I’ve got 1200 hours in a caravan doing the same FedEx feeder job. It was a golden handcuffs, and I had a love-hate relationship with it while I was there and I was very focused on career progression. 4000 hours in the left seat of a 737 I miss flying the caravan “alone” and not dealing with all the Airline BS. Funny how things come full circle. That being said, I wouldn’t trade the salary of a 73 for the caravan.
Please keep sharingthis type of videos, I live in Mexico, now I'm holding a private license and working to get my commercial, one of my biggest goals it's to, one day, fly a Caravan !!
You flying for MAEI? I'm currently flying for a pipeline survey company near YEG and seriously contemplating moving on to MAEI as soon as I have the 1500.
You guys are doing exactly the thing I want to do in few years!!! Especially in Vancouver which is where i got my ratings. Once i finish getting some hours and this covid is over i swear ill be your good co worker
That was pretty stressful for the viewer because we were flying blind due to the light shinning into the window but I new you had everything under control great job Sir!!
Great video. I did the same thing in Florida, 6 yrs ago. I flew the classic version without the TKS/G600. Also, I loaded the feeder when I was a std and CFI in KOAK, many moons ago...lol!!
@@bigc208 hey! could I message you regarding a few questions ? I used to be prior enlisted in the air force as a loader for cargos. I got my science degree in aeronautical science at embry riddle with my GI bill and currently working on my hours! I’ve only considered cargo and nothing else, how hard is it to from Mountain air or empire into fed ex? I’m 30 yo currently around 350 hours
I left my chief pilot position at a feeder and spent time flying for an air ambulance operation in the Northwest. Just left that to fly a PC-12 and start up a Part 135 program for the owner. One of my other videos is flying a PC-12NG at the beginning of this year.
I was chief pilot of this operation. Out of 40 pilots I would say half were older, semi retired who had been doing this for 15-20 years. The rest were either content doing this for the rest of their career or headed up the ladder. I’m still in contact with a few of them from 10 years ago and they now fly for major airlines.
seriously, love watching these kind of vids, thanks for the great radio audio as well. I’m a student working on my commercial , have an instrument rating ...loved the thought of flying the ce caravan ever since I ‘ flew’ it in flight sim when I was a teen ... flying out of LVK ...where were you based out of flying into OAK here? I’ve seen some fedex caravans fly into and out of BFL ...know of any feeder options flying caravans near OAK? anyways, thanks for the vids !
It's been 5 years since I left the Chief Pilot position at a Fedex feeder so things may have changed. I was based out of FAT and on that particular day I believe I departed VIS. There are options out of OAK because that's a hub. BFL is an outstation where the airplane sits all day and flies back to the hub at ONT for the night. When you have Part 135 IFR minimums per 135.243(c) give WestAir a call. Good luck on your continued training.
B. G. Three thanks for your input sir ! Yeah I’d expect a bit to change in 5 years, but thanks for that info anyways. I will definitely check out WestAir when I meet those minimums. Appreciate the feedback!
Zero. All you need is to meet the minimum part 135 requirements spelled out in 135.24(C). Of course there has to be an opening but there are plenty these days. Google FedEx Feeders and look for one near you or one that has routes near you and apply.
Looking to do this as a first pilot job in 4-5 years. Starting at Purdue in 2 weeks, currently 100 hr PPL and plan on graduating Purdue close to 1000 hr RATP mins. Would you recommend trying to fly the caravan/ATR to start if my ultimate goal is to fly for FedEx? Would this be more advantageous than flying part 135 jets or for a regional? Thx!
I flew the "feeders" for over 5 years, loved it! I only left to take a corporate G-4 job which i have been at for the past 10 years! If you like flying nights (like I do) and you aren't "weather shy" flying the feeders is a good gig. But, don't look at it as a stepping stone to Express.
The FedEx feeder pilots were not FedEx employees, they were employed by Mountain Air and other outfits. I flew for FedEx (big jets) for 26 years and never understood why the Caravan guys were not on a pipeline to be hired by FedEx.
Thank you for posting this video I hope you’ll post more of these videos in the future. I would like to also fly for a FedEx feeder in the future, any advice? I live near KDFW
Look up Baron Aviation, they're the ones running caravans out of AFW. If you want to fly as part of a crew in an ATR then look up Mountain Air Cargo. As long as you have part 135 IFR minimums and there is an opening then you could be flying FedEx feeder caravans. Be comfortable on the radio, have good situational awareness, and have good aeronautical decision making. Number one thing I would recommend is being instrument CURRENT and PROFICIENT. The rest can be taught when they send you to Flight Safety.
Thanks and as of now I'm prepared to finish up my IFR training because I'm going to need that to get hired and hopefully I can pick up a job flying jumpruns in a Caravan to build up hours before I apply
Do you have to load and unload your own plane? Also can you go from flying the caravan to passengers? Meaning would companies actually hire you if you don’t follow a specific program?
Yea, if you meet the minimum requirements for whatever company, you are golden. I got friends who got their cfi rating, instructed, joined a cadet program and now fly for skywest, and others who took jobs as charter pilots and then just joined up with a regional, once they hit there 1500 hour mark.
The answer would actually be FAA regulations and whether or not the operation is approved for an EFB program. Even then, depending on what you’re approved for, you may still be required to have the paper charts onboard.
Feeders fly all air freight to and from main hubs to smaller outstations. You fly out in the morning and back in the late afternoon. If you live at the hub you’re home at night and if you live at the outstation you’re home during the day. You are provided a hotel at whatever end you don’t live. All fedex feeder caravans have an autopilot. I personally liked to fly the departure to cruise and approach to landing.
I was CP and just filled in whenever I felt like flying. I remember VIS being my least favorite but it’s how I would get to OAK to do my favorite which was OAK-MRY.
It's Never too late. If this is the kind of flying you want to do then you'll only be limited to how long your health allows you to hold a second class medical.
It used to be we were like any other pilot but now I hear they are offering a flow type program with an interview if you work for certain feeders and meet the requirements. This was something I pitched to them back when I was a feeder chief pilot and it looks like they listened finally. www.fedexpurplerunway.com
I'm hoping to be doing the same around the Colorado area in a years time. do you have any other videos or planning to make more. Like to know more about the typical day flying Fedex feeder.
I retired in 2010 and you didn't need one for the feeder type flying. Many captains I flew with had no degree but if you ever get to the majors, then you'll probably need it as some airlines require it. I flew beech 99 and ATR for various carriers.
That’s normal for busy airspace. Too many airplanes and a lot of information to give. As you gain experience as a pilot you get used to it and know what information they’re trying to give you and what to listen for. It’s usually pretty standard and in the same order most of the time.
Pac Valley, yeah. The alarm is the 1000' alert for my next selected altitude. Goes off again if you get more than 300' from your selected altitude after you level off.
Flying a lot of Single pilot IFR is a real challenge and a great opportunity to using the training skills that I will be taught during my Flight into different approaches and especially staying on top of the Caravan and being able to fly the aircraft and communicating and navigating with ATC and knowing what the next steps are before landing at anytime at any airport that I'm going into and the greatest eye watering approach I did was the ILS approach down To minumins and seeing the lights was amazing for the first time during my IFR cross country and hopefully I'll get hired on one day to be a FedX feeder Pilot in the Cessna Caravan
You get really proficient when you fly every day during the week. I flew for a check hauler, no longer in business and sometimes flew 80hrs in a month. Single pilot, in a C210
Well unfortunately that's how a lot of Part 135 flying works. These are not complicated airplanes and these particular airplanes are equipped with an autopilot that works almost all the time. If you're carrying passengers while flying single pilot IFR then a functioning AP is required. The AP is used to reduce the workload during critical phases of flight or during emergencies, not to compensate for poor piloting.
