MercuryBirdman

Does anyone know if there is a need or market to fly light cargo, like documents and other such light cargo? For example I remember hearing about pilots flying checks around. I know this doesn't need to be done anymore. I think, but just using that as an example. Also, what FAR would that fall under if there was such a market. Seems like it could be Part 91. Could it be profitable enough to pay for the cost of owning/operating a light ASEL plane like a Piper/Cessna? Anybody with knowledge or experience in this, please share.

Ewfflyer

It would be part 135 all the way

Diesel450

It could only be part 91 if you are hauling your own (or the companies) materials. If its for hire its 135. There are operators using 310's, 402's for smaller freight. We've carried one 12x8x8 box in a lear before. And usually its just a few boxes that would fit in a 172, but its all about speed.

MercuryBirdman

Thanks for the input. I'm guessing not much of a need for only light cargo in that case.

MercuryBirdman

Thank you for the info. That helps my decision.

Ewfflyer

The OP was asking if there is a market for it, hence the assumption they are wanting to do it for hire.

I used to fly 135 in C310’s doing this exact thing, we'd haul everything from cancelled checks to airline parts/mechanics. Literally had a 5lb box of rubber grommets for Honda one time.

I would assume there is still demand for such flights, but starting a new 135 cert, getting the your name out there, are just a few of the many challenges

Std Deviation

Is that the true intent - to help pay for the cost of aircraft ownership? That was specified in the post. If so, profitability is not a concern. In that case, why not buy the twin and lease to an operation that already has a 135?

Ewfflyer

I think the saying goes....

"You know how to make a small fortune in aviation right?.......start with a large one"

Natca

Yes it is being done. It might work but your loads are going to be very miche and low margin. There are many operators flying a 310 ad e110 around that will low ball you are fly it faster. Most air cargo is time sesitive these days. If it is not central commuter or spmeone else is flying it.

BizPilot

Well FDX gets $27,000,000,000.00 a year from their express operation. (they need to spread their wealth around)

They are rated #5 top airline by revenue according to the latest AIRLINE BUSINESS magazine.

Of course they run a whole nationwide network would be hard to duplicate. The previous poster is correct that a niche market is needed.

FAX machines,PDF’s, email, cloud computing have eliminated much of the need to fly documents around. But small machine parts, a 1% golf clubs or pooch still has to go by air. Some architectural drawings are huge and need to be transported by air along with signed contracts. Another thing to look at is spanning a geographical boundary. So flying furniture generators, etc to an island 30 miles off the coast maybe a good niche.

If you use a single-engine aircraft for cargo you can go IFR and overwater. You cannot carry paxs for those stated conditions under Part 135.

Try going on FDX website and get some free quotes. You will see some pricing anomalies. It looks like packages going less than 250 miles are subsidizing the long-haul business. Ex. $80 to move 20 lbs 250 miles and $110 to move 2300 miles. I think if you stick to a 250 radius and have customers you can make money at $4 a lbs. If you have two airplanes they can meet halfway and you can serve a market 500 miles apart.

Perhaps you can start out as ad hoc and just charge by the flight hour. If you are running scheduled flight without enough customers you can burn through a lot cash in a month.