Get a Load of This!

I’m not sure if there’s a typical day for any pilot, let alone cargo. But over the past couple of years, I’ve racked up enough material to expound on the lifestyle of a freight dawg! Perhaps at some point I’ll delve into the specifics of our plane and operation for you nerds, but for now I’ll keep it light and general.  

The basics:

·      It’s roughly two weeks on, two weeks off

·      We operate almost everywhere, but I try to stay in Anchorage or Asia

·      Don’t ask me what’s in the back; I usually don’t know

·      I thoroughly enjoy the adventure

Exploring these brief sections, I’ll highlight the best (and worst) parts of this gig. I’ve been in the game for a decade and seen many sides of this industry— so far, this is the most fun I’ve ever had flying!

The Schedule:

Even before this, I have always loved to work hard and play hard. I like big chunks of time off (who doesn’t!), but the two week on, two week off schedule allows me to fully relax on my off days. And it’s even better when I can combine it with vacation to maximize my time to myself. If I’ve learned anything about the airline industry, it’s that time is precious. We don’t get to leave the office early or pull over to the side of the road to make a quick phone call; when we’re gone, we’re gone— sometimes even states or continents away. Parts of that are glamorous, but the complete removal from your environment of friends and family (and your OWN bed!) is stark. 

Sometimes, I sit on call (reserve) in the hotel, but other times I’m flying my ass off. It just truly depends on the line I’ve been awarded and how busy we are. Of course, our “peak” is wintertime flying, starting in October and extending into January. And it’s not just Christmastime goods that need to get where they’re going!

In practicality, it’s 16 on, 12 off, with travel days included on either side. Usually, by day 10 on the road, I’m over it— either I’m tired from jet lag or just bored from being in hotels. And by day 12, I’m REALLY over it. 

But the time off? It’s worth that frustration. I actually get to unpack my suitcase, unlike jobs I’ve had before where I’ve kept the bag out and ready. Part of my coming-home routine is to throw my dirty clothes in the hamper and put my carryon in the closet. It’s a ritual that I have come to love, and it notes the delineation of work and play.

The Routes:

We’re authorized to operate damn near everywhere, though the destinations can seem rather monotonous. I spend the majority of my time in Anchorage, Alaska or China. The Pacific theater is my favorite, because things seem to operate more smoothly— though that’s not always the case in this gig! Our planes get loaded in Greensville-Spartanburg or Rockford, and they make a pit stop in Anchorage. Fuel stop, crew swap, and the bird is back in the air, venturing on to various places in China. Right now, our customer has us in Hangzhou or Shenyang; I’ve been known to take a jaunt to Shanghai’s Pearl Market to get fabulous deals on look-alike products. Fucci and Frauda wallets are my particular favorites, though you can find almost anything here. China isn’t as bad as the media makes it out to be, though there are cameras everywhere. And Anchorage? I love that rough and tumble down— it’s a confluence of the oil workers from the North Slope, cargo pilots, Natives, and townies, making up a unique and diverse populace that, quite frankly, doesn’t give a damn what you are. Just be you.

Alternately, we have an extensive Caribbean network, serving as some island’s only major cargo service to the US and beyond. And we assist in the yearly flower lift from Bogotá, Colombia— a tricky, high-altitude airport with surrounding terrain! We also have contracts with the DoD to undisclosed locations, and last year I helped out with a charter to eastern Europe. Needless to say, we do it all, from short hops to long haul. 

Even though it’s hard on the body, I prefer to point the ship toward another continent and land seven to 10 hours later— the constant up and down in the middle of the night isn’t my jam. Some pilots like that, though, because they get to be home more often. 

Whether I’m getting the most authentic Belgian chocolates in Brussels or the least authentic Hermes scarf in China, it’s a hoot to be everywhere all at once.

The Freight: 

As our saying goes, “If it fits, it flies.” We take anything and everything, from chickens to mail to pharmaceuticals to car parts. 90% of the time, I don’t look. Not because I’m not interested, but because I don’t have the time or wherewithal to care; we have to launch on time just like any other airline. The only instances in which I *do* care what’s behind me is if it can kill me— in which case, I receive a NOTOC, or Notice to the Captain, that tells me something hazardous is on board. 

The Adventure:

 Cargo is just as dynamic as passenger service. The routes change, the weather changes, the freight can be delayed. And all of this adds up to a constant coming and going— which can be exciting! Generally speaking, we stay in decent hotels abroad, which lends to my bougie nature. And a provision in our contract says that we must be in Business class on international segments. Y’all know I love #PodLife! 

I fluctuate on my activity level, depending on how tired I am. My approach to travel is that I don’t have to see it all— but rather, I need to be present in every moment. Sometimes that means I’m out and about, exploring whatever city (like Panamá and her canal, which I’ll dedicate an entire post at some point). Sometimes that means I need “me time” in the hotel to sleep and recover. Think about your daily life: when you get off work, you might hit up a bar with friends, or you might go straight home. I’m the same way, just in a different location every time!

I must admit something vulnerable: I get lonely on the road. It’s a side effect of travel, and I rely heavily on my phone and social media to stay connected to friends and family. I truly enjoy the here and the there and the sometimes ridiculosity of how great this life on the go can seem— but it’s a bit jarring to be continents and time zones away. It makes it difficult to start or progress a relationship when I’m physically not there. I yearn for the day to come home to a man and a dog, perhaps both wiggling with as much excitement as I have to see them. My mantra over the past few years has been “House, Husband, Dog” in that order, and I’ve got one of those things down! 

Sometimes I still get a little choked up about this job. How bizarre is it that we put whatever in the back of this big plane, yeet it at the sky, and persuade it back to the earth again? I’ll find myself staring out the window, thinking that mere inches from me is rarified, unbreathable, and bitingly cold air— yet I’m fat and happy to be there. 

I’m not sure if this is the final stop in my career, but it’s a great place to be for right now. That might not compute for perhaps more gung-ho aviators who are focused on money and seniority. I trust that my journey will take me to the right places, that all the no’s and Thanks But No Thanks I’ve received will culminate in many valuable stories, experiences, and people along the way.

But now if you’ll excuse me, I’m due for a flea bath as a bonafide Freight Dawg.