Do you need an ATPL to fly cargo

Question

e.g, would a fedex a330 pilot need an ATPL.

also, are cargo airlines any easier to get into.

Answer 1

There are a few good and bad answers here but the bottom line is this: it is NOT the regulations that ultimately determine the pilot qualifications, it is the INSURANCE companies who call the shots. I guarantee that the minimum requirements to get hired to fly cargo in any turbojet (and most turboprops or large recip-powered airplanes) is an ATPL, even for copilot applicants. Yes, some cargo carriers are easier to get into, but the biggies like UPS and FedEx are as hard or harder than the passenger carrying airlines to get on with. I flew checks in a Cessna 402 and the company insurance required an ATPL. I flew cargo in a Beech 1900 and my copilot was required to have an ATPL. It was the insurance requirement, not the regulations that set the standards.

Answer 2

For fedex and ups, yes, as they operate under FAA part 121 rules.  These are the same regulations that passenger airlines operate under, which require the Captain to have an ATP license.  By the time you're in a position to get hired at fedex, you'll already have an ATP as you would have gotten it when you upgraded to captain at the previous airline you worked for.

Fedex and UPS are the hardest airlines to get into, by far.  They are the most stable and highest paying jobs in the industry (in the US anyway).  If fedex announces an opening of 100 pilot positions, you can bet that they will receive 10,000 applications.  The only way to get hired at those airlines is if you have a close friend who will personally introduce you to the Chief Pilot.  A fedex pilot can only "sponsor" one candidate a year.  You also have to have several letters of recommendations from other pilots who work there.

Now, there are some real crappy cargo outfits out there that are much easier to get into, but there's a price you pay.

Answer 3

It is not required for the Captain or other crew members flying a cargo only  turboprop or piston aircraft regardless of  category for a part 135 operator.

For a part 121 carrier like fedex, operating jet aircraft an ATP is required for the P.I.C. at least.

No airline is easy to get into but many pilots start their careers in cargo operations and indeed many fly cargo for their entire career.

Answer 4

Yes, to fly for FedEx you would need your ATP.

Cargo operates under nearly identical rules to passenger flying.  Large cargo operations are flown under Part 121 for the FARs, just like passenger flights.

There are smaller aircraft that can be operated without the ATP and only a Commercial would be required.  Those operations are conducted under Part 135.

Answer 5

Yes, the only time you do not need a ATP is flying for a part 135 carrier, as an FO in any large aircraft.

Answer 6

An ATP IS required for Part 135PIC in passenger-carrying jets. The people on YA who keep saying that an ATP is not required for any Part 135 are incorrect---it is not required for some 135 ops. It is required for PIC in Part 135 passenger-carrying jet ops and in other 135 ops not pertinent to your cargo question.

ATP for Part 135 passenger-carrying jet PIC=135.241(a)(1). Other Part 135 ATP requirements=135.241(a), (1),(2).

As for 135 cargo, apparently not.

121 cargo: yes, you'll need an ATP to get hired and the better 121 cargo carriers are among the most desirable of all 121 operations.

Answer 7

Actually, an ATPL (Airline Transport Pilots Lisence) or ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) is the hardest and highest rank of flying to get. I'm not sure about the cargo airliners like FedEx, DHL, or UPS though. Sorry. I hope the other part help though!