View Full Version : Freighter Flying Scam
I have spoken to three -400 pilots recently who have been rostered for freighter flights even though they have previously made it known to the company that they do not wish to operate them. When queried the reply goes something along the lines of....
"Sorry we have no record of your request on file. You are welcome to submit one, but in the mean time you will be required to operate the flight"
Might be worth dusting off the records to see if you have your acknowledgment on file, and if not then perhaps re-submit one.
Seems like they are trying to put out spot fires with regards freighter crewing at the disadvantage of crew.
christep
23rd Aug 2007, 12:33
Please excuse a humble SLF butting in here, but I'm genuinely curious why flying a freighter is apparently so much worse than flying pax? As far as I can see, in these days of locked doors, the only differences are not having to make announcements, but instead having to make your own coffee. Am I missing something obvious?
It's not that simple.
It comes down to Money.
Cx employ freighter Pilot's on a lot less money than Pax Pilot's for essentially the same job. A lot of Freighter crew are leaving and a lot more wont join on the crap money Cx offer. We Pax Pilot's wont "prop up" their lack of Freighter crew and fly the Freighter and get Cx out of a crewing hole. To attract and keep Freighter Pilots the company will be forced to pay ......etc etc
Cx are just being cheap charlies and by us not flying the Freighter they will be forced to up the Pay to a unified scale.
Get it?
but I'm genuinely curious why flying a freighter is apparently so much worse than flying pax?
Roster Instability
Downroute disruptions
Different $$ to do the same job
Company created division designed to make operation cheaper which has backfired to the command detriment of pax crew
etc etc
It's not the actual act of flying the freighter, it's the baggage that goes with it.
Numero Crunchero
23rd Aug 2007, 16:30
Its the very low pay associated with freighters that has caused the shortage of freighter pilots. Ironically its this very low pay that will help attract new joiners, especially in the states. When faced with a 12-13 year wait for CX pax command, the low pay and conditions for freighter command make it possible for people to apply and get a slot at the 2-3 year mark as 2 recent examples have proven. So whilst the pay is low it will act as a potential inducement for new joiners as they will assume they can get a command in 2-4 years.
christep
24th Aug 2007, 05:47
Thanks, but just to be clear, the functional competence required to be, say, Captain of a freighter is exactly the same as that on the pax fleet? Or are (simplistically) lower "grades" required in SIM/check flights to get freighter command than pax command?
Fr8t M8te
24th Aug 2007, 07:21
here we go, she's about to BLOW........................
Was thinking the same thing Jizz......
:hmm::rolleyes::rolleyes:
Harbour Dweller
24th Aug 2007, 07:29
Remember we are all on the same side here people.
Midnight Rambler
24th Aug 2007, 07:54
Same job different COS.
It's a dream that has become a bit of a nightmare for the company. Personally I prefer the actual flying of freighters because it's hassle free once you get past the oft-enumerated disadvantages (roster disruption, loss of G's, o.t.p. etc.) Then there's the tea.:) I make a MUCH better cup than 90% of the cabin crew.
As for the standards, a lot of the training/checking is done on the pax trips by pax trainers/checkers so the standards are the same.
Btw, before anyone fires a broadside at me for flying the freighters, it's not an option not to as a trainer.
Avi8tor
24th Aug 2007, 13:00
On the topic of CX Cargo pay. Can anybody confirm the numbers willflyforfood.cc?
http://http://www.willflyforfood.cc/airlinepilotpay/Cathay_Pacific_Cargo_Pilot_Pay.php (http://www.willflyforfood.cc/airlinepilotpay/Cathay_Pacific_Cargo_Pilot_Pay.php)
Numero Crunchero
24th Aug 2007, 13:35
Yes those numbers are correct. However they also receive 15.5% for Provident Fund and HDP which would be around 3-5%.
For any readers not familiar with CX seniority, you move up the FO increments in years of service like US airlines. However, unlike US airlines, when you are a brand new CN you start on CN 1 increment and work your way up. So the increments reflect years in rank, not years in CX.
clear as mud?
cpdude
24th Aug 2007, 16:10
Freighter pilots stink! They have crooked teeth and they never wash behind their ears!:}:)
Avi8tor
24th Aug 2007, 19:38
Not being rude, but how do they get ppl to come fly for that money? Earned more as a regional captain in South Africa, before I came to the UAE. Even with the upgrade to captain in 4 yrs, thats still a huge pay cut.
Think I am cancelling the interview.
ULRequalsSLEEP
25th Aug 2007, 02:14
Aviator, good question.
Well, CX invented aviation. We don't need to follow boeing procedures like you EK types because we are better than boeing. Unlike the premature command rate of 3-4 years in EK, we earn ours over 12+ years from now on. We have management almost as good as you guys enjoy. Management don't like us paying tax so they have kindly refrained from giving us payrises for over 6 years now...god, do you know how much it hurts to pay 16% tax?
Our management must be good as they are getting 30% productivity increases over the last 5 years and giving themselves multi million dollar bonuses!
Its a great company to work for....assuming you cant get a job ANYWHERE else. But we do have shiny new jets...not as many as EK though.
Avi8tor
25th Aug 2007, 06:49
And they say there is a pilot shortage.....
Mr. Bloggs
25th Aug 2007, 13:41
Your contract clearly states that freighter flying is voluntary. So unless you write to the company and state that you will fly the freighter, they should roster you in accordance with your contract, not the other way around.
This is again a clear violation to your contract and this is how the company interprets your contract. There is no reason what so ever to have a letter on file that allows you not to fly the freighter, quite the contrary.
If the AOA would grow some balls, ask a lawyer and have a letter sent to the company stating so, maybe the PW will stop doing the ****e that he is doing.
IMHO, if you are rostered to fly the freighter, just call in sick, unless you don’t mind having your contract violated.
But I doubt many will do that.:ok: