Excluding FedEx/UPS, it's the SAME as the pax carriers in this regard;

What's "good" now may not be that way later. What's "bad" now may not be that way later.

There was a time when Kalitta wasn't looked at too fondly, not the case now. In the late 90's Atlas/Polar wasn't like it is now.

When Gemini started out, they were known to be OK, take a look at what happened there.

 

Sure no problem. The level of misconception here is really amazing. A people person? Oh, so you're a SWA pilot? Not a people's person? Well, you must be a freight dog…

 

Here's my take on it...

1. "Who is a good and who is bad?" (regarding cargo carriers)

- It's hard to answer because it depends on s many factors. Also I'm biased since I work for UPS. In my view, and only today because tomorrow everything can change Fedex and UPS are the gravy of the cargo business. Then comes World, Atlas/Polar, etc followed by Omni, Kalitta. Do not forget foreign Cargo outfits such as Cathay, Nippon Cargo and such..

In my view none of them is “bad”, they just aren't as good as the previous one (again, my view only)

2. "I heard there are just some places you should stay away from."

I'm sure you've heard some bad things being said about certain people in the past who you found to be really nice folks once you got to know them personally.

The same can be said about airlines. While research is important what works for one person might not work for you and vice versa. I'd say the “good” are the ones I mentioned in the first question while the “less than good” are the ones which will lead you to the good ones so they might be pretty good ones after all.

For example, I personally am (was) willing to put up with some pretty "bad" commuter pax airlines in order to get hired at a cargo airline I knew I'd be happy at. In other words, a bad airline might be ok if it helps you with your future...

3. "So is Capital okay?"

Unfortunately don't know much about them except this... http://www.airlinepilotcentral.com/airlines/cargo/capital.html

When it comes to 'smaller' cargo airlines (or those who feed bigger cargo airlines) if I were you I'd focus on getting multi, turbine time. Some fly Caravans which although great airplanes are still single engine airplanes. Thus your multi- experience will be very limited on your resume which might hurt you in the future...

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?

The only way to find out is to apply but I'm fairly certain that your numbers are competitive. In fact, I have a friend who's a check airman at one of Fedex's feeders (Caravans ) and he said he sees people there with less experience than you have...

Good luck to you both!

 

Go do a search for different cargo airlines on the forums. I am also interested in flying cargo in the near future once I finish my ratings and build some time. I have learned allot about different carriers that I both new of and have not known of. So I feel that when it is time for me to go find a freight job I will have an idea of who to go to and who not to go to. And as people have posted above, meeting and getting to know everyone you can will benefit you greatly, if you are friendly and kind to people they will remember! Flying freight is a good business to be in!
Good luck!! =)

 

ERJ135,
LMAO, First, now you know what happens when you fly all night. Fatigue <g>. They read your "I not really a people person" [sic], and didn't figure you mean you are flying pax and like me, don't/didn't particularly enjoy the perks of flying pax and for reasons stated may enjoy cargo flying. When they are rested it hits you. Hazard of posting after flying all night <g>
Recommend you stay put, get your PIC then look at the other side of the airport. (if you can tolerate it for a few years)

 

I can fly 3 legs in a day and only talk to 4 people. FO, Dispatcher and 2 fuel guys. It is one of my favorite parts of my job. It doesn't make me an ********* just because I don't like to be surrounded be people. Flying freight definitely requires less customer service responsibilities and flying at night is a bit more laid back. Even SDF at night seems laid back.(I flew there in a turboprop, not a brown and white jet) The airspace can get pretty busy and the ramp is swarming with vehicles and people, but it never find it as annoying as flying into a class B during the day or being in a passenger terminal.

I've been flying part 135 freight for a little less than 3 years with the intention of getting into 121 freight when I can. Looking back on the situation, I now realize that flying for a regional would probably been a quicker way to get the time I'll need to get hired by a 121 freight company. At least for now I can tolerate my job.

A friend of mine seems to like working at Kalitta and I received a fairly positive impression of Polar all four times I jumpseated with them.

 

It depends on the operater's license. If they are 135 single pilot and fly at night, no you do not meet their minimums. I think you would need at least 1200. If it is a 2 crew operation, you might be qualified. However, I don't think you would be competitive. A friend of mine with a 737 type rating, over 4000 TT, and just furloughed from a major airline just accepted a frieght job, that is your competition right now.

 

AMEN BROTHA!!! You grow old FAST and your body ACHES... Check yo-self befoe you wreck yo-self... All of you airline guys without night cargo experience, all of you who complain and won't shut up about, "...ya, I'm doin Fedex/UPS..." You. Have. No. Idea...

 

Yah, letsee, pensions gone, healthcare nonexistent or costs sky high, no go/no pay, wage reductions, job security very sketchy. That will age you and make you feel old, keep away from Fedex/UPS because these are issues that are NON-existent.

 

Are you NORDO from block out to block in?