For those of you who have done single pilot cargo ops I was wondering if you feel it is as dangerous as everyone else says. Everyone I talk to looks at me cross eyed when I say I want to go that route. I'm a CFI with close to 900 TT and 50+ multi. I am planning on getting more time before making the jump, but want to make sure it's right. I know I will probably need part 135 minimums anyway, so I have time to think about it. Any input would be helpful. Thanks!

~Devin

Devin,

I've done the passenger thing and the cargo thing ... the cargo gig has better pay, benefits and job security. This industry is quite cyclical and it hasn't always been that way. I'd be willing to bet if you could poll all the pax guys and ask them if, given the opportunity, they would trade places with a FDX/UPS guy that the VAST MAJORITY would say, "HELL YES!."

Do your homework, get your hours and network, network, network (You'll need recommendations from people that have actually flown with you to get hired at FedEx ( and I think UPS also?).

Best of luck ..


Mark

I wanted to take the cargo route way back when I was getting my private. After getting all of my ratings I flew checks single pilot for two years in a BE-58 (scheduled 135). I Then went to Comair for eight years and finally to UPS.

Worked for me.

Good luck!

Some people will say small cargo outfits aren't safe because the airplanes aren't pretty. Just make sure your employer does what is necessary to keep the airplanes mechanically sound. Don't accept any pressure to fly an airplane you aren't comfortable with.

It sounds easier than it actually is. Just do your best to stick to your guns if you aren't happy with a mechanical issue.

Flying single pilot cargo in a C-310, BE-58, or other airplane is a good way to build time and experience. I did it in a Baron, and had a great time.

While I worked for American Eagle, I flew with several FO's who had come from flying single pilot in piston twins. They were much better to fly with than some other pilots. You could tell the experience helped them.

Good luck, and have fun!!

I've done it. I thought it was as safe as I'd like to make it. It was great experience. Certainly the peak of anything I've done single pilot. Not sure who's knocking it, but I'd like to hear their reasons....

The only reason for it being 'less safe' would be the fact no one is there to wake you up if you happen to nod off (or so I've heard ). Otherwise, I cannot see why it would be less safe.

Disclaimer, haven't done that kind of flying myself but had many roommates flying checks, etc. at night...

Ps. People telling you not to do it are probably a bunch of pansies used to the autopilot and air conditioned cockpits.
I hope I didn't offend any pansie-pilots...

YoDigity,

Yes, Cargo Pilot = death.

So does every other profession.

But I think that the career path that beckons you may be as a headline writer for the National Inquirer.

"In the long run, we're all dead ..."
"Come on you s**s of b****es; you want to live forever?"
Seriously, I did it for a couple of years myself. It's a good way to gain experience.

Sometimes tough to do; there are many waiting to take your job ...
but dealing with these things effectively is a part of that "gaining experience".

Single pilot will make you a much better pilot. You are the captain, f/o, engineer, and dispatcher. When you make the next step to a 2 crew operation the toughest thing will be to let other people help you manage the plane.

Safety is up to you PERIOD. If it is broke, don't fly it. If you think the weather is too bad, don't fly it, like rotorhead said its all part of "gaining experience", you will just get yours much faster than a RJ f/o since it is only you making all the decisions.

Of course I am biased, 2 years of single pilot in single and twins, some of the best time flying I have had, but I do not want to go back to them............. at least not for the pay they were giving me.

i flew single engine cargo to build time while i was in college. i flew parts for airwork corp all throughout the northeast in a cessna 172 and piper warrior...i have the luxury of never having to do that again...but at the time i really enjoyed it and it was a great time builder as well as gaining experience...if u do pursue it...GOOD LUCK!