What is UPS FlightPath 1 All About?

UPS® FlightPath I is intended to offer participants outlined paths to gain Part 135 flying experience at Ameriflight and accumulate the flight experience needed to proceed to UPS Airlines, a Part 121 certificated air carrier.

By participating in Path I, UPS Flight Operations interns can take advantage of the unique hands-on experiences and develop highly desirable professional skills, all while working at a Part 121 cargo airline. UPS interns not only gain knowledge in their particular field, they also experience the culture that makes UPS home to some of the most sought after internship programs in the country.

Individuals who successfully complete the internship program and are identified by UPS as eligible will work at Ameriflight as a pilot. Under the program, UPS actively mentors participating Ameriflight pilots. These pilots are encouraged to participate in UPS functions and learn from UPS Airlines’ flight-qualified management and chief pilots.

The program affords UPS flight interns an opportunity to qualify for employment with Ameriflight and UPS Airlines, respectively, upon completion of outlined experience, training and hiring requirements. Ameriflight and UPS may offer employment to eligible pilots subject to their hiring needs, hiring standards and the program requirements.

What Advantages Do I Have as a UPS FlightPath Intern?

The UPS FlightPath internship position is a yearlong, full-time opportunity. This position is offered in the spring, summer, and fall semesters, but start times are flexible.

Internship positions include the following departments:

• Fleet Management (B747, B757/767, A300 or MD-11)
• Quality Assurance
• Flight Operations Technical and Safety
• Chief Pilot Office
• Program Development
• Airline Safety

In the internship program, one will be engaged in challenging work in a supportive environment that assists in career development as a potential full-time aviation professional. UPS believes in relationship building in a culture that supports community service and sharing knowledge. Through volunteer activities and sponsorship of social events, UPSers collectively make a difference around the globe and encourage interns to join in this rewarding experience.

Benefits And Compensation

Wage: UPS offers competitive pay calculated on the credit hours completed at the time of hire. Interns will be allowed two paid discretionary days per semester, for a total of six in a year.

Travel: Interns who qualify under the TSA background check will have the opportunity to use UPS jumpseat privileges for UPS business travel.

401(k) Plan: UPS interns are eligible to participate in the UPS 401(k) Savings Plan. UPS will contribute 50% of up to 6% of eligible pay contributed to the UPS Savings Plan.

Employee Discounts: UPS interns can take advantage of their employment status at UPS to enjoy discounts with an approved list of companies in different cities around the country.

Do I Qualify for Flightpath 1?

• Currently hold Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multi-Engine and Instrument ratings

• Graduated within the previous 24 months, or currently enrolled as junior or senior in an undergraduate or graduate program

• Ideally have experience in Microsoft Office, strong teamwork skills, and ability to work in fast-pace environment while managing multiple responsibilities

• 3.0 GPA or higher

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National of the U.S., an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, or an alien authorized to work in the U.S. for this employer

What is the next step upon completion of the 12-month internship?

The UPS® FlightPath I provides aviation professionals opportunities to cultivate their careers. Interns gain experience in a business environment while UPS benefits from exposure to their diverse perspectives. Participants gain a multitude of skills that can transform them into accomplished pilots and aviation professionals while simultaneously impacting the airline’s operation.

Each intern is trained on a specific UPS fleet: the B747, B757/B767, A300 or MD-11. The training includes aircraft systems, cockpit flows/procedures, and simulator training sessions. Once training is complete, interns are assessed and then authorized to operate the full-motion simulators for their fleet and in support of customer tours and flight testing purposes.

After successful completion of the internship program, candidates who receive a recommendation from their management team, and have at least 500 hours of total flight time, become eligible to move forward with Ameriflight. At Ameriflight, the largest Part 135 cargo airline in the nation, candidates receive additional training and exposure to the cargo world while accumulating valuable experience. Candidates also are paired with a UPS pilot to mentor them during their time at Ameriflight. After flying with Ameriflight for a minimum of 30 months after Operational Experience (OE), and successfully meeting the requirements set forth by UPS, interns are guaranteed an interview for a position as a First Officer at UPS Airlines (if hiring).

In addition to increasing skills and knowledge, interns are exposed to a UPS culture that emphasizes personal integrity, quality work, knowledge sharing and a commitment to the communities in which its employees live and operate. Interns are encouraged to participate in volunteer activities and social events that make a difference around the globe.

Candidates for the internship must hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multi-Engine and Instrument ratings. In addition, candidates should have graduated within the previous 24 months, or be currently enrolled as junior or senior in an undergraduate or graduate program.