135 piston cargo alumni

[Rip Vanwinkle]

What's everyone doing after their first exciting job hauling checks around thunderstorms? Where do you look when you've got 2500TT, 500 multi, and 2000 night?

 

[T-Storm Chaser]

Now i'm at Air Whiskey. Sittin right seat goofing off and trying not to get caught. You will miss the "Dawg" days. You don't realize it now, but it might be the most fun flying job you ever had. The airlines are boring as ********************. I had about the same amount of time when i left the freight company i was with. The jet is alright, but you are just monitoring the computer. Best you can hope for is a cool crew and a god overnight. That is the only thing that keeps me here. I was at a good freight company though.

 

[yzf6]

i'm at about the same times, ready to move on. got an interview at a regional this week, but that's about it so far.

 

[CaravanMan]

PIC in a C-90 doing EMS work. Lots of fun, but sometimes I do miss the freight days.

 

[Whistlin' Dan]

What's everyone doing after their first exciting job hauling checks around thunderstorms?

I don't know, but while you're looking for it, take lots of pictures of the equipment you're currently flying, the people you work with, and the places you go. They'll give you something to look at 30 years from now, when you're reminiscing about "The good old days..."

 

[RoundMotor]

You wanna trade?

 

[StarHustler]

Im also a proud grad of the piston check club. For me, I used the little time I was at the FBO's to network with corporate pilots. Once I got a similar amount of time as you do now, I was able to secure a corporate job that I really enjoy. I guess it really depends on which route you are most interested in, airlines or Corp. For me this route worked out best. Good luck!

 

[Trogdor]

I went to the regionals and am now a 1900 CA. I miss flying freight in the ol Baron every day. Flying the Mighty Beech is fun, but nothing beats single pilot approach to mins in a Baron with alcohol deice all over the windshield. I'll never forget the sound of those IO520's lumping along at idle.

 

[AirMugsy]

Flying a Caravan (with people in it) around Seattle. Sometimes I miss 135 cargo, and doing it made me a better pilot. I kinda miss engine failures and planes 15 years older than me.... maybe

 

[paulsalem]

I'll never forget the sound of those IO520's lumping along at idle.

Not a freight dog but:

Yes that is a lovely sound. Someone needs to make a cell phone ringer of it.

 

[kingaira90]

Freight stink

Stayed in freight, On demand in the DA-20. I like it, don't really want to leave the boxes. And it gives you better stories ;-) I know I would be flying more at a regional, but I can afford to work at this job and have a family.-kingaira90

 

[SinglePliot135]

What's everyone doing after their first exciting job hauling checks around thunderstorms? Where do you look when you've got 2500TT, 500 multi, and 2000 night?

Around thunderstorms? Who goes around? Seriously though, I'm still flying crappy planes with crappy cargo in them in crappy weather on a crappy schedule. Why? Cause the regionals suck and I can't afford to work at them, plus I am building PIC turbine time here. It seems to me as a freight dog you get no respect except from those who have also been there, and thats just fine with me. I can wait a couple years to find a real job if it means I don't have to work for poverty wages or suck someone's ---- to get it!! When the time comes to fly self-loading cargo I'll know I can handle anything, because I've been there, which is more than I can say for a lot of the people on another board here...

 

[Dodge4SRT]

Yeah, I fly **** around too. Pays the bills. Rather be flying people, but the money isn't there in the airlines. Where can you put the airbrakes out at FL280 and drop it likes it's on fire at 6000+ FPM. I don't think your job would last too long.

 

[landlover]

dont deviate, penetrate!!!!!!

 

[fartknocker]

What's everyone doing after their first exciting job hauling checks around thunderstorms? Where do you look when you've got 2500TT, 500 multi, and 2000 night?

I left my 135 Baron job to come to American Eagle. I really enjoyed flying the Baron! It was such a fun plane! I have been at Eagle almost 9 years. I have seen all of the Eagle bases and had lots of fun. I am in the pool for FedEx now. I hope to start training soon. I am looking forward to flying boxes again!

 

[starcheck208]

I had fun flying cargo in the baron, navajo and van. Hard schedule flying everyday building up the time, see all the weather. It's nice to fly corporate, haven't been to work in 3 weeks but still getting a paycheck (it does make you want to get back in a plane)

 

[ATRCAPT]

I flew C-402's for a small company out of Troutdale, OR called Spots Air Travel. We were bought by Ameriflight in '98. I flew the Navajo and B99 for a while before moving on to the Dash 8 at Horizon. I left Horizon for the left seat of an Empire Airlines F27. I was a check airman on the F and the ATR for a few years before hiring on at Gemini Air Cargo on the MD11. This week I received my class date at Southwest.

135 piston freight is a great way to start out. Heck, that's where I REALLY learned to fly!

 

[1973Arrow]

Now i'm at Air Whiskey. Sittin right seat goofing off and trying not to get caught. You will miss the "Dawg" days. You don't realize it now, but it might be the most fun flying job you ever had. The airlines are boring as ********************. I had about the same amount of time when i left the freight company i was with. The jet is alright, but you are just monitoring the computer. Best you can hope for is a cool crew and a god overnight. That is the only thing that keeps me here. I was at a good freight company though.

Dude, you only worked like 4 hours a day...slacker
I worked for the same company at about the same time as T-storm chaser. It was a blast. I find myself flying without the flight director more and more. Keeps the old skills up...I like my crews, and I to pray for 'god overnights.'

 

[8inMan]

Still flyin freight. Equipment and pay is better than when I started. I have no desire to go to the regionals, but that's just me. I've never even applied to any. I like what I'm doing too much.

 

[MD11Drvr]

Checks in Aztecs and Cherokee 6's then to Lears. One year corporate drove me nuts. On to DC-8's furloughed to another job on the DC-10 and finally the MD-11. I miss hauling checks in the Lear the most, but I must admit the Global beer tour is pretty good. The beer changes with the scenery what else do you need as a pilot................

 

[CoATP]

You can be an experienced CRJ FO and be amazed at the 1000 hr wonders that are your peers. The problem is when you upgrade (assuming you pick the right place) eventually they'll all be senior to you. b.t.w. the escape hatch on some of the RJ's leaks when on the ground so getting weather inside doesn't end when you leave 100LL behind. Sigh ... I guess the answer is either a) be born rich or b) marry for a LOT of money. I hear Christie Brinkley will be hanging around the crew rooms again, after all who can resist a pilot

 

[icefr8dawg]

Started flying freight for a now defunct operator out of New Jersey back in 2001 in worn out 310's. (Mac Dan) A handful of operators, stories and careers later it's sad to think that I'll never be able to retire back to flying freight after I'm finished making money flying pax in these smelly Falcon's and Hawkers.

 

[RedGuy]

Still flying pistons, and likin it. I've been offered positions in Lears and Falcons, but right now I like being low and slow. Plus I like being in charge! The pays good, but the schedual sucks.