Many of the goods we all use on a regular basis pose dangers when being transported, especially on aircraft. For example, lithium batteries, dry ice, and aerosol whipped cream are considered dangerous goods. These products seem harmless at first glance, but when transported by air they can be very dangerous. Vibrations, static electricity, temperature, and pressure variations can cause items to leak, generate toxic fumes, start a fire, or even explode if handled improperly. 

The United States Department of Transportation has a system of classifying dangerous goods based on the product’s specific chemical and physical properties. Dangerous goods are categorized into nine hazard classes that describe different types of risks. For example, Class 3 includes flammable liquids and Class 8 includes corrosive materials. It is always the responsibility of the shipper to confirm the hazard classification and correctly pack it according to federal regulation. The Department of Transportation’s Hazardous Materials Table provides additional details about specific dangerous goods.

Ameriflight is authorized to carry all classes of dangerous goods, with the exception of poison gas (Hazard Class 2.3).

The two most common materials Ameriflight carries are hazmat class 7 and 9.

What to expect when shipping hazmat with Ameriflight

Ameriflight’s Safety Department includes hazmat specialists with over 20 years of air transport experience. Here is what you can expect when you book a hazmat shipment with us:

Prior to final booking, we will work with you to ensure regulatory compliance. To that end, you will be asked to provide a copy of the intended paperwork. This document will be reviewed for accuracy and compliance by our team.

Some things we look for are:

• • Accuracy of the hazmat description
    • UN Number
    • Proper Shipping Name
    • Hazmat Class
    • Packing Group
  • Quantity of the hazmat – verifying it is within the limits
  • If an overpack is being used, confirmation that the overpack itself is marked and labeled correctly, as well as the individual packages (this is important especially if an overpacked pallet needs to be broken down and “loose” loaded)

Our flight crews are hazmat trained and certified. They are expecting your hazmat cargo and are equipped with a compliance checklist to check your shipment once it arrives. If any discrepancies are discovered, they have immediate access to our hazmat specialists who will work quickly with you to resolve the issue.

If you’re in need of transportation for your hazmat cargo, we can personally guide you through the process in order to ensure compliance. Our in-house safety team is ready and available should you have any questions in regard to following the regulations for shipping dangerous goods via aircraft.

Common errors when shipping hazmat with Ameriflight

Some of the most common paperwork errors we come across include:

• Missing certification statement
• Incorrect identification number
• Quantity of hazmat not within the prescribed limits

Helpful Hazmat Links

SafeCargo for Shippers & E-Commerce | Federal Aviation Administration (faa.gov) 

What are Dangerous Goods? | Federal Aviation Administration (faa.gov) 

DOT Hazardous Matters Newsletter 

Hazmat Table 

Now that you know all there is to know about shipping hazmat, what are you waiting for?

Book your on-demand cargo charter today!

3.27.2024

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The world of aviation brings together people from a variety of backgrounds and career experiences. Here at Ameriflight, our employees have unique and interesting stories to tell and we’re here to share them.

We’re featuring employees across our company, check it out!

Meet SAAB340 First Officer, Justin Alicea!

“I was born in Cleveland, OH but was raised in Arroyo, Puerto Rico. I’m the oldest of four siblings and my mother used to work for Continental Airlines (now United Airlines) in Catering, which came with standby privileges. My family used to get stuck in Newark, NJ often when returning from Puerto Rico which is what gave me the aviation bug. I’ve known I wanted to be a pilot from a young age. 

 Prior to becoming a pilot, I served in the US Army. During that time, I was stationed in South Korea for a year as my first duty station. Every weekend I would go to Seoul and explore; it’s on my list of favorite places I’ve traveled to. 

While in the Army, I did some research on what to do for building flight time, pilot careers, etc. After getting out of the Army, I got my CDL and drove Charter Buses while I was working on all my pilot certificates. I became a Flight Instructor at US Aviation Academy and also worked as a Survey Pilot in the Philadelphia area.  I was able to fly over many parts of the United States including the New York City area many times. 

During my pilot career research, Ameriflight came up and I knew it would be a good option and great place for me to gain the skills I needed as a pilot – Ameriflight has always been on my radar. I ended up joining the United Aviate Program and soon learned that Ameriflight was a Part 135 partner and decided to apply.

I was hired at Ameriflight in July of 2023 as a First Officer on the SAAB340. I currently fly in the Expedited Supply Chain Solutions (ESCS) Department, flying on-demand cargo throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean. My role as SAAB340 FO includes assisting the Captain on preflight and flight duties, loading and unloading the cargo, and securing the aircraft. One of my favorite things about ESCS flying is showing up to work and not knowing where the day will take me. We fly wherever the customer needs us, so every day is a new adventure.

