Cargo Pilot or Commercial Pilot

[rohanrdatta]

Just wanted to know if given an option which one would be better ??? To become a Cargo pilot or fly for some airline !!

[PAPI-74]

The perfect job does not exist.
There is an airline / cargo operator / bizjet operator to suit most. Getting there is the challange....
Every airline is different, as is every cargo operator. You need to look at the way they treat their pilots, where they fly from / to and what they pay. Also how long you are away, is it at night or long shifts with min rest. These sort of questions need answers to avoid long term fatigue, or you being stuck in the wrong job.

[Left Coaster]

Hiya old pal! I used to have a laugh years ago when I was starting out...I was a B757 FO, and my in laws used to ask me "when are you going to be a commercial pilot?" Guess only the guy in the left seat knows how...:}

[azlee_19]

whoah, seriously, u dont know a cargo pilot IS a commercial pilot?

any pilot who flies an a/c for revenue is a commercial pilot even if u fly a caravan:rolleyes:

[jimmygill]

any pilot who flies an a/c for revenue is a commercial

"Compensation" would be a better word.

[rohanrdatta]

okkkkk..... !! My bad.... I know wat a commercial pilot is... Wat i meant was which one would be better ??????? Flying for Cargo... or Passengers... Still haven't found any replies on that... So all you who cared to find my mistake with writing COMMERCIAL... can now enlighten me which is better if they can understand now what was the thread about ?????????????

[152wiseguy]

Welcome to pprune Rohan. Next time have a dictionary and thesaurus ready before writing anything and do remember to have everything proof read by a professional before posting it up :} :} :} :ugh: :ugh: :ugh: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

As for the question, I think passenger ops suit me better as most of the flying is during the day and there is usually a nice young lady that brings me coffee during the quiet stages of the flight.

Either way I recommend you to take the first job you are offered. Once you have some experience you can be more picky. :ok:

[maniww]

Hello! I`m searching a Job as Pilot(FAA) in Europe.
Knows anyone a company that hiring FAA pilots?

Thank`s for all comments!!:ok:

[Patty747400]

rohanrdatta

You don't choose one or another. You choose a job depending on the location, pay, days off etc. If it is Cargo or pax... well who gives a f---k!

If you have a long career (which I hope) you might spend years in both cargo and pax A/C. Some airlines have both and you might change between freight and pax within the same work pattern.

Good luck with your career!

[Jumb0driver]

OK, with the forgoing discussion you probably realize that the arguments both ways are equal. So the answer depends on your gender, age, and experience. As an old fart, I believe "Freight is great, Pax are a Pain". No late bags. No first class PAX having a last fag in the lounge. No 20 minute delay to search for that missing PAX's bag, etc.etc. But Cargo also flys mostly by night, back side of the clock, resturants closed when you arrive at the hotel, BAR CLOSED!! no hostie for that hot coffee and that warm neck rub, etc etc. and, unfortunately, lower pay (generally). So you pay your money and take your choice. But if you want glamor, try PAX

[BANANASBANANAS]

okkkkk..... !! My bad.... I know wat a commercial pilot is... Wat i meant was which one would be better ??????? Flying for Cargo... or Passengers... Still haven't found any replies on that... So all you who cared to find my mistake with writing COMMERCIAL... can now enlighten me which is better if they can understand now what was the thread about ?????????????

Since my considered reply was no help to you I have removed it. Good luck.

[rohandatta277]

I've heard that flying cargo pays u better as compared to flying for airline... don't know wats the reality...

Also if someone can tel more abt the work environment... I got the point that no coffee from a sweet hostess... but wat abt travelling... stay over in hotels.... family benefits etc....

[Mark Roland]

Commercial :D u get to say..ladies and gentlemen this is ur Captain / FO speaking :D
haha :D :ok:

[King Julian]

@ Rohan
This is the life exp. from a freighter pilot who works for blue dart.

Cargo guys life is tough..Even though the pay is almost same as that of the regular commercial guy.

Gets only 2-3 flights a week BUT they're all night flights. You must be thinking, more time for fun. WRONG! In effect your whole week is gone due to fatigue.

Monthly hours vary from 25-35 hrs. Annual is 350-400 compared to 800-900 done by the commercial guys.

So there you go. Compare it with the other stuff you know.

Hope this helps.

KJ:ok:

[PappyJ]

To become a Cargo pilot or fly for some airline !!

My first choice would be an airline. In fact I would only go to one of the BEST airlines. For example.... FedEx or CargoLux!

[latetonite]

looks like you are ready for a Pay To Fly scheme. Shop around.

[rohandatta277]

@ King Julian : Really appreciate tht u shared ur experience. Thanks a lot.

@ Late tonite : No nothing like that.. Can't afford P2F... but honestly there is influence which promises becoming a cargo pilot. And at the same time have appeared for an interview for an airline.. So was just trying to know which one would be better option !!