Talked to a FedEx caravan pilot at an air show. He was flying a cargo of roses for Valentine's day. He learned the hard way that he was allergic to roses. He made it to his destination with a severely swollen face. It was a close call!
Not a problem at all. In fact, I heard some feeders are going to start putting cameras in all their caravans to record the flight and flight data. When I worked for an air ambulance company it was a requirement for all helicopters.
I want to fly the Cessna Caravan 208 for skydiving opportunity when the time is there I will always be ready and prepared to do the job safely and correctly when called.
I’ve got 1200 hours in a caravan doing the same FedEx feeder job. It was a golden handcuffs, and I had a love-hate relationship with it while I was there and I was very focused on career progression. 4000 hours in the left seat of a 737 I miss flying the caravan “alone” and not dealing with all the Airline BS. Funny how things come full circle. That being said, I wouldn’t trade the salary of a 73 for the caravan.
Please keep sharingthis type of videos, I live in Mexico, now I'm holding a private license and working to get my commercial, one of my biggest goals it's to, one day, fly a Caravan !!
Wish there were more fedex feeder vlogs on TH-cam. Single pilot freightdogging would be a dream job.
I'm doing exactly the same, except in Vancouver, British Columbia!
You flying for MAEI? I'm currently flying for a pipeline survey company near YEG and seriously contemplating moving on to MAEI as soon as I have the 1500.
@@jameskornelsenblog it's a good gig.
Timbo Alogo whats your pay
You guys are doing exactly the thing I want to do in few years!!! Especially in Vancouver which is where i got my ratings. Once i finish getting some hours and this covid is over i swear ill be your good co worker
@@user-ju2hk6yb9u get the 1500 hours, and make sure you've got as much PIC as possible. And as much SPIFR as you can.
That was pretty stressful for the viewer because we were flying blind due to the light shinning into the window but I new you had everything under control great job Sir!!
Great video. I did the same thing in Florida, 6 yrs ago. I flew the classic version without the TKS/G600. Also, I loaded the feeder when I was a std and CFI in KOAK, many moons ago...lol!!
Hi Cirona when are you coming back? We’re short of pilots all the time.
@@bigc208 hey! could I message you regarding a few questions ? I used to be prior enlisted in the air force as a loader for cargos. I got my science degree in aeronautical science at embry riddle with my GI bill and currently working on my hours! I’ve only considered cargo and nothing else, how hard is it to from Mountain air or empire into fed ex? I’m 30 yo currently around 350 hours
Please continue these videos. I've been searching the Internet for years for the FedEx feeder vids, but this is the first I've found.
I stopped flying FedEx feeders 3 years ago. This was the only video I ever shot while flying the caravan.
B. G. Three who are you flying for now?
I left my chief pilot position at a feeder and spent time flying for an air ambulance operation in the Northwest. Just left that to fly a PC-12 and start up a Part 135 program for the owner. One of my other videos is flying a PC-12NG at the beginning of this year.
Great job meant for the young, hardworking and hopeful pilot! Good video with excellent views and sound quality. Stay safe and happy flying!😊
I was chief pilot of this operation. Out of 40 pilots I would say half were older, semi retired who had been doing this for 15-20 years. The rest were either content doing this for the rest of their career or headed up the ladder. I’m still in contact with a few of them from 10 years ago and they now fly for major airlines.
I would e happy flying caravans for a living.
I'm planning on doing the Purple Runway
Have you done it yet? I'm also interested in doing it in the future.
Did u do it?
Thats what i want to fly a caravan no regional no Airlines
Pretty sure we've all said that. And we still say that.
@ Really???
@ SO??
@ AND???
@ SO WE HAVE TO FLY A 777 OR A 747-800... WOW!!!
I flew Fed Ex feeders for over 5 years..........loved it!
Do know where I can find the requirements, the website just has the general information. Do you need a atp to fly fedex feeder,?
seriously, love watching these kind of vids, thanks for the great radio audio as well.
