Part 135 Cargo Pilot Jobs: Requirements, Pay, and How to Get Hired
Last updated July 3, 2026
Part 135 cargo pilot jobs are one of the best ways for low-time commercial pilots to gain structured, real-world flying experience while building hours toward 1,500. You fly freight on scheduled or on-demand routes — often single-pilot IFR, at night, and cross-country — the kind of flying that builds serious commercial skills. Here's what Part 135 cargo pilot requirements typically look like, what the pay can be, and how to get hired.
Quick requirements snapshot
- Certificate
- Commercial Pilot Certificate
- Ratings
- Instrument rating commonly required; multi-engine rating often required for multi-engine cargo roles
- Typical total time
- Often 500–1,200+ hours, varies by operator and SIC/PIC role
- Common aircraft
- Cessna Caravan, Piper Navajo, Beechcraft Baron, King Air, light twins, single-engine cargo aircraft
- Medical
- Second-class FAA medical (commonly required)
- Best for
- Pilots who want structured commercial experience, IFR and night flying, and a path toward cargo, charter, or turbine roles
Typical ranges only — requirements vary by operator, aircraft, and insurance.
What part 135 cargo pilot jobs actually are
Part 135 cargo pilot jobs involve flying freight — packages, checks, auto parts, medical supplies — on scheduled or on-demand routes under FAA Part 135 rules. Much of it is single-pilot IFR, flown early mornings, late nights, and in real weather, which makes it demanding but excellent experience.
Because you're flying professionally on a schedule, cargo operations expose you to dispatch, IFR procedures, and consistent cross-country flying. It's some of the most respected time-building experience a low-time pilot can get, and a common stepping stone toward charter, regional, and turbine flying.
Typical requirements
Baseline FAA certification aside, exact minimums vary by operator. Here's what these roles commonly ask for.
Certificate requirements
Part 135 cargo pilot jobs require at least a Commercial Pilot Certificate. Second-in-command (SIC) roles can start lower, while pilot-in-command (PIC) roles under Part 135 carry higher experience and checkride requirements.
Ratings
An instrument rating is commonly required, since cargo flying is heavily IFR. A multi-engine rating is often required for multi-engine cargo aircraft like the Navajo, Baron, or King Air.
Flight hour expectations
Typical total time runs from around 500 to 1,200+ hours depending on the operator, aircraft, insurance, and whether you're hired as SIC or PIC. Part 135 PIC minimums are set by regulation and are higher than SIC.
Aircraft experience
Common aircraft include the Cessna Caravan, Piper Navajo, Beechcraft Baron, King Air, and other light twins and single-engine cargo types. Time in type and multi-engine time strengthen your application.
Schedule and travel expectations
Cargo routes often run overnight or in the early morning, and may involve overnights away from base. The steady schedule builds hours reliably, but expect nontraditional hours.
Other employer preferences
Operators value solid IFR proficiency, a clean record, reliability, and good single-pilot judgment. Depending on aircraft, insurance, and operator requirements, minimums vary.
Examples of Part 135 Cargo Pilot Jobs FlyTo1500 Tracks
Below are examples of the kind of part 135 cargo pilot jobs FlyTo1500 helps pilots discover. Exact requirements vary by employer, aircraft, insurance minimums, and location.
Part 135 Cargo SIC
Cessna Caravan
500+ hrs · CPL · IFR
Cargo First Officer
King Air
750+ hrs · CPL · IFR · multi-engine preferred
Part 135 Cargo Pilot
Piper Navajo
1,000+ hrs · CPL · IFR · multi-engine
Example roles shown for illustration. FlyTo1500 tracks real, live openings inside the member job board.
What you may be missing
Common gaps between a low-time logbook and these roles. Closing even one or two can open more openings.
- Need an instrument rating for IFR cargo operations
- Need multi-engine time for twin cargo aircraft
- Need more total time to meet Part 135 PIC minimums
- Need strong single-pilot IFR proficiency
- Need night and cross-country experience
- Need flexibility for early-morning or overnight schedules
How this job helps build hours
Part 135 cargo pilot jobs build flight hours quickly and with high quality — steady routes mean consistent time, and the IFR, night, and cross-country hours you log are exactly what regionals and charter operators want to see. That makes cargo one of the strongest hour-building pilot jobs for a low-time commercial pilot.
As you build time toward 1,500 and beyond, cargo experience opens doors to multi-engine, turbine, and PIC roles, giving you a clear path forward among commercial pilot jobs.
How to improve your chances
- Keep your logbook current and highlight IFR and night time
- Earn your multi-engine rating to reach twin cargo aircraft
- Emphasize single-pilot IFR proficiency and reliability
- Be flexible on schedule, including early mornings and overnights
- Highlight cross-country and any time in type
- Set up job alerts and check new openings often
- Apply to multiple operators and follow up
Related pilot job paths
Explore other low-time pilot jobs and how they compare for building hours toward 1,500.
Cessna Caravan Pilot Jobs
Pilots seeking single-engine turbine experience in cargo, skydive, charter, commuter, or utility operations
King Air Pilot Jobs
Pilots seeking multi-engine turbine time in charter, cargo, medevac, or corporate operations
PC-12 Pilot Jobs
Pilots working toward turbine, charter, medevac, corporate, or Part 135 experience
Flight Instructor Jobs
Pilots who want the most common structured path to build toward 1,500 hours
Sources & official references
The requirements here summarize FAA regulations and typical operator practices. Rules change and vary by operation — always confirm current requirements with the FAA and the specific employer.
Frequently asked questions
How many flight hours do you need for Part 135 cargo pilot jobs?+
It varies by operator and role. Second-in-command Part 135 cargo positions can start around 500 hours, while pilot-in-command roles carry higher, regulation-based minimums and often want 1,200+ hours. Requirements depend on the aircraft, insurance, and operator.
Do Part 135 cargo pilots need an instrument rating?+
Yes, in nearly all cases. Cargo flying is heavily IFR and often single-pilot, so an instrument rating is commonly required and strong instrument proficiency is expected. Multi-engine cargo roles also require a multi-engine rating.
How much do Part 135 cargo pilots make?+
Part 135 cargo pilot pay varies widely by operator, aircraft, and whether you fly SIC or PIC. Entry single-engine roles typically pay less than multi-engine or turbine PIC positions. Because ranges shift often, check current listings on FlyTo1500 for real figures.
Do cargo pilot jobs help you build flight hours?+
Yes. Part 135 cargo is one of the most effective hour-building pilot jobs, adding consistent IFR, night, and cross-country time toward 1,500 — exactly the experience that helps you move on to charter, regional, and turbine flying.
Want to know which jobs you actually qualify for?
FlyTo1500 helps you compare low-time pilot jobs based on your hours, certificates, ratings, and job goals — so you can focus on openings that actually match your logbook.
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