FedEx is a multinational shipping company headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. Named "Federal Express" until 2000, the corporation operates a Memphis-based cargo airline called FedEx Express, which conducts scheduled flights to destinations throughout North America, South America, Asia, Europe, Africa and Australia. FedEx Express pilots are the highest-paid in the airline industry, according to 2009 data from FltOps, an aviation salary information website. Individuals must meet stringent qualifications to get jobs as FedEx pilots.
Licenses and Ratings
To fly for any U.S.-based air carrier, including FedEx, pilots must hold Federal Aviation Administration flying licenses and ratings. FedEx requires its pilots to hold multi-engine airline transport pilot licenses, the highest level of FAA pilot certificate. In addition to ATP licenses, FedEx pilots must hold instrument ratings, which are FAA certificates allowing individuals to conduct flights under Instrument Flying Rules procedures. Finally, FedEx pilots must hold FAA type ratings for the types of aircraft the airline assigns them to fly.
Experience
In the piloting profession, employers measure experience in flight hours, not years of employment. Due to its high pay structure and numerous international routes, FedEx has some of the highest flying hour requirements of any airline. As of March 2011, an individual must have a minimum of 1500 hours of jet or turboprop flying time as a pilot-in-command or second-in-command to qualify for a FedEx pilot position, according to FedEx Express Pilot Credentials, the company's online information portal for prospective pilots. Additionally, at least 1000 hours of that time must be in fixed-wing aircraft.
Education
In addition to the airline's emphasis on flying experience and skills, FedEx Express wants highly educated, well-rounded pilots at the controls of their aircraft. An individual must have at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university to qualify for a pilot position. Although FedEx requires a degree, it does not have to be in an aviation-related field or discipline; any major will suffice.
Other Requirements
Pilots must have the ability to rapidly obtain visas and/or clearances to enter any country to which FedEx Express flies. Additionally, prospective FedEx pilots must be flight-current and hold first-class medical certificates from the FAA. Individuals must pass FAA-mandated drug tests to get hired as FedEx pilots. Additionally, to qualify for pilot positions on FedEx flights carrying U.S. mail, individuals must not have resided outside the U.S. for more than six months in the past five years, except for military assignment, missionary work, foreign study or other limited circumstances.
