I'm new to the cargo side of things. I'd like to try out cargo flying for a while. I not really a people person though I am doing the airline thing now and would consider it in the future. I like night flying and late evening shows. So as a friend advised me, why not try cargo see if I like it. So I've been looking on main APC pages and there are a ton of companies out there. However, I don't really know who is a good and who is bad. I have nowhere near the quals for UPS or Fedex. I know there are other carriers out there with DC9's, 727's, etc. I think it might be a good experience to fly some equipment like that. I have been looking into capital air but, I cannot find much in the way of info out there on them. Anybody know about them? I heard there are just some places you should stay away from. So is Capital okay? It says they're hiring. Thanks in advance.
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There is a pleasure in the pathless woods. -Lord Byron
I'm not going to take the time right now to answer completely, but I will offer this.
First priority--Get your jet, multi-engine PIC as soon as you can. Look at what more than a couple of career goal airlines have as competitive mins. Don't jump for the big time, last airline you'll ever be at (right....) until you get it.
Second priority--Find a way to network. Gotta have that for FDX and UPS. FDX hires a lot of regional folks and a lot of military folks. Many who only served in the guard and reserves. Keep in contact (and play nice) with all your aviation buds along the way, they may help you get a job if they end up where you want to be before you!
... I'd like to try out cargo flying for a while. I not really a people person though I am doing the airline thing now and would consider it in the future. I like night flying and late evening shows. So as a friend advised me, why not try cargo see if I like it...
You need to realize that not being a “people’s person” will NOT help you getting on with a cargo outfit. There’s a huge misconception out there but remember that cargo pilots work with other human beings too so if I were you I wouldn’t be advertising you not being a people’s person during your interview.
The difference between pax and cargo hauling? It's all about your own perception - not too long ago a friend who flies small turboprops hauling checks reminded me that Fedex and UPS pilots aren’t real freight dogs but rather airline pilots who happen to be flying boxes; I guess I do see his point.
As far as applying - PIC time counts everywhere including cargo airlines, international experience might help you to get on with Fedex and UPS. As a former pax pilot - I love cargo (I'm at Big Brown) and would never go back. Good luck.
Last edited by ⌐ AV8OR WANNABE : 09-23-2008 at 05:16 PM.
I have thought the same thing as of lately and looked at a few local places such as Wiggins. I am firmly planted where I am and I (my wife) wont move so here I sit not wanting to commute the rest of my life.
What are your times? I know of a few places around. PM me if you want to keep experience private.
Unfortunately, the "ones you should stay away from" are usually the only ones hiring. Offhand, I'd say "forget it." Until you're ready for Kalitta or World, I'd recommend that you stay in your 2-man, glass cockpit and get your PIC. It has a lot more relevance to what you'll be doing for the rest of your career (pax OR cargo) than flying a jurassic jet.
Stay involved in aviation through participation in the EAA, local airport activities, etc. You never know where the "good" jobs will be in 5 years, or who you'll need to know to get one.
If the "big airplane bug" really has you by the a$$, buy a type rating. It won't cost you any more than going back to first-year pay at another carrier. After you have it, you'll realize that anybody who can fly a 310 can fly a 727, once he learns not to EVER let himself get more than 3 feet ahead of his flight engineer.
With all due respect, it still helps to be a little bit of a "people person" to be able to endure 6-14 hour flights in the cockpit. Flying pax is not so different from flying boxes, at my outfit we do both. But you have to be able to get along with the guys you are on road with for an extended period of time...ie; people skills.
WG
So does anyone have answers to the original questions posted by ERJ135 including:
1. "Who is a good and who is bad?" (regarding cargo carriers)
2. "I heard there are just some places you should stay away from."
3. "So is Capital okay?"
In addition to his questions, I am also curious if I might be eligible for any cargo/mail/check carrier jobs with just over 900TT / 155 ME? I have worked an overnight job before, and I don't mind...
So does anyone have answers to the original questions posted by ERJ135 including:
1. "Who is a good and who is bad?" (regarding cargo carriers)
2. "I heard there are just some places you should stay away from."
3. "So is Capital okay?"
In addition to his questions, I am also curious if I might be eligible for any cargo/mail/check carrier jobs with just over 900TT / 155 ME? I have worked an overnight job before, and I don't mind...
I simply don't have the info you seek. I never flew for a freight outfit until FDX.
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