How to Become a Cargo Pilot

Cargo flying can be among the most unique and challenging in the industry. While passenger aircraft go to a select number of popular destinations, cargo flights are often required to go into a wider array of areas, airports, and locations in order to keep critical items and freight moving.

Unlike passenger airlines, which often operate set schedules to regular destinations, cargo carriers may operate a wider range of on-demand charter flights for direct clients. This is not to say that cargo operators don’t have any scheduled flights; many markets are so huge that it makes sense to have a set amount of capacity regularly available to fly goods back and forth. However, it is normal for cargo carriers to operate large transport category jets to a wider range of airports.

Flying for Large Cargo Airlines

There are three blanket types of cargo pilots. Airlines like FedEx, UPS, DHL, and Atlas Air operate under Part 121 of the U.S. Federal Aviation Regulations or their regular international standards. Pilots who fly for these airlines have qualifications and careers similar to those at major passenger airlines. Reaching 1,500 total flight hours, and building experience at smaller regional airlines, can be just as important as it is for those looking to work at other airlines.

The main distinction between passenger pilots and major cargo pilots is that cargo pilots tend to fly bigger, heavier, and even older aircraft. They also tend to fly more often at night and to far-flung destinations across the country and the world. Many transport carriers operate jumbo jets such as the Boeing 747 exclusively to allow higher capacity for large and uniquely-sized cargo.

Cargo Charter Operations

Some cargo airlines operate almost exclusively as charter companies. Oftentimes, this is under the Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance (ACMI) model, where an airline will provide a wide range of services to other carriers, cargo forwarders, or private companies. One example is the service several airlines provide to Amazon under the Prime Air branding.

ACMI carriers often have the opportunity to fly the most unique routes in the world. They can connect smaller companies in more obscure destinations to key markets or specific locations on an as-needed basis. This provides for an amount of variation that is not always possible in scheduled operations, passenger or cargo, and is appealing to many.

Cargo Feeder Airlines

A key distinction for these cargo pilots is how they build their flight time. In addition to large air carriers, much of the global cargo capacity is moved by smaller turboprop aircraft such as the Cessna Caravan or SkyCourier. These aircraft tend to connect large cargo hubs to smaller, often remote destinations that don’t need their own jets. These airlines will, for example, contract to operate branded FedEx feeder flights as part of the FedEx network.

These operations tend to be more unique. They are often flown by single pilots under the same regulations that define passenger charter operators. These airlines often require lower pilot qualifications, allowing aviators earlier entries into the cargo flying world.

FedEx Express takes delivery of a new 408 SkyCourier aircraft (Photo: Textron Aviation)

This experience is especially valuable for pilots who want to make cargo flying their careers. It can give them a more focused look into how large cargo operations work and how to manage the different intricacies of cargo flying in a Pilot-in-Command capacity.

These smaller aircraft especially tend to operate particularly unique flights. Smaller turboprop aircraft are capable of operating near rougher terrain and on shorter runways. These unique components help new cargo pilots gain valuable experience in addition to the experience they gain in large cargo operations and systems.

Cargo flying is incredibly rewarding. It gives pilots the chance to operate aircraft and routes they otherwise might not while still flying in large commercial operations. Regardless of their long-term goals, many young pilots choose to fly cargo hoppers for the experience it provides and the decision-making it helps create.

Becoming a cargo pilot, however, is a terrific career path in its own right that appeals to a wide array of pilots. Many love how unique their schedules can be flying chartered aircraft, while others are attracted to the older aircraft flown by many scheduled operators. Regardless of the reason, cargo flying provides incredible experience and opportunities for pilots in each stage of their careers.

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John McDermott

John McDermott is a commercial pilot pursuing a career in professional flight. His passion for aviation began in an Ann Arbor bookstore with a tale of enemy pilots during World War 2, and he hasn't looked back. Besides flying and writing for AirlineGeeks, John volunteers with Professional Pilots of Tomorrow and travels whenever he gets the chance.

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