Hello, everyone

I am a sophomore at an aviation college and am currently working on my commercial license. My dream is to become a cargo pilot for UPS. I was wondering if starting off at a regional airline, building PIC time, then applying directly to the company would be smart. If so what would be the best regional cadet program to join for this. I want to avoid being in a contract that forces me to go straight to a legacy passenger carrier. I appreciate all answers given.

 

You’re getting way ahead of yourself.

no regional pilot is forced to go to a legacy.

cadet programs are a holdover from the brief period when regionals lacked applicants. It’s unclear to me what ongoing relevance they have to hiring.

 

Ameriflight used to have a program. Dunno if they still have it, but worth a look. Good Luck.

 

Cadet programs are about the only way for a sub-2000 hour pilot to be hired at a regional...

 

Assuming that is true

1) may not be true when the OP becomes hireable
2) still doesn't mean that everyone who gets a cadet slot gets hired early

Basically ... don't plan on the cadet program getting you anywhere. It might, but assume it won't.

 

I agree with that. Don't plan on anything getting you anywhere but throw everything you can against the wall and see what sticks.

 

If your goal is UPS: you will need at least 1,000 hrs Multi-TPIC. The fastest and cheapest way to do that is to get your CFI and fly your butt off until you are attractive to the regionals. Once hired there upgrade ASAP and build time as fast as humanly possible. Once you have your 1,000 multi-TPIC you can consider things like flying for an ACMI to get heavy international experience, upgrading to a OE captain at your regional, etc to better make your resume standout. Additional options to consider: there is an internship program at UPS that supposedly guarantees an interview once you meet hiring requirements. It’s generally awarded to pilots with around 500 hours and lasts a year. After that year they send you off to Ameriflight to build time. However, some interns continued to build time as a CFI while interning and then went to a regional. I have flown with FOs who went both routes. If you are aggressive about getting your hours and make a positive impression as an intern your odds of making it here in your twenties are good.

If a regional offers you a cadet program that speeds your progression into 121 flying: TAKE IT! If they have a flow so much the better. Always have a backup plan or two for your career. Once you have your 1,000 TPIC apply everywhere. UPS hires legacy pilots too and hanging out at Delta, United, American, etc while you wait isn’t awful.

Remember, we are relatively small. You can do everything right and never get a phone call. That doesn’t mean you are a failure.

 

Hello, Everyone

Thank you for all the advice I really appreciate it. Just for curiosity what would be the best regional airline to apply for that would make for the smoothest transition to a cargo airline. My school currently has ties with Alaska, PSA, Republic, Piedmont, Skywest, and Endeavor. I want to pick the best cadet program that will make me stand out to a cargo airline once I get 1000 hours of TPIC time and also get me in the left seat as soon as possible.

 

My opinion, I came up through the military not civilian route, is that the regional that will get you to 1,000 TPIC fastest is best. However, that may not be the best place if the music stops and you are stuck there for an extra decade. Some of this boils down to your judgement of risk vs reward.

I don’t know that UPS hires more from any particular regional. However, we do seem to have a significant number of former Republic pilots. Probably, because they have Indy and Louisville domiciles. UPS does like to hire locals.

 

If an ACMI were to make a regional FO an offer would you advise taking it before getting any TPIC time? Or turn it down, potentially burn the bridge with that carrier, but build TPIC time in an RJet?