what's it like?

[Mike Oxbig]

How much do you guys enjoy flying cargo? What are the hours like, rostering, pay etc? Is it better to try thre big boys, Cathay Pacific, BA, DHL etc, or go small? Thanks.

[Onan the Clumsy]

I like it, but being part time, I'm not typical. My day job doesn't stretch me at all and so this lets me be someone else for a while. It's a lot of hard work, late nights and long silent sectors, but I wouldn't miss it for the world.

Course, ask me again on the day I fly and I'll probably give you a different answer. :D

[IFTB]

Can not say I would really recommend it.
I am on a short term contract with a private company.
Very long hours, lots of night flying and destinations of difficult airstrips combined with unreliable equipment.
Company support is far below that what big companies offer (as far as I can see/hear).
Salary is OK but not brilliant.
Do NOT go into contract work. You age considerably and all is on your head.
Granted that the "western world" has itself organised a bit better (I work mainly in SE Asia) but getting a job elsewhere has been near impossible for me.
Long silent sectors? You get used to that. There is always PPRuNe to cheer you up whennyou get back (that is if the phonelines work reliably) :D :D