Sorry, I did mean MD-11. But yes, I did not work for the package side of the business, I worked for the Airline. We were part of the charters for the military for the Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF).
I was a 'loadmaster' for UPS Airlines for 8 years. I was expected to load/unload the 747 fast but always by the book. At airports where UPS had ground service vendors, if I witnessed something that could get me fired, I had to stop the vendor. Between a language barrier and being female, I did not always get cooperation, but I kept my job. Write-ups were time consuming but I was flying on that plane, so I was protecting my own a@@, as well. Loved our charters, got to see the world, loved the 747, DC-10, not so much. We rarely used the nose, mostly the side door.
I'm 6 years into retirement from 30+ years in the airline industry.....started the job knowing I'd work nights, holidays, weekends. I wanted the job because travel is my greatest passion and I got to do that for many years when being on an airplane was sorta nice. And absolutely, you don't want to see what happens in the cockpit. I have flown jumpseat many times (last 20 years was at UPSCO). Long-haul and across water flights are where the crew gets to work on their financial portfolios.....
I'm in my 6th year of retirement. I have not once used a pass to fly. We have an Airstream (travel trailer) and as long as I'm traveling domestic, I'll be pulling it, not flying. I LOVE road trips. Airports suck and having been in the industry for 30 years, it's nice to be on MY schedule, not someone else's....and you know what's even better? I am NEVER in a hurry. Retirement from working at 2 pax carriers and 1 cargo carrier is the best part of life, yet!
