Freight Question

Airdale

Airdale

Well-Known Member
What is it like flying freight? Anymore dangerous then flying PAX?

I flew into Wilmington, NC (ILM) a few weeks ago and saw what I think was Ram Air making some runs out of there. That old airplane, whatever it was, didn't sound to good when it fired up. Do you have to fly beat up airplanes? I do a lot of cross countries down there with my students.

The other day I was flying the Seminole with a student, and well my student started freaking out in some pretty good actual we had. Started feeling *sick*. So of course I took the controls and he just sat there with his head between his legs the rest of the flight, which included a nice approach almost down to mins. I loved it, single pilot IFR. It was a lot of fun and got me thinking about what it would be like to do that for awhile.

What kind of Freight companies are based in the North East, say the NJ/PA area? Are the mins typically 1200TT? I heard Airnet has a program where you can come on with 500TT and be paid while building time with them. Good/Bad? And typically what can one expect as far as pay, schedules and benefits? Sorry for all the questions, just got a bug to see what it would be like to be a freight dawg. I can either try to get on with a regional in a few months when I'm around 600hrs or so, or maybe instruct for awhile longer and get the 135 mins and go freight for some time. Not quite sure yet.
 
1. Its a love hate thing. Sometimes I really love my job, sometimes I hate it. I haven't started calling it work yet though and I've never been pissed about having to go to "the office"

2. Yes freight is more "dangerous" than flying 121 pax. You can make it as safe or as dangerous as you want it to be...I'd say your attitude toward the job can have a huge effect on how safe the job is.

3. You can pretty much guaruntee the planes will be old and well used. Depending on the company though they are usually in good FLYING condition. I'd venture to say the planes most freight places fly weren't designed with 1500+ hours a year in mind. So they may not look good but the engines run and thats what matters.

4. I believe Airnet is pretty big in the northeast. TXPilot flys for them...you could pm him

5. They do have an SIC program but from everything I've read you need around 1000TT to get hired for it.

6. Pay/Benifits/Schedule are all over the board. My best advice would be to pick where you want to live then start researching companies in that area. You'd be suprised there is probably a dozen or so around.
 
Airdale said:
What is it like flying freight? Anymore dangerous then flying PAX?
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According to many regional guys around here, it's a deathwish. You're going to die. You're dangerous, and have bad habits.

Of course, they wouldn't fly without weather radar and AC. It's much more comfortable.:sarcasm:

In reality, it depends on you.

I flew into Wilmington, NC (ILM) a few weeks ago and saw what I think was Ram Air making some runs out of there. That old airplane, whatever it was, didn't sound to good when it fired up.
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I'm sure that the plane was just fine. Not sure what you've been used to flying, but alot of engines just sound "different" from a Skyhawk when they're running at idle.

Do you have to fly beat up airplanes? I do a lot of cross countries down there with my students.
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They're not really "beat up" - they're just old. The paint doesn't make the airplane fly.

Now, there are some operators that you have to watch out for. Most of these companies have a "reputation". Don't depend on the word of a "I wouldn't fly without a coffee pot" guy, make sure you ask somebody in the "know".

The other day I was flying the Seminole with a student, and well my student started freaking out in some pretty good actual we had. Started feeling *sick*. So of course I took the controls and he just sat there with his head between his legs the rest of the flight, which included a nice approach almost down to mins. I loved it, single pilot IFR. It was a lot of fun and got me thinking about what it would be like to do that for awhile.
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I absolutely LOVE single pilot IFR flying. That was one of the things that made me want to fly freight. You can listen to the music that you want, make the choices that you want, and you'll really hone your skills. You'll be able to multi-task like you wouldn't believe!

And typically what can one expect as far as pay, schedules and benefits?
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Runs from pi$$-poor, to pretty darn good!!


I can either try to get on with a regional in a few months when I'm around 600hrs or so, or maybe instruct for awhile longer and get the 135 mins and go freight for some time. Not quite sure yet.
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Personal choice!
 
mtsu_av8er said:
Of course, they wouldn't fly without weather radar and AC. It's much more comfortable.:sarcasm:
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just to clarify, what I said was I wouldn't take less than $60k/yr to fly in an aircraft without a/c, etc.

If I'm going to be uncomfortable, I might as well be compensated for it.
 
wheelsup said:
just to clarify, what I said was I wouldn't take less than $60k/yr to fly in an aircraft without a/c, etc.

If I'm going to be uncomfortable, I might as well be compensated for it.
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HAHA! So you're OK making half that just because you have AC?
 
And to clarify for Airnet....I believe we've had numerous threads on this topic but:

Official mins for Airnet are 500 TT, but competitive mins are 1000TT. The only people getting into class with 500 already work for Airnet. That doesn't mean that you shouldn't apply with less than 1000- DO apply and update often...it shows that you're interested. It is also possible to get hired with less than 1000 and be put in a "pool" where you will wade until you get to around 1050TT. In that case don't wade, swim. You have to make your goal to get into class.

http://www.airnet.com/Careers/careersFrame.htm




.http://www.airnet.com/
 
There's no greater feeling than sweating your *#)@) off everyday hauling other peoples crap in conditions that would make Noah quiver. GOTTA LOVE IT.
 
