What Is a Cargo Pilot?

A Cargo Pilot is a professional aviator who transports freight, parcels, medical supplies, industrial goods, and high-value shipments using specialized cargo aircraft under Part 121 or Part 135 operations. Unlike passenger airlines, cargo pilots fly aircraft that are optimized for payload efficiency, long-range operations, and 24/7 global logistics.

Cargo pilots work for major carriers like FedEx, UPS, DHL, Amazon Air, as well as smaller cargo companies, regional feeders, and overnight operators. They operate aircraft such as the Boeing 757/767/777, MD-11, 747-400/800F, Airbus A300F, ATR-72, C208 Caravan, Beech 99, and Embraer freighters.

Their responsibilities include:

• Reviewing dispatch releases, dangerous goods lists, and load manifests

• Ensuring proper weight & balance with cargo containers (ULDs)

• Flying nighttime or early-morning schedules

• Operating aircraft in challenging weather and remote locations

• Managing international procedures and long-haul operations

• Ensuring compliance with hazardous materials regulations

• Coordinating with ground crews, loaders, dispatchers, and customs

• Performing abnormal and emergency procedures

• Logging flight time under strict FAA standards

Cargo pilots fly highly disciplined, schedule-driven missions that keep the global economy moving.

How to Start Your Journey as a Cargo Pilot

1. Meet basic eligibility requirements

• FAA Commercial Pilot License

• Instrument Rating

• Multi-engine rating (for Part 121 cargo)

• First or Second-Class Medical

• Ability to fly night schedules and irregular hours

• Strong understanding of weather, IFR operations, and aircraft performance

2. Complete flight training and build experience

The typical path includes:

• Private Pilot License (PPL)

Learn fundamental flying skills.

• Instrument Rating (IR)

Critical for cargo pilots who fly mostly at night and in low visibility.

• Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

Qualifies you to be paid as a pilot.

• Multi-Engine Rating (ME)

Required for most turbine cargo operations.

• Time Building

Cargo pilots usually gain hours through:

• CFI (Flight Instructor)

• Skydive operations

• Scenic tour flying

• Pipeline patrol

• Aerial survey

• Part 135 charter operations

• Small cargo feeders

To fly for larger carriers, you typically need:

• 1,500 hours for ATP (or R-ATP alternatives)

3. Earn your Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate

All Part 121 cargo pilots must complete:

• ATP-CTP course

• ATP written exam

• ATP checkride

Many pilots complete their ATP through a cargo airline’s training pipeline.

4. Get hired by a cargo operator

Cargo airline pathways vary widely. Three major categories:

Part 135 (Entry-Level Cargo)

These operators use small turboprops or piston aircraft and often fly single-pilot IFR.

Examples:

• Ameriflight

• Martinaire

• Alpine Air

• Air Cargo Carriers

Aircraft:

• Cessna 208 Caravan

• Beechcraft 99

• Metroliner SA227

What you’ll do:

• Early morning/night IFR

• High workload, single-pilot operations

• Remote airports and short runways

• Weather-heavy flying (great experience)

This is a common stage before moving to larger aircraft.

Regional/Feeder Cargo Carriers

Operate turboprops feeding major hubs for FedEx, UPS, etc.

Examples:

• Empire Airlines

• Mountain Air Cargo

• Wiggins Airways

Aircraft:

• ATR-42/72

• Cessna 408 SkyCourier

• Caravan (higher levels)

What you’ll do:

• More structured schedules

• Multi-crew environments

• Short-haul routes and multiple legs daily

Major Cargo Airlines (Top Tier)

The pinnacle cargo jobs with global reach.

Examples:

• FedEx Express

• UPS Airlines

• DHL Aviation

• Atlas Air

• ABX Air

Aircraft:

• Boeing 757/767/777

• Airbus A300F

• MD-11

• Boeing 747-400 / 747-8F

What you’ll do:

• Long-range and international operations

• Oceanic procedures and ETOPS

• Polar routes, extended diversions

• Multi-day pairings and global layovers

• High levels of automation and systems management

These airlines offer top salaries in aviation, excellent benefits, and strong retirement plans.

Career Pathways Within Cargo Aviation

Feeder / Turboprop Cargo Pilot

A common entry-level position.

Responsibilities include:

• Flying in remote or rural areas

• Operating in winter weather and low visibility

• Handling package and weight/fuel decisions independently

• Learning strong instrument skills

Narrowbody Cargo Pilot (B757 / A300 / B737 freighter)

Pilots mid-size cargo jets on domestic and regional routes.

Responsibilities include:

• Managing multiple legs in a single duty period

• Running high-efficiency quick-turn operations

• Nighttime IFR and heavy terminal traffic

Widebody / Long-Haul Cargo Pilot (B747 / B767 / B777)

The most advanced cargo position.

Responsibilities include:

• Flying global overnight networks

• ETOPS and oceanic procedures

• Polar path and international flight planning

• Managing large crews and augmented rest cycles

• High automation and systems monitoring

Cargo pilots often fly to unique destinations not served by passenger airlines.

Top Schools & Training Routes for Cargo Careers

• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Strong professional pilot program with ties to FedEx Purple Runway and UPS pathways.

• University of North Dakota (UND)

Large training fleet and well-established cargo connections.

• Purdue University

Strong aviation program producing airline and cargo pilots.

• Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)

Structured flight program with strong Part 121/135 ties.

• ATP Flight School

Accelerated pathway to ATP mins and cargo operators.

• Military Pathways

Air Force / Navy transport pilots frequently transition to cargo airlines.

Tip: Many cargo pilots begin with small 135 operators before upgrading to FedEx/UPS.

Trends & Opportunities in Cargo Aviation

• Global e-commerce demand driving cargo expansion

• Amazon Air expanding fleet and hubs

• FedEx and UPS continuously recruiting new pilots

• Pilot retirements creating long-term demand

• Increased international shipping and global logistics

• Growth in converted freighter aircraft (P2F conversions)

• Cargo flight hours remain stable even during travel downturns

• Strong salaries and benefits at top cargo carriers

• More opportunities for high-time Part 135 pilots to move directly into 121 cargo jets

Final Thoughts

Cargo pilots play a vital role in the global logistics network, flying essential goods, industrial materials, and priority shipments around the world—often while most of the world is asleep. The cargo pathway is known for excellent pay, unique flying opportunities, and strong long-term career stability. For students who want a high-level flying career with global operations, advanced aircraft, and a different lifestyle than passenger airlines, the cargo route is a powerful and rewarding choice.