An Eagle’s Path to a Flight Career

Seamus Hunter Lyons Correspondent

Harrison Simmons works for the cargo airline Freight Runners Express, and is a captain on the Beechcraft 99. I met Simmons during my first semester at EmbryRiddle. He has taken a unique path after obtaining his instrument and commercial license at Embry-Riddle and leaving Daytona Beach. I sat down for an interview with him to unpack the aspects of this unique operation fascinating.

The Avion (TA): How did you enjoy your time at Embry-Riddle?

Harrison Simmons (HS): I made some great connections at Embry-Riddle and enjoyed my time there. I worked hard and got my instrument and commercial done in my first year and after that I decided that Worldwide was a better option for my situation. It was shortly after this decision that I started flying for Freight Runners.

TA: What are some pros and cons of working for Freight Runners?

HS: Small companies are nice because you know everyone and every airplane. The pay is extremely competitive for a Part 135 cargo operation, and they are very welcoming of young pilots that do not meet the age minimum for both the restricted and full ATP. For Part 135, a full ATP is only required for passenger operations in large (transport category) turboprops, so it’s not unheard of for us to have 20 year old captains here.

TA: How do you like captaining the Beechcraft 99?

HS: The 99 is a fun airplane, very easy to fly and ours have arguably the best avionics in the industry. I’m fortunate I did my multi engine add-on in a Piper Seneca, so I was used to not having FADEC, which isn’t included on beechcraft turboprops like the King Airs or 99s.

TA: Was it tough adjusting to the lifestyle?

HS: The toughest adjustment I noticed was trying to adapt my sleep schedule to whatever trip I’m on. For example, one morning I could be working a short 45 minute UPS route at 7 am, and then that night at midnight, I would be working an on demand charter trip until 7 am the next day. While it can be a challenge at first, after a bit of time it becomes pretty easy.

TA: What does a typical flight look like for you?

HS: At Freight Runners, we have a diverse operation - the Beechcraft 99s fly UPS feeder routes, as well as ondemand charters quite regularly. Every night, we also fly lab tests across the country where we fly well over 1000 miles per night.

That being said, there is no typical flight, which I find makes flying here quite interesting. I’ve flown as far south as Alabama nonstop, and covered most of the east coast in a 99, all while operating out of the Midwest.

In addition to the Beechcraft 99s, Freight Runners is one of the largest operators of both the Embraer 120 and SAAB 2000. These are used for cargo and passenger charters across the US, Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean.

TA: What is next for you?

HS: I’ve been offered a training date this year to be a captain on the Embraer 120 here at Freight Runners. I’m planning on staying to fly the Embraer for the foreseeable future.

I don’t meet the age minimum for an ATP or Restricted ATP, so it is a great opportunity for a young pilot like me to get ahead.