EatSleepFly said:
HAHA! So you're OK making half that just because you have AC?
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$$'s close to the same either way, so yeah I'd rather have ac.

there aren't any 135 operators that I know of operating light pistons and twins that pay $60k/yr, so the point is moot
 
wheelsup said:
$$'s close to the same either way, so yeah I'd rather have ac.

there aren't any 135 operators that I know of operating light pistons and twins that pay $60k/yr, so the point is moot
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They're out there...I believe it's Quest that flies Barons and starts at $50K. Very tough to get on with, I imagine. Besides, I thought you applied at Airnet...why all the hating on props now?:insane:
 
txpilot said:
They're out there...I believe it's Quest that flies Barons and starts at $50K. Very tough to get on with, I imagine. Besides, I thought you applied at Airnet...why all the hating on props now?:insane:
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DGX is 91, not 135...

plus it's more like $60k to start, they are one of a kind for sure.

they either hire ex-freight dawgs or real low time guys to train them up thru the ranks

I don't hate props, I was just responding to you know who's dig on why I wouldn't fly a 210 around the southeast for $30k/yr. obviously other people have different priorities, that's all.

I applied to airnet at 503 TT. In 2003, compeitive mins were like 2000 TT, 500 multi :). The industry was still in its slump :(.
 
I like what texaspilot said and I would agree. Its a love hate thing. Flying a plane that is the current Guiness records book holder on most TT in that airframe with no wx radar in and around thunderstorms that you cant see because ATC cant pick you up on radar because you are in the mountains can suck or be great. I usually love it on Mondays when Im rested, and I am pretty much "over it" by Fridays when Im tired.
 
Airdale,

Wiggins is out of MHT
Also try Linear and Cape Air although those two I am pretty sure are 121 but they hire around 135 hours.

I cant remember the name of the company but there is a place that flies Pilatus' out of Pease Tradeport that pays 60k. Not bad for single engine turbo prop
 
txpilot said:
They're out there...I believe it's Quest that flies Barons and starts at $50K. Very tough to get on with, I imagine. Besides, I thought you applied at Airnet...why all the hating on props now?:insane:
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So where is Quest out of? First time I have heard of them.
 
BrianNC said:
So where is Quest out of? First time I have heard of them.
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Ask Wheelsup, he seems to know more about them. I just talked to a couple of their pilots while in Philly about non-aviation stuff and found out later how much they made. They seemed happy but I don't know much about them.
 
wheelsup said:
DGX is 91, not 135...
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So, you're going to say that they don't exist because they are 91 and not 135? Come on...seriously!!! They aren't the only ones either...what job was it we were both commenting on in the jobs forum? It was a Pilatus or something for decent money. The jobs are out there...just don't say because they aren't 135 they don't count.


wheelsup said:
plus it's more like $60k to start, they are one of a kind for sure.

they either hire ex-freight dawgs or real low time guys to train them up thru the ranks

I don't hate props, I was just responding to you know who's dig on why I wouldn't fly a 210 around the southeast for $30k/yr. obviously other people have different priorities, that's all.

I applied to airnet at 503 TT. In 2003, compeitive mins were like 2000 TT, 500 multi :). The industry was still in its slump :(.
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I'm tired of this argument with you, so I'll just leave it here...there's a huge difference between flying 50+ passengers in a jet and flying cargo airplanes for a living. There should be a big pay difference too...the other way around, though!!!
 
txpilot said:
So, you're going to say that they don't exist because they are 91 and not 135? Come on...seriously!!! They aren't the only ones either...what job was it we were both commenting on in the jobs forum? It was a Pilatus or something for decent money. The jobs are out there...just don't say because they aren't 135 they don't count.
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No, in my post I SPECIFICALLY mentioned 135 operators and you brought up DGX, which is part 91.

The pilatus job was hardly entry level. One would have to work their way up for that as well.

It's not that it doesn't count, but they are a rarity. Pretty much anyone can work their way into a job at airnet, amf, or any regional. To work your way into a job posted above is like me comparing life at a major. You are pointing to the creame of the crop and we are working just an average job.

I'm tired of this argument with you, so I'll just leave it here...there's a huge difference between flying 50+ passengers in a jet and flying cargo airplanes for a living.
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First year pay at pretty much any airline (cargo included) stinks. Second year pay at some regionals is still low IMO. But to make $40k+/yr as a FO on a -200, yeah I would like to make more but that's the way it is. If you don't like it, leave. I probably will...
 
mtsu_av8er said:
Remember, he's got a couple of FLX paychecks with his name on them . . . he knows!
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just because I wouldn't want to do your job, you don't have to get quippy!
 
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