About the Purple Runway Program
In close collaboration with FedEx, MAC is proud to offer the Purple Runway program as a pathway to becoming a FedEx pilot. Working together, you will be guided through the necessary steps for success.
Eligible pilots can participate regardless of their level of piloting experience, whether they are college level or have feeder airline experience.
Students from accredited universities and AABI aviation programs, and pilots who meet the requirements for employment at Mountain Air Cargo, can begin their pilot careers at MAC with a guaranteed flow to FedEx after completion of the Purple Runway Program.
FOR MORE INFO, PLEASE VISIT FEDEX PURPLE RUNWAY >
Purple Runway Success Stories
PILOT: Michael VanHoy
I was hired as an ATR First Officer at MAC and joined the Purple Runway Program six months later. I flew some of the more “exotic” routes out of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico and Miami, Florida. I also became part of the Safety Committee and Jumpseat Committee, where safety is our top priority. The commitment you make to feeder operations is rewarded by an opportunity to become a FedEx pilot. 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. I encourage everyone who goes through this process to have fun with it and enjoy every step. With hard work and a good attitude, you will be a FedEx pilot.
PILOT: Joshua Taylor
When I was hired at Mountain Air Cargo, I was about 80 hours short of satisfying the cross-country airplane PIC time for an ATP because I flew helicopters in the Navy. Although the task was daunting, I wanted to be a FedEx Pilot. I 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 and Puerto Rico. 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 3-year Pathway, I am humbled and grateful for the opportunities afforded to me during my tenure at here. Look no further than MAC. 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.
PILOT: Kevin Gaul
I was at MAC for over 5 years. In that time I discovered the stability that cargo provides and saw the FedEx operation firsthand. I was fortunate to fly with some of the best pilots and had 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.
PILOT: Bob Suzuki
I joined Mountain Air Cargo in June 2018. I learned about the Purple Runway Program after I joined the company and enrolled in it as soon as I was qualified.
I received so much support and mentorship from fellow MAC pilots, other Purple Runway candidates, management, and our Chief Pilot. They helped me develop into the pilot I am today, and I am sure I couldn’t have done it without them.
If your future goal is to be a FedEx Pilot, this is the best way to make your dream come true.
Good luck, and hopefully, I’ll see you on FedEx jets.
PILOT: Courtney Wright
I was working at FedEx as a Project Engineer in 2018 when the Purple Runway was introduced. I had been a Blackhawk helicopter pilot in the Army but had gotten out of flying when I left the military.
I was encouraged to get back into flying while working at FedEx and the introduction of the Purple Runway dovetailed perfectly with that timing.
Everyone at FedEx, including my boss, people in Flight Operations and FedEx pilots, were very encouraging about getting back into flying and working toward becoming a FedEx pilot.
I was hired at Mountain Air Cargo in October 2019 as a Memphis-based ATR42/72 First Officer. I spent an amazing four years with Mountain Air Cargo as a First Officer and then an ATR Captain. It was a wonderful place to work with awesome people, great camaraderie and fantastic management.
I had many opportunities to work with the Purple Runway and FedEx Feeder Operations at various recruiting events. The Purple Runway and hiring managers at FedEx communicated regularly with me and encouraged me along the path toward my FedEx qualifications.
I can’t imagine a better path toward becoming a FedEx pilot. I will miss my friends at MAC but look forward to fulfilling my goal of being a FedEx pilot.
PILOT: Jason Warner
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 time frame.
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.
PILOT: Lindsey Ervin
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.
PILOT: Bryce Kidd
My flight training journey is a pretty typical one. I went to flight school, became a CFI, built my hours, and joined Mountain Air Cargo in 2021 as a Memphis-based ATR First Officer. I joined the Purple Runway Program as soon as I could, and what an incredible journey it has been. Mountain Air Cargo has been nothing but an amazing experience. I had the opportunity to fly with and learn from experienced captains, operate a transport category aircraft in all kinds of weather, experience the day-to-day life of a cargo pilot, and make lifelong friends along the way. All while giving me a quality of life I didn’t even know existed in the aviation industry. I even had the opportunity to meet Fred Smith, which is something I will never forget. I am incredibly grateful for all the opportunities Mountain Air Cargo and the Purple Runway Program have afforded to me. While I will dearly miss MAC and the friends I got to work with so closely, I’m incredibly excited for what the future holds.
