pax to cargo

[Pocono Pilot]

Is anyone here considering going the cargo route?

There are quite a few ACMI carriers hiring now, and I am thinking of going that route. UPS is hiring, but the application window is closed. Also, FedEx seems to have stopped hiring. But the ACMI route looks good.

To be honest there is not one single airline that I can say that I would leave XJT for right now. But I don't want to miss out if the airline lifestyle/career recovers and I am flying cargo for the rest of my life. Not that that is a bad thing, but I have no clue about flying for cargo companies.

Anyone else hoping for UPS/FedEx instead of the pax carriers?

 

[GoingHot]

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

I don't want to miss out if the airline lifestyle/career recovers

Didn't some airline offer $1 tickets? NO! It won't recover.

 

[AvroGuy]

a couple of things to remember, boxes don't complain, everyone needs to ship stuff, boxes don't care about the ride,service, what everelse you can think of. Not saying cargo is the best gig around, but that is were I want to be.

 

[mushroom]

FedEx and UPS have excellent work rules and new equipment like you are used to flying now. 2nd tier (or lower) ACMI carriers, in general, can't say the same thing. I'm flying a plane that is almost as old as I am.

Make sure you find out everything about flying night freight before you make a jump. Many people come in with a certain idea of what it's like, find out what it's ACTUALLY like, and are disappointed. It's not for everyone. And if you ever did it single pilot in a Navajo or something---I did the same thing years ago and I can tell you it's not like that either.

 

[GogglesPisano]

I would strongly suggest jumpseating a leg or two on an ACMI carrier to see if it's right for you.

It's not right for everybody.

The meals, hotels, and limos are impressive. The ancient aircraft, grueling back-side of the clock flying and 18-day trips are not.

There is more job security at FedEx and UPS for sure -- but they are not ACMI carriers. Just because you fly freight for an ACMI carrier does not mean you have any more security than if you were at a pax carrier. This segment of the industry is rife with LCC's and fly-by-night operations as well.

 

[crashpad]

Isolation is the worst form of torture....I'll stick with people.