Considering how the preflight in ground icing conditions mandated in the C208 (except for FedEx ops which are done according to FedEx’s own approved procedure), I wonder how it will be done in the SkyCourier. I would love to hear an explanation of how to do ground icing checks with the “pilot’s feet on the ground”, with a high wing airplane!
Not likely any drop zone could afford a $6.8 million purchase price!
In 10 years those used planes will throwing out some divers.
“one journalist suggested it might make an excellent jump plane” gee, I wonder who that might have been?
Actually, I’ve never been so excited about a cargo plane!
There’s only 5 or 6 small cargo aircraft currently in production in the world, if that, so the SkyCourier is a big deal.
I used to see the 10 or so Fedex Caravans parked in a row at HNL back in the day. I’m sure all new pilots there think, “Hmm … how do I get my hands on one of those? Nobody seems to be using them!”
For those wondering how Fedex justifies the cost, it’s all about the corporate accounting. It’s easier for BigCo to move numbers around a spreadsheet than to buy old planes and struggle with maintenance.
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Looks like the grandchild of a Twin Otter.
FedEx owns all the “feeder” C208s, ATRs (42/72), and the new 408 SkyCourier just presented at EAA. The group of nine feeder operators fly/maintain them throughout the lower 48, AK, HI, the Caribbean, and some parts of upper NE S. America + one operator up in CAN. Each of the operators has their own HR/recruiting and there’s also the FedEx Purple Runway Pilot Pathways program to get folks into the ATRs, then move into FDX Boeings, MDs, and Airbuses: http://www.fedexpurplerunway.com/ Also some of the operators will be doing an SIC program for the right seat of the 408. FDX feeder operators: Baron Aviation, Corporate Air, CSA Air, Empire Airlines, IFL Group, Mountain Air Cargo, West Air, and Wiggins Aviation and Morningstar Air Express (CAN). The 208s and the 408 are/will be Part 135 single-pilot ops (1,200TT mins) and the ATRs are Part 121 (R/ATP mins). Each of the operators has their own website with hiring info. Check out the FedEx tent at EAA, a C208 is there, along with plenty of friendly folks to converse with…