I was hired as an ATR First Officer at Mountain Air Cargo and joined the Purple Runway Program six months later. During my time at Mountain Air Cargo, I took advantage of flying some of the more "exotic" routes out of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico and Miami, Florida.

Outside of flying I took advantage of trying to assist operations in a positive direction. I became part of the Safety Committee and Jumpseat Committee. The safety committee's goal is to keep safety the number one priority of the company and amongst the pilots. As a team, we were able to bring more attention to safety and have the needle continue to move in a positive direction. As a member of the Jumpseat Committee, I was available for questions about the program to those within as well as outside of the company. During the last few months at Mountain Air Cargo, our company started to finalize our new Company Flight Manuals.

The commitment you make to feeder operations is rewarded by an opportunity to become a FedEx pilot. When I arrived in Memphis for testing, I was met with smiling faces and a calming environment. Everyone knows how big this opportunity is and they want you to be successful in this process. After successfully completing the Jet Transition Course, it was time to prepare for the in-person interview. You arrive in Memphis and meet the rest of the interview group. The individuals conducting the interview remind you that you are there because they want to hire you.

I am thankful for everyone at Mountain Air Cargo who encouraged me and taught me along the way. I am grateful for the Purple Runway Program because it gave me a pathway to my dream career at FedEx. To everyone going through the program, take full advantage of every opportunity presented to you and remember the "Purple Promise" in everything you do.

I encourage everyone who goes through this process to have fun with it and enjoy every step because with hard work and a good attitude, you will be a FedEx pilot.

When I was hired at Mountain Air Cargo, I was about 80 hours short of satisfying the crosscountry airplane PIC time for an ATP, because I flew helicopters in the Navy. Although the task was daunting and at times seemed unattainable, I knew I wanted to be a FedEx Pilot, and felt the best course of action would be to start on FedEx Feeder routes.

I flew the Cessna Caravan on the part 135 side of MAC in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and after completing the minimums for an ATP, I was scheduled for ATR training. At the beginning of my part 121 career at MAC, the Purple Runway Pathway did not exist. Once the Program was created, I knew that it was the best opportunity I would have at getting an interview, which tends to be the most challenging part of earning a spot in the illustrious group of FedEx pilots.

As the first candidate to complete the entire three-year Pathway, I am humbled and grateful for the opportunities afforded to me during my tenure at Mountain Air Cargo. MAC has prepared me for every facet of the FedEx interview process, and more importantly for a career as a FedEx pilot. Having limited airline knowledge and zero airline experience, Mountain Air Cargo gave me the chance to learn about the express transport sector of aviation. The Captains at MAC rapidly prepared me for transition to the left seat in 16 months. Although the headquarters staff was not co-located at my base, their support was integral to my success in this aviation environment. MAC has groomed me into the professional pilot FedEx wanted to add to their team.

Look no further than Mountain Air Cargo! This is the best place to start your airline career and become the pilot FedEx wants operating their trunk fleet of jets around the world.

Before going to Mountain Air Cargo, I had the vision of one day flying for FedEx. However, with no turbine PIC time, I was not qualified to make that move. Mountain Air was a great opportunity to build that much needed time as well as see how the FedEx team works.

It was a great experience to do some of the same type of flying to the communities that FedEx serves. Because of this experience, I was even more certain that FedEx was where I wanted to end up flying.

As I was building my turbine PIC time, FedEx announced the Purple Runway program. I count myself blessed to be able to have successfully participated in the program. My experience as a participant was outstanding. It was exciting to know I was one step closer to completion as each task was accomplished. One of the things I appreciate the most about the program is you still need to put in a tremendous amount of effort to achieve your goal, but the program gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your progress in an efficient timeframe.

All of the individuals I worked with during the Purple Runway program at Mountain Air Cargo, FedEx and Flight Safety were professional and interested in my success. I believe participation in the program potentially eliminated many years of waiting to be interviewed at FedEx. I encourage all who are interested in one day flying for FedEx to consider the Purple Runway option. I will always appreciate the support and encouragement from the many people that make the Purple Runway possible.

I got my first taste of flying when my Boy Scout troop went to an EAA fly-in breakfast and loved it from the time the wheels left the runway.  My family was not in aviation, so I had no idea where I wanted to end up, but I knew I had found my dream.

I earned my certifications during college and the grand adventure started. I worked at several airlines big and small, flying everything from a Cessna 208 to an Embraer 170, and while I liked working with passengers, the instability meant several moves.  One of those moves brought us to Memphis, where I got my first real look at FedEx and saw how strong they support the community. It was clear how everyone, from the handlers to the executives, work side by side in their local areas and I knew I wanted to be a part of that kind of teamwork.

I started at Mountain Air Cargo and discovered the stability that cargo provides and saw the FedEx operation firsthand. I was fortunate to fly with some of the best pilots and some great mentors along the way. When the Purple Runway program was announced, I took my chance and signed up.  Everyone involved could not hide their passion for FedEx, this program, and the desire to make it a success. The path was not easy, but I feel like I had a head start going into class.

While no two pilots take the same route to get to where they want to be, this program provides the opportunity to get lined up for a landing at FedEx.

During my senior year of high school, I was struggling to figure out what I wanted to do when I grew up. I had the opportunity to go on a flight with my neighbor, who was a retired airline pilot. John had known I was not interested in the medical field like the rest of my family.

It is hard to describe, but I loved flying instantly. I knew it was a perfect fit for me.

I spent over four and a half years at Mountain Air Cargo. During my time I have not only improved my piloting skills but have met and worked with a ton of great people.  

The first time I heard of the Purple Runway Pathway Program, I thought it was a great opportunity.  It has always been my dream to work for FedEx and I was amazed there was a pathway to achieve my goal.

I am extremely excited to be one of the first to complete the program.  It is an amazing opportunity. The welcoming response throughout FedEx has been exciting to see firsthand.

After operating for FedEx through Mountain Air Cargo, I have seen firsthand what a great company FedEx is.

My advice for future Purple Runway pilots is to stick with it.  If FedEx is your dream, keep up the hard work, the payoff is well worth the effort.

I grew up in West Memphis, Arkansas and have had an interest in airplanes from a young age. I first learned about the field from my dad, Jerry Welch. We built models together, went to airshows and visited many aviation museums.

In the third grade, a FedEx pilot came to school for “Show and Tell.” I still remember thinking how great it would be to be a pilot after that. It wasn't until I was in college that I took my first flight at the West Memphis airport.

I was hooked from the start and knew this is what I wanted to do. I have done flight instructing, passenger charter flying and corporate flying.

I flew for Mountain Air Cargo for over six years and learned a lot along the way. I had the opportunity to work with some really great people at MAC. I believe the experience I gained there will greatly help me in my career at FedEx.

I feel very blessed to be one of the first people to complete the Purple Runway program and land my dream job at FedEx.

FedEx is a great place to work because there are so many people who are passionate about their jobs and genuinely love what they do. My advice for future Purple Runway pilots is to work hard, keep a good attitude, and have fun along the way!