-routes the air, so it has to take a sharper turn to get to the engine inlet. In the bypass position any snow, ice, dirt, stones, and debris can’t make the hard turn, and therefore are “separated” from the air, by their own “inertia”. It does sacrifice a little horsepower, and makes the engine run slightly hotter. I keep it in bypass on the ground due to sand and gravel, then back to normal after lift off (if there is no snow or icing).
No, FedEx employees load all the cargo in Anchorage, and at the out stations. You have to observe the loading, from beginning to end, but not the offloading.
Thanks Jirdo! The FAA requires retirement from part 121 (Transfort Catagory Aircraft) at the age of 65. I was not quite ready to hang up my wings, and I had always wanted to try some flying in Alaska. Under part 135 of the regulations, I can fly as long as I can keep my medical. My next adventure is to sail away into the sunset when I retire from this gig sometime in the year 2022. In the meantime, I am enjoying these last few years of flying. I do not think I will fly as a hobby after I go to reside full time on our sailboat, with my wife. ~Fred~
Owen Grace , yes, they do have a program called the Purple Runway, or something like that. I am not qualified as I am too old to fly under part 121. It would take a few years to get enough hours, since we only fly about two hours a day.
Love the vid. Are u planning on moving up to the bigger fedex planes? Are u forced to stay in the smaller ones? I’m only asking because I’m seriously considering a career path with fedex and I’m wondering if it’s a good choice. Anyone that sees this comment and flies for cargo, feel free to give me some pros and cons of the trade. Much appreciated
They do have a “Purple Runway” program where you can move up to mainline FedEx. I retired from American Airlines, and moved to Anchorage, AK to fly for a few more years. This was a great job for me for 4 years. I have since retired from Empire Airlines, and am now living on my sailboat , presently on anchor in San Diego, CA. Check out our Sailing channel on RUclips “Romantical Sailing”. ruclips.net/channel/UC9bnDNm2szJyasi8Qo4APpA
Brian Sims, downc212 is correct. It is an Inertial Separator. The engine air exhaust duct normally makes a smooth transition into the engine intake at the rear of the engine. When the inertial separator is set to bypass (pulled out). It re-routes the air, so it has to take a sharper turn to get to the engine inlet. In the bypass position any snow, ice, dirt, stones, and debris can’t make the hard turn, and therefore are “separated” from the air, by their own “inertia”. It does sacrifice a little horsepower, and makes the engine run slightly hotter.
Cool gig. Back in the day, I did the same thing in a B 18 tri gear model. Flew contract UPS cargo out of MSY for Airlift Transport. N117ME. Loved flying those twin radials out of south LA. Retired from insurance claims now, but after watching this great video, makes me wonder if I should go and start again....
@@romanticsailor1952 I am leaving DFW Friday for Tokyo (NRT). Will be there for a few days with friends, then down to Manila (MNL) for friends and then on over to Singapore to hang out with a buddy that use to live down the road from me, but his job (AA) put him in Singapore 14 years ago. He loves it there but also says that it is major expensive. On the way back, I will have to look, but I make a stop in either Anchorage or Fairbanks instead of the 13-1/2 hour long haul back home from NRT to DFW. Have a small layover, then off again. Some of us retired geezers are planning a 2 to 3 month motorcycle adventure up there in 2020. Thinking about leaving the DFW area sometime in late May and returning sometime in early September. Waiting on the paperwork explaining the rules (sorta speak) when going thru Canada with our guns. As far as I know right now, we will have to enter at a certain spot, then declare our guns and either take them apart or stash them in the bikes. We cant wear them in Canada. I was also told that we have to leave at a certain spot to go into Alaska. Not sure about any of this yet, so it might get interesting. Some of my friends have been to Alaska riding and they all have said dont go without your weapon...you never know what you might run into on the back roads. Our other option is a ferry out of Seattle...looking into that also. When I get our trip plans and routes firm, I will holler back and maybe we could meet and do lunch or dinner somewhere.
@@romanticsailor1952 I'm actually stuck between Empire and Mountain Air Cargo. For now i'm not sure which to choose. What do you recommend? I'm an ATR pilot for 3 years now, that's why I'm interested in flying FedEx feeders.
cruxader27 I can highly recommend Empire Airlines, they are well run, and safe. They treat me well, and do not push to make you fly if you feel it is unsafe. Great maintenance, and great company to work for. I really do not have any information about Mountain Air Cargo. Empire also own and operates ATR’s in Hawaii, under the O’hana Airlines livery. They code share with Hawaiian Airlines. We also have an Aerospace, and an Unmanned branch, so their may be other opportunities in the event of a lost medical or some other life changing event.
