How to become A Cargo Pilot

• Freight Pilot 
• Captain 
• Airline Transport Pilot 
• Payload Pilot 
• Aviator 
• Commander

What do Cargo Pilots do?

A Cargo Pilot would typically need to:

• Perform pre-flight, inflight and post-flight tasks to ensure crew and aircraft safety and the safe, timely and efficient transportation of cargo worldwide
• Strategise flight schedules depending upon the weather, traffic control, and aircraft safety 
• Inspect aircraft systems, fuel, and other internal & external factors before flying
• Ensure that the aircraft is legally worthy, meets performance requirements and conforms to its mandatory weight and balance limits
• Secure and unsecure the aircraft on takeoff and landing respectively; load and unload the aircraft as needed; de-ice the plane if required 
• Complete checklists; ensure that flight documents and other paperwork are in order 
• Report issues to the captain, crew and maintenance teams
• Fly the cargo plane solo, or in tandem with the co-pilot or pilot-in-command, while continuously monitoring aircraft systems & performance and weather
• Communicate with air traffic control and cargo companies at airports and within the airspace system via radios, computers and satellites 
• Manage any contingencies or emergencies that may arise
• Conduct post-flight and shutdown checks and safety reviews; update aircraft logbook regarding maintenance issues and cargo status
• File regulatory documents and complete country immigration and customs formalities at port of entry
• Accomplish successful transportation of the cargo on board and report the same to higher management
• Stay well-versed and comply with company policies and procedures and relevant government regulations
• Maintain physical fitness to match medical assessment standards, including appropriate blood pressure, correctable eyesight at 20/20, and good hearing
• Attend training sessions and stay current with the latest technology and advancements in aircraft, equipment and navigational systems

Cargo Pilots typically work in the cockpits of planes which may be old piston aeroplanes or technologically advanced jumbo jets. They may also work indoors at airports or outdoors when required to load or unload cargo. They are likely to encounter uncomfortable sounds and noise levels, varying lighting conditions, and extreme weather. When working underneath a plane to carry out inspection or maintenance, they must deal with cramped workplaces. They may fly in close proximity to their copilot within the cockpit unless it is a solo flight.

Cargo Pilots may wear a uniform and safety gear. Their work naturally entails extensive travels, which means living out of your suitcase for weeks at a stretch. 

Most Cargo Pilots follow a planned schedule, although their working week may not be regular. Their working period may stretch from 10 to 14 days, crossing several international time zones. It typically includes nights, holidays and weekends, and Cargo Pilots may chalk up 75 to 100 flying hours a month, abiding by aviation regulations. However, keep in mind that unplanned trips and journeys are also highly likely. Some agencies and posts allow Cargo Pilots to choose when and where to take up more or less work/hours.

In general, you would fly to your destination, adhering to the prescribed limits of flight time, then spend a day or two in a hotel, and repeat the cycle as required during the trip to the destination and back. Between trips, you would spend time at home caring for your wellbeing and preparing for the next assignment.

Cargo Pilots are required to arrive a few hours before take-off to complete paperwork and other formalities and inspect their aircraft. They must also put in some time for the logistics and paperwork post landing. 

Cargo Pilots usually find employment in regional or international airlines or cargo delivery companies. The ideal way to get employed would be to begin at the base level post obtaining all the necessary licenses and medical certificates. One can proceed through referrals, online hiring agencies and job searches, attending job fairs, or directly contacting the company. 

