Cargo flying might be one of the most hard and distinctive aspects of the profession. While passenger planes travel to a limited number of popular places, cargo planes are frequently required to visit a broader range of areas, airports, and sites in order to keep important items and freight moving.
Unlike passenger airlines, which frequently operate fixed schedules to regular destinations, cargo carriers may offer a broader selection of on-demand charter flights to direct clients. This is not to imply that freight operators do not have scheduled flights; several markets are so large that it makes sense to have a consistent amount of capacity available to transport products back and forth. However, it is common for cargo carriers to fly large transport category planes to a wider variety of locations.
Flying for Large Cargo Airlines
There are three broad categories of cargo pilots. Airlines like as FedEx, UPS, DHL, and Atlas Air follow Part 121 of the United States Federal Aviation Regulations, or their regular international requirements. Pilots at these airlines have similar credentials and careers as those at large passenger carriers. Reaching 1,500 total flight hours and gaining experience with smaller regional airlines might be equally essential as working for other carriers.
The primary distinction between passenger pilots and major cargo pilots is that cargo pilots often operate larger, heavier, and older aircraft. They also travel more frequently at night and to far-flung locations around the country and the world. Many transportation companies use jumbo planes like the Boeing 747 solely to increase capacity for enormous and unusually sized cargo.
Cargo Charter Operations
Some freight airlines operate nearly entirely as charter firms. This is often done under the Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance (ACMI) model, in which one airline offers a variety of services to other carriers, freight forwarders, or private enterprises. One example is the service that various airlines offer to Amazon under the Prime Air name.
ACMI carriers frequently have the option to fly the most unique itineraries in the world. They can connect smaller businesses in more remote regions to significant markets or specific locations as needed. This allows for a degree of flexibility that is not always feasible in scheduled operations, whether passenger or cargo, and appeals to many.
Cargo Feeder Airlines
The way these cargo pilots structure their flight time is a crucial distinguishing feature. In addition to large air carriers, smaller turboprop aircraft like the Cessna Caravan or SkyCourier transport a significant portion of global cargo capacity. These aircraft typically connect huge cargo hubs to smaller, often remote destinations that do not require their own planes. These airlines, for example, will agree to run branded FedEx feeder flights as part of the FedEx network.
These operations are typically more distinctive. They are frequently flown by single pilots under the same rules that govern passenger charter operators. These airlines frequently need fewer pilot qualifications, allowing aviators to begin their careers in cargo flying sooner.
This expertise is especially beneficial for pilots who desire to pursue a career in freight flight. It can provide them with a more concentrated understanding of how large cargo operations work and how to manage the various complexities of cargo flying in a Pilot-in-Command role.
These tiny aircraft, in particular, undertake flights that are quite distinctive. Smaller turboprop aircraft can operate near tougher terrain and on shorter runways. These distinct components enable rookie cargo pilots to get useful experience in addition to their familiarity with large cargo operations and systems.
Cargo flying is really gratifying. It allows pilots to operate aircraft and destinations that they would not otherwise have access to while still flying in large commercial operations. Regardless of their long-term aspirations, many young pilots prefer to fly cargo hoppers for the experience and decision-making it fosters.
However, being a cargo pilot is an excellent career choice that appeals to a diverse group of pilots. Many people enjoy the variety of schedules that flying chartered aircraft can provide, whilst others prefer the older planes flown by many scheduled carriers.