@@romanticsailor1952 Thank you for the input captain! Actually FedEx ordered around 50 new ATR freighters . Not sure if Empire or MAC gets them all or they take half. But I'm looking forward to it. Safe flights captain!
Thanks for the critique, Phil. I am trying to learn to make an interesting video. I also am practicing cutting from one scene to the next, in the hopes of creating a weekly video blog (vlog) after I hang up my wings in 2022. ~Fred~
I liked the intro. Every flight for thirty years I drove to or was delivered to the airport. It's part of " A day in the life of" and adds context to that theme just like the paperwork and preflight.
Enjoyed your video and wondering. I am a retired 20,000+ hour pilot. Do you fly that Caravan in bad weather...winds over 40. I have been to Alaska in commercial jets and sometimes when a front is blowing thru, it feels like the wind is going as fast as we are making it quite sporty to get down while being bounced around like a BB in a box car.
I am also a retired 20,000+ hour pilot. Yes we fly in weather down to Cat I minimums, lots of ice, and whatever winds we encounter. Cross wind only if safe and within maximum demonstrated. I have done more low approaches in the past two winters, than in 18 years with the airlines. Several missed approaches, and a couple of diversions. Flying in Alaska is fun and challenging. Empire loves older, retired pilots. This is not a good place to build hours, but is a good retirement gig.
@@romanticsailor1952 I have friends still flying the airlines and they tell me about some of their "sporting" times. Sometimes I think I would like to fly again on a part time thing, but when I really think about it...I dont have time. I am too busy chasing around riding my motorcycle with other friends going all over the country, boating and in in general, just enjoying life. I still fly, but I fly myself...sometimes going somewhere, but most of time just out for a ride. Fly safe and make good decisions. Go here to see all my adventures on the motorcycle... http:ruclips.net/user/HondaGoldwingGL1800
HondaGoldwingGL1800 I will check out your page. Thanks for the link. I know what you mean about the time. My wife and I have a sailboat in California, we try to spend all our spare time there, but live takes us many other directions. I am going to fly 2-1/2 more years, then we will go cruising on the sailboat full time. I am afraid, when that happens, I will never fly again. I can’t justify the cost to fly as a hobby.
OK, I got to ask, what the hell is that big ass knob that sticks out at your right knee? cow flaps, carb heat? At first I thought it was the parking break.
It is an Inertial Separator. The engine air intake duct normally makes a smooth transition into the engine intake at the rear of the engine. When the inertial separator is set to bypass (pulled out). It re-routes the air, so it has to take a sharper turn to get to the engine inlet. When it is In the bypass position any snow, ice, dirt, stones, and debris can’t make the hard turn, and therefore are “separated” from the air, by their own “inertia”. It does sacrifice a little horsepower, and makes the engine run slightly hotter.
I put the inertial separator in bypass during my acceptance checklist. I always use it on the ground due to so much sand and gravel on the ramps and runways. This is not company policy, but my personal technique.
Just a guess, I've never flown the Caravan. I think it's the inertial separator. Makes the air take a crooked path to get to the engine. Keeps foreign objects from being sucked into the compressor.
Clinton Andrews. It is an Inertial Separator. The engine air intake duct normally makes a smooth transition into the engine intake at the rear of the engine. When the inertial separator is set to bypass (pulled out). It re-routes the air, so it has to take a sharper turn to get to the engine inlet. In the bypass position any snow, ice, dirt, stones, and debris can’t make the hard turn, and therefore are “separated” from the air, by their own “inertia”. It does sacrifice a little horsepower, and makes the engine run slightly hotter. I keep it in bypass on the ground due to sand and gravel, then back to normal after lift off (if there is no snow or icing).
Ya' know... if it's a part for either an airplane or a boat, the price is triple that of the same part for an automobile. If you can put an esoteric name on it, like 'Inertial Separator" instead of 'deflector' you can charge *ten times* as much. ;-)
Not exactly. There are nine FedEx Feeder operations worldwide. Empire Airlines is one of them. FedEx owns the airplanes, and leases them to the feeders. It kind of depends on what area of the country that you would like to live, and work in. Empire Airlines leases 38 Caravans, also ATR’s. We have at least a dozen bases from Texas, to Alaska.