I’m a student working on my commercial , have an instrument rating ...loved the thought of flying the ce caravan ever since I ‘ flew’ it in flight sim when I was a teen ... flying out of LVK ...where were you based out of flying into OAK here? I’ve seen some fedex caravans fly into and out of BFL ...know of any feeder options flying caravans near OAK?
anyways, thanks for the vids !
It's been 5 years since I left the Chief Pilot position at a Fedex feeder so things may have changed. I was based out of FAT and on that particular day I believe I departed VIS. There are options out of OAK because that's a hub. BFL is an outstation where the airplane sits all day and flies back to the hub at ONT for the night. When you have Part 135 IFR minimums per 135.243(c) give WestAir a call. Good luck on your continued training.
B. G. Three thanks for your input sir ! Yeah I’d expect a bit to change in 5 years, but thanks for that info anyways. I will definitely check out WestAir when I meet those minimums. Appreciate the feedback!
How many hours on average a day do typical caravan pilot fly /day for any of those feeder companies?
How many hours of TURBOPRO hours do I need to get on with fed X as a Caravan pilot ? How do I get the opportunity to fly like you do ?
Zero. All you need is to meet the minimum part 135 requirements spelled out in 135.24(C). Of course there has to be an opening but there are plenty these days. Google FedEx Feeders and look for one near you or one that has routes near you and apply.
Nice vid, I’ve heard you on 132.35 flying my old Bo. Nice job.
MC
I recognized that ATIS voice, from Oakland haha I love those fedex caravans :)
whats the pay like vs the bigger fedex jets?
Looking to do this as a first pilot job in 4-5 years. Starting at Purdue in 2 weeks, currently 100 hr PPL and plan on graduating Purdue close to 1000 hr RATP mins. Would you recommend trying to fly the caravan/ATR to start if my ultimate goal is to fly for FedEx? Would this be more advantageous than flying part 135 jets or for a regional? Thx!
I flew the "feeders" for over 5 years, loved it! I only left to take a corporate G-4 job which i have been at for the past 10 years! If you like flying nights (like I do) and you aren't "weather shy" flying the feeders is a good gig. But, don't look at it as a stepping stone to Express.
@@smilinjack64 is it not? Shouldn't that be the goal? What are your thoughts?
@@smilinjack64 why not ?
The FedEx feeder pilots were not FedEx employees, they were employed by Mountain Air and other outfits. I flew for FedEx (big jets) for 26 years and never understood why the Caravan guys were not on a pipeline to be hired by FedEx.
Thank you for posting this video I hope you’ll post more of these videos in the future. I would like to also fly for a FedEx feeder in the future, any advice? I live near KDFW
Look up Baron Aviation, they're the ones running caravans out of AFW. If you want to fly as part of a crew in an ATR then look up Mountain Air Cargo. As long as you have part 135 IFR minimums and there is an opening then you could be flying FedEx feeder caravans. Be comfortable on the radio, have good situational awareness, and have good aeronautical decision making. Number one thing I would recommend is being instrument CURRENT and PROFICIENT. The rest can be taught when they send you to Flight Safety.
When did Louis CK get his pilot licence?
He's a skinny Louis.
Thanks and as of now I'm prepared to finish up my IFR training because I'm going to need that to get hired and hopefully I can pick up a job flying jumpruns in a Caravan to build up hours before I apply
Normally require 1000TT and some time in type for caravan skydive ops. Many places will hire someone with a wet commercial in a 182 or a 206 for it.
Do you have to load and unload your own plane?
Also can you go from flying the caravan to passengers? Meaning would companies actually hire you if you don’t follow a specific program?
Yea, if you meet the minimum requirements for whatever company, you are golden. I got friends who got their cfi rating, instructed, joined a cadet program and now fly for skywest, and others who took jobs as charter pilots and then just joined up with a regional, once they hit there 1500 hour mark.
What are the requirements to fly for FedX in the Cessna 208 Caravan?
Part 135.243(c) was the minimum requirements last time I checked. All the flying for a feeder in a caravan is single pilot IFR.
