Advice needed: Cargo or Pax ?

[Sir_Fly-a-Lot]

Hello Chaps,
I would really like some advice on the subject what job to take. I am currently flying as a captain on a wide-body cargo jet. Now I've been offered two jobs at the same time. One also as a captain on the same type, flying cargo with excellent conditions and salary, but again only night flying. The other as a F/O on 737NG, flying tourists to holiday destinations. The latter offering lesser conditions and pay. Also, upgrading will take at least 3 to 4 years, as they give no credit for time served.

As this may be my last chance to get out of cargo, I find this a difficult decision to make, so any sound advice or tips would be most welcome !

Thanks, SF.

[Boss Raptor]

I would say your current and desired personal lifestyle should dictate your choice...I believe pax or cargo is all the same (if anything IT pax. is worse...)



[This message has been edited by Boss Raptor (edited 01 February 2001).]

[Engineer]

The nice thing about cargo is no complaints when you are late http://www.pprune.org/ubb/NonCGI/cool.gif http://www.pprune.org/ubb/NonCGI/cool.gif http://www.pprune.org/ubb/NonCGI/cool.gif

[static]

The good thing about PAX: there`s cabin crew :).
The bad thing about PAX: there`s cabin crew http://www.pprune.org/ubb/NonCGI/frown.gif

[fly4fud]

Tough one! (probably the reason you're looking for opinions?)

Ask yourself following:
- do I like flying long-haul?
- do I like flying at nite?
- would I enjoy the challenge and rewards of flying pax?
- would I enjoy working in a bigger team comprising a CC?

Personally I would not like to fly only long-haul nor only at nite. Both are detrimental to your health, and having experienced both, found'em boring as well. Pax (tourists are even better, they are happy, interested and less demanding :) )add the interesting aspect of having to deal with human (ok, not all of them...) beings.

The biggest rewards in all my flying must surely be wide eyed, air gasping, junior visitors on the flight deck. Or half the pax coming to thank us after a smooth landing following some rough wx approach (ok, I know, they are really just relieved to be back on the planet ;) ).

As for the cabin crew, I can see mainly advantages. During night-stops you get to know and appreciate them. Lots of them are students just eager to earn money to continue their education. Some are housewifes. As in all sectors of life, most of them are friendly and you would have plenty of fun :)

Let us know your choices and good luck!

------------------
... cut my wings and I'll die ...

[international bog trotter]

You have gotta be joking, engineer!

As a freight dog myself I would get out if poss, but as I am in my early thirtys I can pick my moment to go; In your situation it's more tricky; depends how much you need the money I guess.

[411A]

A very old friend and experienced pilot (Captain for over 35 years) mentioned that one should NEVER move voluntarily from the left seat to the righthand seat on a transport aircraft, period. I have never done so and I absolutely think he was RIGHT.