Oh, I see. If you are not a pilot, you would have to have a single-engine commercial pilots license, and enough flight hours to meet the minimum hiring requirements to fly a Caravan for a Fedex feeder. To go to “Mainline” Fedex, you would also need a multi-engine commercial certificate, probably an Airline Transport Certificate, and most likely some pilot-in-command time on a twin engine turboprop aircraft, you could fly the ATR at a Fedex Feeder, to get the multi-engine time. It would take some years to do all that, but I started at 39 years old. If you are younger than that, and you can afford the flight training, at todays rates, I would estimate at least $30,000-$45,000, maybe more to get the ratings, then a few years of flying, sight seeing tours, banner towing, parachute jumping flights, or flight instructing (flight instructor certificate required) to get the minimum flight hours, to find a cargo flying job.
pk kp, Ha! That is the most asked question about my video. I recently posted a new video explaining the “inertial separator”. If you watch that, it should explain in detail.
@@romanticsailor1952 so you need to complete your flying school to be cargo pilot and dont need college degree just senior hs diploma?💯🔥like fed ex cargo pilot dont need college degree?♥️
That is correct! Most cargo operations will have a minimum number of hours required. Perhaps 1000 hours, 1500 hours, some may require as much as 2500 hours. Just having a single engine commercial pilots license will only allow sightseeing flights within 25 miles of the airport of takeoff, fish spotting, pipeline patrol, etc.
Caravanpilot already, did you see Swayne Martins first job in Oahu? Flying Caravans in paradise, maybe you’d do that before you retire?🚁🤷🏻♂️🤘🤘🤘one day I too shall fly the Cessna Caravan in Xplane 11!🚁👍🍺 Please narrate, would love hearing about your career in flying, sir.🚁👍💵💵💵
Rick, I have not need Martins videos, I will check him out. I am interested in learning how to put the cockpit communications into the film, or do you mean to overdub?
romanticsailor1952 You can buy an audio jack that will pick up your radio talk.. it just runs through your headset. Thanks for sharing, really like the single pilot ops videos, not much of them out there on the cargo side. Hope to be flying like that in a few years
No music, nothing just my grandpa putting in work 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿
I’m impressed ...
Nice!! You don’t need to speed things up, most reasons people watch are just to enjoy the experience. I like the no music in your video. Thanks for posting.
Thanks! I was under a time limit for You Tube also, so I had to cut some, and speed some up to keep the time down.
I agree. Great no music. If I watch airplanes I want to hear airplanes and conversations. Not have to pull from the noise extraneous. ThAnks.
It was great for me
@@romanticsailor1952 I flew the Caravan in bethel back in the late 90’s .
No crazy head banging music just knowledge
Just stumbled across this one by accident. I was lucky enough to get stationed in ANC, not only once,...but twice. During each assignment I lived off- base in homes I purchased. During my 2nd assignment the "neighborhood" / development where I bought a home had (and certainly still has) a number of "Cargo Dawgs" living in it as well (folks of all types, who fly for both the large and small air-cargo carriers). This gentlemen was a next door neighbor of mine.
Cool. Where are you living now? Are you still active duty?
@@romanticsailor1952 I retired in 2015, and I live in south Texas. I sold my 2nd ANC home in 2018.
Fantastic video…I’m envious. Agree with most others…great to see and hear what it’s like minus music, thank you.
Nice, beautiful country and a great job to have if you dig flying. No bullshit music playing like in most videos. The sound of Z plane's engine is all you need. Look! Z plane, Z plane.
Thank you for the comment, Joseph. 31 days until I retire for good. I will be living, and cruising on a sailboat for my remaining good years. Starting in California. Follow our adventure at Romantical Sailing.
Thanks for posting this, no shitty music, just the experience. Thanks for not sugar coating the experience *cough cough swayne* and just showing us the raw experience. Safe flights, cap.
Awesome Video Sir!! I really appreciate how you handle yourself and you professionalism. From one pilot to another, Fly safe brother! Please more videos!
Thank you for your video. Wish you the best
Love the beta on the last landing. Freight hauling looks like a fun way to get in the air. No time in the left seat of a Caravan. Maybe someday.
Less than 90 days for me now, until retirement. I may possibly never fly again due to living, and cruising on a sailboat, with my wife. Look for our new RUclips channel, “Romantical Sailing” coming in July 2021
@@romanticsailor1952 - that explains the sailor part. Enjoy. A friend of mine cruised for years. All the way Northern California to Baja and then to South Pacific (Tahiti?). I think their boat is still somewhere in the South Pacific. Communication was an issue, super slow speed. Even email was painfully slow. I guess soon you can get Starlink for a boat soon so that problem should be solved.
Wonderful display of methodical single pilot preparation and operation. Good editing too. Thanks for taking the time to produce and share this flight. Hope it inspires others to pursue a career in aviation.
Turbine starts always amaze me... could watch all day.
This was exactly was I was looking for. Something to show a bit of what's in the day of caravan cargo pilot. I just applied at a feeder flying caravans in California. Single pilot IFR hauling some cargo. Next step in my career.
Good Luck, I hope you get the job! Which feeder did you apply to? I have had such a great time flying the Caravan.
@@romanticsailor1952 Westair in California
@@medinacentral good luck.
If only this type of operations exist in Europe
Student pilot from S.Korea. Thanks for the video. I'm enjoying it!
Angle of Attack Headquarters, in Homer, Alaska!
Great video! Annotations are awesome!
Thanks for sharing! Id love to do this once I get my pilots licence.
Great video and nice boat. Hope to be flying the 208 soon.
7,000 hours in the 'van. She’s still a joy to fly!
Gave you a like simply because of all the work you put in to set up those camera shots :)
I am 65 years old - thank you for sharing your video. Its is refreshing and well done. I love the way you methodically went through your steps, voicing out loud to confirm that your not missing anything. You just proved that some people have enough wits still at our age to safely operate a high performance aircraft.
Thanks Dan! I come from an airline background, and I operate the airplane as if it had a two pilot crew. I just perform the roles of both the Captain, and the First Officer, it only takes an extra minute, and I sometimes catch a missed item.
~Fred~
@@romanticsailor1952 Thank you for the response. If I was able to still fly I would be doing it the same way thanks to you. Your a very safe pilot !! I would fly with you anytime Sir. You have a wonderful holiday and please post more videos. Thanks
Gaddamn I want this job, ppl done hopefully in the next 3 months, CPL starting in April. I need to start studying.....
It is definitely something to strive for, if you just want to enjoy flying a great little airplane.
FedEx feeders, are not a good place to build time, as we only fly 10 hours a week.
Grant Air, or Bearing Air may get you more hours per month.
~Fred~
God, you’re amazing! I wanna be like you.
Nice panel compared to Martinaire’s antique steam gauges and their KLN-89!
Wow ,dont know why I haven't seen your videos before ,exactly what I want to do over here at kpdx,thanx for sharing
Portland! Empire Airlines has a crew base there. Send in a resume, Empire is often hiring for the Caravan, and the ATR. Empire also operates Ohana Airlines in Hawaii with the ATR.
Here’s a link:
empireairlines.com/careers/
Good Luck,
~Fred~
good video !:) ..and good job captain with your Cessna Caravan :)
Thanks Xavier! I hope you have a great New Year.
@@romanticsailor1952 thanks a lot..happy new Year..and fly safe captain 🤙😉
I want to be you sir! I'm actually retiring from my engineering job and training on my instruments followed by commercial so that I can do what you are doing.
N S Good Luck! This is a great retirement gig. Not so great if you are trying to build hours, but an nice easy day, flying a pretty cool airplane.
excellent vid thanks- you look very competent!! you have flown that plane a few times before :)
Thank you so much for this video. I’m 3rd gen pilot but been out of the left seat for about a decade. Wanting to get back in it and I have my eye set on caravans and doing just this sort of work. Something about single pilot - up there all alone that is really appealing to me. My best memories of flying were always just me and the plane. What do you like best about your career?
Well done. Thank you for posting.
Very good man 👍💯👮✈
that was really cool to see.
Thank you, sir. For this video. Nice!!!
Pretty nice panel
I know right? I was pleasantly surprised when I saw it the first time. It is a Garmin 600 display, with a G-530, and a G-430 GPS. Not quite a G-1000, but pretty nice none-the-less.