If you’re looking to become a FedEx pilot, I can’t think of a better place or program to launch your career.
PILOT: Matt Rupprecht
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the program work?
This program offers a unique approach to pilot training, advancement and a pathway to the FedEx fleet. Working with MAC and participating university aviation programs, you will be guided through the necessary steps to become a FedEx pilot.
Eligible pilots enter into a Participant Agreement with Mountain Air Cargo. Participants must successfully complete requirements and demonstrate they meet the experience, skills and qualifications of the FedEx pilot job.
You can participate no matter where you are in your flying career: college level or Feeder airline experience.
This is a structured program to build your career path to Jet Transition Training offering:
- College Tuition Assistance
- Pilot in Command Time
- Mentoring
- Advanced Training
Who's eligible for the program?
- Candidate must be employed at eligible Feeder as a Pilot
- Ability to hold a first class medical
- Stable previous employment history
- Pilot has not previously tested or interviewed with FedEx for a trunk ( jet) position
- Eligible to work in U.S., possess a U.S. Passport, and qualify for rapid visa issuance
- Complete FedEx applicant profile Signed program authorization and commitment paperwork
- Successfully pass the mainline interview process
What are the requirements to complete the program?
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Acceptable attendance, reliability, and performance records
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Complete initial evaluation and all recurrent training (no training or line check failures)
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Complete minimum service and hour obligation to feeder operators: at least 36 months of active service and a minimum of 500 hours as PIC for multi-engine turbo prop aircraft
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Complete jet transition course
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Regular interaction, networking and campus visit at FedEx
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Possess a FAA First class medical
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Possess an Unrestricted Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate
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Successfully complete program waypoints and meet all minimum requirements for mainline first officer at FedEx
Are current MAC pilots eligible for the program?
Yes. Contact your HR team memberfor details or call 1-828-466-6678.
Do I have to be a MAC employee to be elgibile?
Yes.
If a MAC employee has already interviewed at FedEx and was turned down, can they participate in the program?
No. The program is limited to Feeder pilots who have not previously tested or interviewed with FedEx for a pilot job.
How long will it take for a program participant to complete the Purple Runway Program?
- Complete minimum service and hour obligation to feeder operators: at least 36 months of active service and a minimum of 500 hours as PIC for multi-engine turbo prop aircraft
Is there a limit on the number of program participants FedEx will hire?
FedEx may impose reasonable limits on the number of participants enrolled in the program and the number hired as trunk pilots in any given calendar year.
If a program participant becomes ineligible to participate in the program because of training, disciplinary or reliability issues, can he/she become eligible again at some point in the future?
Participants that are unsuccessful at any step of the program or other FedEx requirements are no longer eligible for the program.
Can the program be terminated?
Yes, in the event of termination of the program, participants already enrolled will have the opportunity to finish the program, unless the Feeder ceases operation or FedEx is not currently hiring trunk pilots.
Will program failures impact my employment at MAC?
No. Your performance on FedEx related milestones does not impact your employment with MAC.
What happens if a program participant completes all program requirements, but accepts a job offer at another airline?
If a participant successfully completes the JTC course and subsequently withdraws from the program to accept a pilot job at another carrier, that individual must reimburse FedEx for the actual expenses associated with the course.
Is there a scholarship for the program?
The FedEx Purple Runway Aviation Scholarship is an extension of the recently announced aviation pathways program: “Purple Runway – A FedEx Pathways Program”
For more information on the FedEx Purple Runway Aviation Scholarship, please visit here.
Still Have Questions?
Get In Touch
We want to hear from you. Contact a recruiter to learn more about the application process and get a personal guide to joining the MAC team. Or visit us at one of our upcoming recruiting events.
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- Please check back.
CONTACT US
For general inquiries:
macinfo@mtaircargo.com
For employment verification:
hr@mtaircargo.com
For DOT inquiries:
pria@mtaircargo.com
Response:
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