Awesome ATC and Comms.
In a world of ipads and foreflight why would you still use paper? Company policy? Im curious..
The answer would actually be FAA regulations and whether or not the operation is approved for an EFB program. Even then, depending on what you’re approved for, you may still be required to have the paper charts onboard.
22 years in that seat. I had one really wild day one time, audio on my channel. Would have LOVED to have the video that day....
Would you still recommend the FedEx feeder flying jobs? Being that you have since moved on.
Don't fly for Mountain Air Cargo and you will be fine!
@@treyfeeley2519 WHY?? ENLIGHTEN US PLEASE...
@@treyfeeley2519 Sour grapes?
@@smilinjack64 Yes.
Hey Cap, whats the call sign for you guys??
Morningstar
Do feeders usually work nights, like for next day delivery? No autopilot?
Feeders fly all air freight to and from main hubs to smaller outstations. You fly out in the morning and back in the late afternoon. If you live at the hub you’re home at night and if you live at the outstation you’re home during the day. You are provided a hotel at whatever end you don’t live. All fedex feeder caravans have an autopilot. I personally liked to fly the departure to cruise and approach to landing.
Thanks for the info! Do you know if Abilene Tx (KABI) is a hub?
Yes, I believe it is. Look up Baron Aviation.
is there a contract working with west air?
Thank you BG!
I flew pcm 7702, now I'm a floating reserve. Pcm 7704 is my favorite one if im flying from vis.
I was CP and just filled in whenever I felt like flying. I remember VIS being my least favorite but it’s how I would get to OAK to do my favorite which was OAK-MRY.
73 grand starting sounds good id like to fly
Why does FedEx not operate the feeders? Does it have anything to do with single-engine liabilities?
Chris Scott contracting it out is cheaper than doing it themselves. No unions either.
I’m 44. Is it too late for me to start?
It's Never too late. If this is the kind of flying you want to do then you'll only be limited to how long your health allows you to hold a second class medical.
I would do this but what if something happens to me and I’m by myself up there?
What do you mean
Excellent!
Great video thanx !
Great video! I’m hoping to fly 208’s for Wiggins Airways this year (just need some more night PIC). Where were you flying out of in this video?
I was flying into KOAK from KVIS during the afternoon run.
feel free to foward me your resume i can hand it to the CP
Wiggins and Empire are good! Stay away from Mountain Air Cargo!
@@treyfeeley2519 Why your hatred for MAC??? By the way they have advanced avionics (g600) on their Caravans.
mountain air cargo?
is that West Air or Empire ...or neither? I learned to fly on good 'ol 28R and would love to have that gig!!!!!
Empire www.empireairlines.com/careers/fedex/
Is this flight simulator or is it real?
Excellent
Do you get looked at any different when you apply to main Fedex or are you the same as every other pilot
It used to be we were like any other pilot but now I hear they are offering a flow type program with an interview if you work for certain feeders and meet the requirements. This was something I pitched to them back when I was a feeder chief pilot and it looks like they listened finally. www.fedexpurplerunway.com
B. G. Three yeah many are starting to due that now a days I might look in to it some more.
I'm hoping to be doing the same around the Colorado area in a years time. do you have any other videos or planning to make more. Like to know more about the typical day flying Fedex feeder.
Gregg Campbell I’m afraid not. I left the chief pilot position at a FedEx feeder and went to air ambulance.
Appreciate the prompt reply
do they have a program that trains pilot, to get into the caravan
fedexpurplerunway.com/
Yea i saw that too but i think u need a college degree
A Caravan is pretty straightforward to fly.
I retired in 2010 and you didn't need one for the feeder type flying. Many captains I flew with had no degree but if you ever get to the majors, then you'll probably need it as some airlines require it. I flew beech 99 and ATR for various carriers.
Why do radio operator talk so fast. How are you supposed to take all that in.