UPS got clearance first. Does that mean they can deliver my packages faster? 😏 Cool video. As you incorporate more video equipment I’d like to see more scenery. I know they have go pro mounts that can stick to the wings of the aircraft.
They might stick to ground vehicles, but it is not going to stay stuck to a wing. You and your GoPro will part ways. GoPro mounts are mounted on an inspection plate and screwed down to hold it on the plane. The Caravan is not that fast, but it does have air hitting it at 140 mph.
HondaGoldwingGL1800 can confirm, lost more than one action cam off my buddies carbon cub before we bolted that little bastard to the struts lol
@@xC4N4D14NB4C0Nx lolol
LOL 😂
@@HondaGoldwingGL1800 Ha Ha! LOL!
That’s a lot of checks. Safety first! Great video! Doesn’t FedEx have a special name for these small planes? I do have to say that, for a lot of remote villages in Alaska, delivery by air is critical to their survival.
Sad for us, but we only fly to two destinations out of Anchorage. Kenai, and Homer, both also served by the road system.
Man!... that Scaravan has a buncha glass!
D Pete , G, as in Garmin. G-600 PFD, MFD, G530 GPS/Nav/Com, G430 GPS/Nav/Com, G-200 Map/Radar Display. It’s not as integrated as a G-1000, but still pretty sweet. We are equipped with a pretty lame Bendix-King autopilot that has to have the signal converted from analog, to digital so the G-600 can read the commands from the autopilot, and vice-versa.
This is wonderfully produced and presented!
Do you have any suggestions for a Private Pilot working on Commercial and Instrument looking to fly with Empire out of Oregon?
Is that a paper chart? Amazing
Great video. How do I get there from a ppl?
"90 minutes later : Before Start" 90 Minutes later? What are you starting the space shuttle? LOL Great Video BTW
First, I did the acceptance checklist, to verify all required documents are on board, and all switches are in a logical position. Then, I hook up the battery, and preflight the airplane.
When that is done, I allow and observe aircraft loading. All this occurs prior to the “Before Start Checklist”, and takes about 90 minutes.
Thanks for your observation, and comment.
~Fred~
Well done Sir.
This man's a real pro!
What’s the rim on your truck?
Must be a bummer being that old and still being a freight-dog. No retirement program for Fed-Ex feeders?
I retired from American Airlines, then I moved to Alaska to pick up a retirement gig. I am doing this because it is fun! Empire Airlines has a 401K, but it is up to you how much you would put away for retirement, just like most of corporate America these days. I am retiring again in three weeks, so June 25th will be my last flight.
hey cap excelent video, I have a question, what is that lock handle that you moved after takeoff ??
HackedEchan. It is an Inertial Separator. The engine air intake duct normally makes a smooth transition into the engine intake at the rear of the engine. When the inertial separator is set to bypass (pulled out). It re-routes the air, so it has to take a sharper turn to get to the engine inlet. In the bypass position any snow, ice, dirt, stones, and debris can’t make the hard turn, and therefore are “separated” from the air, by their own “inertia”. It does sacrifice a little horsepower, and makes the engine run slightly hotter.
I keep it in bypass on the ground due to sand and gravel, then back to normal after lift off (if there is no snow or icing).
romanticsailor1952 thanks cap excelent explanation
Do you load abs unload your own plane? And once you reach your destination vice versa?
No, FedEx employees load all the cargo in Anchorage, and at the out stations. You have to observe the loading, from beginning to end, but not the offloading.
Can you please do more
I have a short video of each part of the checklist. I am going to post the entire bunch, one at a time as I have time.
I love your spirit grandpa you become my role model
Thanks Jirdo! The FAA requires retirement from part 121 (Transfort Catagory Aircraft) at the age of 65. I was not quite ready to hang up my wings, and I had always wanted to try some flying in Alaska. Under part 135 of the regulations, I can fly as long as I can keep my medical.
My next adventure is to sail away into the sunset when I retire from this gig sometime in the year 2022.
In the meantime, I am enjoying these last few years of flying. I do not think I will fly as a hobby after I go to reside full time on our sailboat, with my wife.
~Fred~
Keep it up sir you have my fully support keep safe flight and waiting you video sir
Sounds like he's driving an 18 wheeler and a bus at the same time.
The Caravan is a noisy beast. I love my Bose noise cancelling headset!
~Fred~
I want to do that next....
What is the maximum age you can fly cargo?
I believe that is my future! Great video!