Cargo Pilots are generally employed by:

• Cargo Companies
• Freight Airlines 
• Private Airlines
• Flying Schools 
• The Armed Forces
• Scheduled Airlines

Professional associations and organisations, such as the Independent Pilots Association and the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA), are crucial for Cargo Pilots interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• The need to meticulously check cargo lists and storage to ensure compliance with transportation safety guidelines
• The chances of there being dangerous cargo on board
• Exposure to jet fuel and other contaminants
• Impact on health due to long hours and jet lag 
• Making significant and difficult decisions independently that impact the safety of crew and cargo
• The risk of fatigue having an impact on decision-making while in flight
• Keeping pace with the speed of hi-tech equipment
• Repetitious activities, such as operating aircraft controls
• Meeting daily deadlines in a fairly stressful environment
• Difficulty dealing with unplanned and spontaneous schedules
• The need to adapt to frequent night-time flights 
• The need to fend for yourselves on board for food and drinks as you may fly solo or with just one more colleague
• Staying away from family and loved ones while flying for days at a stretch
• The need to be educated to fall back onto something as cargo pilotng is not always a constant career pathway

Once trained in civil or military aviation, an aspiring Cargo Pilot must fulfil the minimum flight time experience requirements to be eligible for the airline transport pilot credentials. You can gain several rankings and transferable skills with prior work in the armed forces and perhaps even skip a few entry-level positions. Some airlines and companies offer periodic internships, which may be beneficial. You could also apply for an apprenticeship, which may come with courses and training sessions.

Depending on your location's medical and minimum age requirements, you may start gathering experience by enrolling in flying lessons as early as high school. Typically, you may receive a private license for solo non-commercial flights on different types of aircraft, which will help you gain flying experience.  

With a commercial pilot license, you can chalk up flying hours and experience in various ways to earn your Air Transport Pilot license and land a job. You may tow banners and gliders, fly skydivers, scenic tours and aerial photographers, get an airport job, wait around at an airport for a chance to accompany private pilots, aircraft owners or flight instructors on preflights or as second-in-command or safety pilots, or share flight time at a flight school. Working as a certified flight instructor also builds your experience and flying hours.

One of the most critical quantifying aspects of experience to focus on is clocking the minimum number of flying hours required for different levels of certification, ranking or licensing. In particular, a Cargo Pilot must chalk up enough flying experience to acquire the Airline Transport Pilot badge. Employers recognise your flying hours when considering you for a job. 

You will need at least a high school diploma to earn the commercial pilot license that leads you to an airline transport pilot license, which is mandatory to work as a Cargo Pilot. However, large cargo operators may prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in aviation-related or other fields.

Various pathways and programs, mainly civilian and military, help you build necessary technical knowledge and training. Select one that is appropriate to your goals as an aspiring aviator.

One of these ways is to enrol in air transport or aviation programs at university that offer training with approved organisations to help you earn flying hours and a commercial pilot’s license. A university course may also lead to a “frozen” air transport pilot’s license that qualifies you to work as a co-pilot with airlines. Then you may build up further flight hours that earn you a full-fledged air transport pilot license necessary to become a Cargo Pilot.

Several prominent airlines also offer training courses which lead you to earn the relevant license. You may also enrol with a private flying school to get your commercial pilot's licence through18-month integrated programs or longer-lasting part-time or modular courses.

Essentially, whichever route you take, ground school builds the intensive knowledge you need at different levels of licensing to ensure that you can operate an aircraft safely. Flight school helps you chalk up the practical skills and flying hours mandatory to qualify as a Cargo Pilot.

Take high school courses in the sciences, mathematics, ICT, and English to prepare for a pilot’s career.

Depending on your location, in addition to fulfilling the prescribed age and medical requirements, you may qualify to work as a Cargo Pilot by acquiring the mandatory certification and licenses issued by national aviation authorities. Typically, each license has sub-categories known as ratings. Earning a commercial pilot license followed by an airline transport pilot certification or license is essential for a Cargo Pilot. Keep in mind that medical assessments will take place periodically throughout your career.

In specific locations, you may start with a student pilot certificate, go on to earn a private pilot license (PPL), instrument rating (IR), a commercial pilot license (CPL), multi-engine rating (MEP), and finally, earn the airline transport pilot (ATP) certification. Candidates must pass the relevant knowledge tests at each stage and fulfil the necessary flying hours for each level. A flight instructor certification is helpful as Cargo Pilots may begin their career working as instructors. These qualifications are expensive to earn, and funding may be available depending on your financial status.