That’s normal for busy airspace. Too many airplanes and a lot of information to give. As you gain experience as a pilot you get used to it and know what information they’re trying to give you and what to listen for. It’s usually pretty standard and in the same order most of the time.
I didn't even see that runway!!!
Nice!
visalia to oakland?
And are all flying single-pilot IFR?
All that I've seen. But they have a good AP. All weather though ...
What is your callsign? Pack Valley? Not sure I heard it right. Also what is that audible alarm in the background? Thanks for the info. Great video!
Pac Valley, yeah. The alarm is the 1000' alert for my next selected altitude. Goes off again if you get more than 300' from your selected altitude after you level off.
I flew for MAIE and when I landed and parked the lady got cut by my blades, she didn't pay attention.
I swear I panicked watching this because I never saw him lower the landing gear...
...sigh...
😂
So picture this: It's basically the UPS/FedEx GMC Step-vans with a turbine and a pair of wings
When you fly aircraft the PIC is responsible to check all certificates and logs in any company
cool
Flying a lot of Single pilot IFR is a real challenge and a great opportunity to using the training skills that I will be taught during my Flight into different approaches and especially staying on top of the Caravan and being able to fly the aircraft and communicating and navigating with ATC and knowing what the next steps are before landing at anytime at any airport that I'm going into and the greatest eye watering approach I did was the ILS approach down To minumins and seeing the lights was amazing for the first time during my IFR cross country and hopefully I'll get hired on one day to be a FedX feeder Pilot in the Cessna Caravan
Once you learn the approaches to all the runways at the two airports, it gets pretty routine. I don't think they have to fly the departures.
You get really proficient when you fly every day during the week. I flew for a check hauler, no longer in business and sometimes flew 80hrs in a month. Single pilot, in a C210
I know who the pilot is. I recognize that voice anywhere.
It is dangerous to have 1 Pilot because if something was to happen to the PF, things could go very wrong very quickly. But great video nevertheless!
Well unfortunately that's how a lot of Part 135 flying works. These are not complicated airplanes and these particular airplanes are equipped with an autopilot that works almost all the time. If you're carrying passengers while flying single pilot IFR then a functioning AP is required. The AP is used to reduce the workload during critical phases of flight or during emergencies, not to compensate for poor piloting.
Talked to a FedEx caravan pilot at an air show. He was flying a cargo of roses for Valentine's day. He learned the hard way that he was allergic to roses. He made it to his destination with a severely swollen face. It was a close call!
Gary Lively😬 Glad he landed safely
Gary Lively was that recent?
@@Josh-ck8yf Not recent, maybe 20 years ago at an air show in Galveston, Tx
I can tell by the advanced panel that you don't fly for Mountain Air Cargo!?!?
Clear to land November Foxtrot Ninner Ninner two, Zero Foxtrot Echo
Fedex certainly does not skimp on a ultra-modern avionics suite do they.
It's not a FedEx plane.
@@cloudstreets1396 It is actually. Fedex owns all of their feeder planes last I checked. They lease them to the feeder operators.
Each company is different. Our caravans all have steam gauges!!!!!
Hey I’m pac valley 8662/7653. Sweet! Never know we could post videos of us working
I'll bet there are a bunch of the same pilots still working there.
I can speak for ONT, and pretty much all old timers there.
i cant believe they let you record your flight, we cant have our own recording in the trucks we drive, would be fired on the spot lol
Not a problem at all. In fact, I heard some feeders are going to start putting cameras in all their caravans to record the flight and flight data. When I worked for an air ambulance company it was a requirement for all helicopters.
As of today my hours are right above the required minimum and I've flown a lot of hours in a 206/182
I want to fly the Cessna Caravan 208 for skydiving opportunity when the time is there I will always be ready and prepared to do the job safely and correctly when called.
Bernard Anderson Get ready to deal with aircraft that are hardly airworthy lol
Who are you even talking to 😂
that was his formal resume. he is always on an interview
With FedEx, are you subject to a mandatory retirement age like the airlines?
No, not for part 135 feeder operations.
Excellent!!