R.K. O'Neil Jr No max, as long as you can pass your physical.
Yes, what Buck said. As long as the cargo operation operates under Federal Regulations part 135. If it is a part 121 operation, the maximum age is 65.
Go to lift Academy if you want a flight school, it where im going when i graduate high school
Is this a pathway to go up to main Fedex air with the 767’s etc?
Owen Grace , yes, they do have a program called the Purple Runway, or something like that. I am not qualified as I am too old to fly under part 121. It would take a few years to get enough hours, since we only fly about two hours a day.
Love the vid. Are u planning on moving up to the bigger fedex planes? Are u forced to stay in the smaller ones? I’m only asking because I’m seriously considering a career path with fedex and I’m wondering if it’s a good choice. Anyone that sees this comment and flies for cargo, feel free to give me some pros and cons of the trade. Much appreciated
They do have a “Purple Runway” program where you can move up to mainline FedEx. I retired from American Airlines, and moved to Anchorage, AK to fly for a few more years. This was a great job for me for 4 years. I have since retired from Empire Airlines, and am now living on my sailboat , presently on anchor in San Diego, CA. Check out our Sailing channel on RUclips “Romantical Sailing”. ruclips.net/channel/UC9bnDNm2szJyasi8Qo4APpA
What is the handle that u pull above your right knee, Thank you for the experience.
I think that's for the inertial separator.
@@downc212 thanks!
Brian Sims, downc212 is correct. It is an Inertial Separator. The engine air exhaust duct normally makes a smooth transition into the engine intake at the rear of the engine. When the inertial separator is set to bypass (pulled out). It re-routes the air, so it has to take a sharper turn to get to the engine inlet. In the bypass position any snow, ice, dirt, stones, and debris can’t make the hard turn, and therefore are “separated” from the air, by their own “inertia”. It does sacrifice a little horsepower, and makes the engine run slightly hotter.
So do you work for fedex as an employee or a contractor that flies their planes?
I work for Empire Airlines, one of the nine contracted FedEx feeders.
Cool gig. Back in the day, I did the same thing in a B 18 tri gear model. Flew contract UPS cargo out of MSY for Airlift Transport. N117ME. Loved flying those twin radials out of south LA. Retired from insurance claims now, but after watching this great video, makes me wonder if I should go and start again....
Nice office to fly from with great views✅
Way to go yeah
Take care with the Virus 🦠 circulating😷
What's the large lever by right knee?
Stewart, hi! Check out the comments under Brian Simms below. I made a detailed explanation of the Inertial Separator.
Thanks, Fred
How much do you make
I was pulling in a whopping $65,000/year. I am now retired.
Sometime in the near future, would you make another video when it is clear so that we can see the country side please?
I will put it on my list of things to do. With the fires, we have not had any clear days for months😕
@@romanticsailor1952 I am leaving DFW Friday for Tokyo (NRT). Will be there for a few days with friends, then down to Manila (MNL) for friends and then on over to Singapore to hang out with a buddy that use to live down the road from me, but his job (AA) put him in Singapore 14 years ago. He loves it there but also says that it is major expensive. On the way back, I will have to look, but I make a stop in either Anchorage or Fairbanks instead of the 13-1/2 hour long haul back home from NRT to DFW. Have a small layover, then off again. Some of us retired geezers are planning a 2 to 3 month motorcycle adventure up there in 2020. Thinking about leaving the DFW area sometime in late May and returning sometime in early September. Waiting on the paperwork explaining the rules (sorta speak) when going thru Canada with our guns. As far as I know right now, we will have to enter at a certain spot, then declare our guns and either take them apart or stash them in the bikes. We cant wear them in Canada. I was also told that we have to leave at a certain spot to go into Alaska. Not sure about any of this yet, so it might get interesting. Some of my friends have been to Alaska riding and they all have said dont go without your weapon...you never know what you might run into on the back roads. Our other option is a ferry out of Seattle...looking into that also. When I get our trip plans and routes firm, I will holler back and maybe we could meet and do lunch or dinner somewhere.
Does Empire accept foreign pilots? I'm interested in flying ATR cargo with them.
I am sure they will, if you are legal to fly in the U.S. They are hiring like crazy. Especially for the O’hana operation in Hawaii.