In other locations, you would typically graduate from flying school after earning a commercial pilot license and instrument rating (IR). These steps qualify you for a “frozen” airline transport pilot license (ATPL), with which you may apply to become a first officer or co-pilot. Completing 1500 flying hours would 'unfreeze' your ATPL and allow you to apply for the role of captain on cargo flights. You must also pass tests of theoretical knowledge of air law, operation procedures and radio navigation, and practical skill tests to earn your license.

Typically, you would work your way through several positions before you can pilot large cargo jets. Starting in entry-level roles, you would build adequate experience to earn your airline transport pilot rating and become a qualified Cargo Pilot. 

After flying numerous transport-category aircraft, a Cargo Pilot can follow the work trajectory by obtaining titles such as Standard Checks Airman and Instructor Pilot. 

With more extensive flying experience, a Cargo Pilot may rise to become a Co-Pilot or Captain. Your pay would depend on various factors, such as your work experience and flying hours.

You may move to a different or larger company but keep in mind that you may need to start afresh with probationary pay and benefits, despite your experience. You may also fly skydivers, conduct pipeline patrol, tow banners or fly cargo as a single pilot.

Candidates with suitable knowledge, prescribed flying hours, and the requisite licenses and certification have the best job prospects when applying for entry-level jobs with regional airlines. Military experience and extensive training would qualify a Cargo Pilot to fly for major and renowned national and international cargo operators.

Most reputed companies begin with providing extensive on-the-job training, safety seminars, discussions, and interactions either for the first few weeks to familiarise you with the logistics and functions or continue to keep you up to date with them. 

Owing to the constant advancement and growth in the field, it certainly helps to stay on top of the game by reading, interacting with colleagues and seniors, and looking for new opportunities and qualifications to add to your profile. You may look for colleges, communities, or institutions that offer courses and certificates, either in-person or online.

You may also take classes in the latest navigational and computer technology used on aeroplanes. Refresher courses in health & safety, aircraft maintenance and related areas will help you do your job more efficiently and carefully.

Cargo vs Passenger Airline Pilots

While both are commercial pilots with similar knowledge, skills, training, and licensing & medical requirements, a major point of difference is that Cargo Pilots carry only cargo in the form of mail, packages or boxes from one place to another while passenger airline pilots transport people between locations.

The flights that Cargo Pilots undertake may cover domestic or international areas, the trips may last from a single day up to two weeks, and they may fly all night or all day long. Cargo Pilots usually work for a few days and then take a few days off to recover.

The aircraft that Cargo Pilots and passenger airline pilots use are similar. However, passenger aircraft are often repurposed for use as cargo planes. The specific aircraft Cargo Pilots fly would depend on their employing company, the cargo load, and the distance to the destination. Generally speaking, Cargo Pilots can fly several aircraft types while passenger pilots specialise in one. Cargo Pilots may also clean and maintain the aircraft they are assigned to fly.

Aviation authorities limit flying hours for both types of pilots, typically to 30 a week or
100 a month. While both categories of pilots fulfil pre-flight and post-flight duties,
passenger airline pilots have greater interaction with crew members and passengers than Cargo Pilots.

Airbus is looking to begin single-pilot operations for their A350 Freighter for the first time, which will make it the second-largest twin-engine cargo plane to fly across the sky. 

As a Cargo Pilot, you truly reach for the moon and the stars. Little more can make you feel as confident and courageous as when carrying important goods across the world well past midnight. Working in a highly stable and lucrative flying role, a Cargo Pilot requires immense knowledge and training to bag the job and perform it successfully.

Keep your eyes and mind wide open and make sure that you take in as much knowledge and experience as you can. Be accountable, responsible, and on time. Be alert to the possibility of emergencies and troubles, and act as a Captain to solve them all.