@@romanticsailor1952 I'm actually stuck between Empire and Mountain Air Cargo. For now i'm not sure which to choose. What do you recommend? I'm an ATR pilot for 3 years now, that's why I'm interested in flying FedEx feeders.
cruxader27 I can highly recommend Empire Airlines, they are well run, and safe. They treat me well, and do not push to make you fly if you feel it is unsafe. Great maintenance, and great company to work for. I really do not have any information about Mountain Air Cargo.
Empire also own and operates ATR’s in Hawaii, under the O’hana Airlines livery. They code share with Hawaiian Airlines. We also have an Aerospace, and an Unmanned branch, so their may be other opportunities in the event of a lost medical or some other life changing event.
@@romanticsailor1952 Thank you for the input captain! Actually FedEx ordered around 50 new ATR freighters . Not sure if Empire or MAC gets them all or they take half. But I'm looking forward to it. Safe flights captain!
Enjoyed it!
good vid dont think we needed the first 40/45 secs of driving to work an parking ...we all know that bit but enjoyed it never the less
Thanks for the critique, Phil. I am trying to learn to make an interesting video. I also am practicing cutting from one scene to the next, in the hopes of creating a weekly video blog (vlog) after I hang up my wings in 2022.
~Fred~
I liked the intro. Every flight for thirty years I drove to or was delivered to the airport. It's part of " A day in the life of" and adds context to that theme just like the paperwork and preflight.
Enjoyed your video and wondering. I am a retired 20,000+ hour pilot. Do you fly that Caravan in bad weather...winds over 40. I have been to Alaska in commercial jets and sometimes when a front is blowing thru, it feels like the wind is going as fast as we are making it quite sporty to get down while being bounced around like a BB in a box car.
I am also a retired 20,000+ hour pilot. Yes we fly in weather down to Cat I minimums, lots of ice, and whatever winds we encounter. Cross wind only if safe and within maximum demonstrated.
I have done more low approaches in the past two winters, than in 18 years with the airlines. Several missed approaches, and a couple of diversions.
Flying in Alaska is fun and challenging. Empire loves older, retired pilots.
This is not a good place to build hours, but is a good retirement gig.
@@romanticsailor1952 I have friends still flying the airlines and they tell me about some of their "sporting" times. Sometimes I think I would like to fly again on a part time thing, but when I really think about it...I dont have time. I am too busy chasing around riding my motorcycle with other friends going all over the country, boating and in in general, just enjoying life. I still fly, but I fly myself...sometimes going somewhere, but most of time just out for a ride. Fly safe and make good decisions. Go here to see all my adventures on the motorcycle... http:ruclips.net/user/HondaGoldwingGL1800
HondaGoldwingGL1800 I will check out your page. Thanks for the link. I know what you mean about the time. My wife and I have a sailboat in California, we try to spend all our spare time there, but live takes us many other directions. I am going to fly 2-1/2 more years, then we will go cruising on the sailboat full time. I am afraid, when that happens, I will never fly again. I can’t justify the cost to fly as a hobby.
OK, I got to ask, what the hell is that big ass knob that sticks out at your right knee? cow flaps, carb heat? At first I thought it was the parking break.
It is an Inertial Separator. The engine air intake duct normally makes a smooth transition into the engine intake at the rear of the engine. When the inertial separator is set to bypass (pulled out). It re-routes the air, so it has to take a sharper turn to get to the engine inlet. When it is In the bypass position any snow, ice, dirt, stones, and debris can’t make the hard turn, and therefore are “separated” from the air, by their own “inertia”. It does sacrifice a little horsepower, and makes the engine run slightly hotter.
That's awesome!!!
Are you allowed to take a passenger? If so, would you take me please?
Unfortunately, FedEx only allows a few authorized jumpseaters. Those, and Empire pilots are the only ones allowed.
@@romanticsailor1952 understood Sir. Thank you very much for replying.
Keep the hard work and the good videos so many people can learn from them.
You start the engine with inerial separator on bypass? Is there no risk of overtemping?
I put the inertial separator in bypass during my acceptance checklist. I always use it on the ground due to so much sand and gravel on the ramps and runways.
This is not company policy, but my personal technique.
On a hot day in Phoenix, it might not be a good idea to start with the Inertial Separator in bypass, but it never seems to be a problem in Alaska.
freight dogs rule ! always have , always will ....... "real men , flying real airplanes" . .....
It definitely hones the flying skills!
What is the black handled long shaft that you shoved in and locked after takeoff?
Just a guess, I've never flown the Caravan. I think it's the inertial separator. Makes the air take a crooked path to get to the engine. Keeps foreign objects from being sucked into the compressor.
Clinton Andrews. It is an Inertial Separator. The engine air intake duct normally makes a smooth transition into the engine intake at the rear of the engine. When the inertial separator is set to bypass (pulled out). It re-routes the air, so it has to take a sharper turn to get to the engine inlet. In the bypass position any snow, ice, dirt, stones, and debris can’t make the hard turn, and therefore are “separated” from the air, by their own “inertia”. It does sacrifice a little horsepower, and makes the engine run slightly hotter.
I keep it in bypass on the ground due to sand and gravel, then back to normal after lift off (if there is no snow or icing).
This seems to be the most asked question. I am going to see if I can make a training video just regarding the inertial separator.
Ya' know... if it's a part for either an airplane or a boat, the price is triple that of the same part for an automobile. If you can put an esoteric name on it, like 'Inertial Separator" instead of 'deflector' you can charge *ten times* as much. ;-)
Those fed ex feeders are owned by Empire right?? Im trying to find where to apply to
Not exactly. There are nine FedEx Feeder operations worldwide. Empire Airlines is one of them. FedEx owns the airplanes, and leases them to the feeders. It kind of depends on what area of the country that you would like to live, and work in. Empire Airlines leases 38 Caravans, also ATR’s. We have at least a dozen bases from Texas, to Alaska.
@@romanticsailor1952 thank you for the information!!!
I’m currently employed by FedEx Express and has been thinking about pursuing a career on aviation for FedEx. Any input ?
FedEx has the “Purple Runway” program just for FedEx Express pilots that wish to move up to “Mainline”. Have you checked into that program?
romanticsailor1952 no sir , I’m currently a courier that’s been interested over the last 3 years
Oh, I see. If you are not a pilot, you would have to have a single-engine commercial pilots license, and enough flight hours to meet the minimum hiring requirements to fly a Caravan for a Fedex feeder. To go to “Mainline” Fedex, you would also need a multi-engine commercial certificate, probably an Airline Transport Certificate, and most likely some pilot-in-command time on a twin engine turboprop aircraft, you could fly the ATR at a Fedex Feeder, to get the multi-engine time. It would take some years to do all that, but I started at 39 years old. If you are younger than that, and you can afford the flight training, at todays rates, I would estimate at least $30,000-$45,000, maybe more to get the ratings, then a few years of flying, sight seeing tours, banner towing, parachute jumping flights, or flight instructing (flight instructor certificate required) to get the minimum flight hours, to find a cargo flying job.
What's the long handle for?
pk kp, Ha! That is the most asked question about my video. I recently posted a new video explaining the “inertial separator”. If you watch that, it should explain in detail.
How is it determined whether you fly Caravans or jets? Is it just rating, or seniority?
Nice useful video ✔️➕M0RE please ‼️☮️
ser. can i ask need a college degree to be a cargo pilot
No, I do not have a college degree. I also flew for the majors. Retired at American Airlines. I think it depends on how badly they need pilots.
@@romanticsailor1952 so you need to complete your flying school to be cargo pilot and dont need college degree just senior hs diploma?💯🔥like fed ex cargo pilot dont need college degree?♥️
That is correct! Most cargo operations will have a minimum number of hours required. Perhaps 1000 hours, 1500 hours, some may require as much as 2500 hours. Just having a single engine commercial pilots license will only allow sightseeing flights within 25 miles of the airport of takeoff, fish spotting, pipeline patrol, etc.
Caravanpilot already, did you see Swayne Martins first job in Oahu? Flying Caravans in paradise, maybe you’d do that before you retire?🚁🤷🏻♂️🤘🤘🤘one day I too shall fly the Cessna Caravan in Xplane 11!🚁👍🍺 Please narrate, would love hearing about your career in flying, sir.🚁👍💵💵💵
Rick, I have not need Martins videos, I will check him out. I am interested in learning how to put the cockpit communications into the film, or do you mean to overdub?
romanticsailor1952 You can buy an audio jack that will pick up your radio talk.. it just runs through your headset. Thanks for sharing, really like the single pilot ops videos, not much of them out there on the cargo side. Hope to be flying like that in a few years
Fed ex make a ton of money