One of my favorite memories so far as an Ameriflight pilot was my last IOE flight – we flew into Mexico making it my first international flight! I’ve enjoyed my time here at Ameriflight so far and look forward to what the future holds.”

Keep up the great work, Justin! We’re proud to have you on the Ameriflight team.

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Ameriflight’s ground handling operation has been in service for over 30 years. During that time, it has grown into an extensive department with operations at two Ameriflight bases – BUR in Burbank, CA and GEG in Spokane, WA.

Ameriflight ground handling employees play a vital role in the daily movement of cargo.

What is Ground Handling?

Simply put, ground handling refers to the wide range of services provided to an aircraft while it is on the ground and parked at the airport terminal or on the ramp.

In Ameriflight’s case, ground handlers handle cargo from both customer jets and Ameriflight aircraft. There are currently over 100 employees working out of BUR and GEG in Ameriflight’s ground handling department. They work A.M. shifts (unloading cargo from customer jets to Ameriflight aircraft) and P.M. shifts (unloading cargo from Ameriflight aircraft onto customer jets).

During Peak Season (Black Friday through Christmas), Ameriflight has a 30% increase in ground handling staff to make up for extra flights and an increase in volume during the holiday season.

History of Ameriflight’s Ground Handling Operation

The Ground Handling Process

Ameriflight ground handlers handle cargo from both customer jets and Ameriflight aircraft. Here are some of the steps in the process of loading and unloading cargo from a UPS jet.

1. During aircraft arrival, the marshaller guides the air crew to their parking location. Everyone waits until the aircraft has stopped, and engines shut down before approaching and setting up a safety perimeter with cones.

2. After the safety perimeter is set, ground handlers bring up the crew stairs to get the crew off. The crew stairs are very heavy and require multiple ground handlers to position them.

3. Cargo loaders unload and load containers from the top deck and lower decks of the aircraft. All equipment required to unload is positioned to the aircraft with the help of a guide person. The guide person serves as a second set of eyes that helps the operator from making any contact with the aircraft.

4. Containers filled with cargo are rolled off the aircraft. The base, or floor of the aircraft, has built in rollers that allow the cargo to be easily pulled to the door and onto the cargo loaders.

5. The CSP, or sort platform, is the nerve of the operation as every container must pass through this area before it is loaded into the aircraft. The sort platform is where the inbound containers are sorted into the correct trailers and where the outbound containers are weighed before going into the aircraft. It has a roller system which allows for easier movement of containers while they are being pulled.

6. After loading is complete, all equipment brought up in the arrival phase is removed and the aircraft is prepared for departure. During the pushback there are two wing walkers, one on each wing, and a tow certified operator that will tow the jet to the taxiway. 

Interested in joining our Ground Handling team?

Apply Here!

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The world of aviation brings together people from a variety of backgrounds and career experiences. Here at Ameriflight, our employees have unique and interesting stories to tell and we’re here to share them.

We’re featuring employees across our company, check it out!

Meet Shannon Wallace-Hymes, Ameriflight Benefits & Compliance Specialist

“I’m an only child and lived in Pasadena, California until middle school, when my family moved to a small town in Louisiana named Coushatta. After high school, I attended Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. I graduated with a degree in Public Relations and English Literature. I’m also the mother to a 17-year-old aspiring actor and guitarist.

Prior to Ameriflight, I worked in the medical field as an H.R. Coordinator and Billing Specialist. 

In 2017, one week after moving to Fort Worth, TX, I was hired at Ameriflight. It was a much-needed change after working in the medical field for 13 years.

As the Benefits and Compliance Specialist, I provide guidance and educate employees on their benefits. I also manage leave of absence and workers comp. One of my favorite things about this job is that I get to help every employee that works at Ameriflight. Whether they’re a pilot, mechanic, ramper, part or full time, I will be able to help them.

In my free time when I’m not working, I manage my shop on Poshmark and I create content for YouTube. I am also a self-published author and when I can, I give my opinions on TMZ.”

We apprecite all that you do at Ameriflight, Shannon!

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April 25^th, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Jamie Smith
Ameriflight, LLC
Director of Corporate Communications
jsmith@ameriflight.com | 972.426.3066 ext. 76273

DALLAS, TX – Ameriflight, the nation’s largest Part 135 Cargo airline, announces the appointment of Patrick Fluegeman as President and Chief Operating Officer.

Fluegeman will be responsible for planning and executing current and future business operation strategies. He will amplify Ameriflight’s vision as the unparalleled leader in scalable, outsourced aviation services to the regional express airfreight market.

“The board and I are confident that Patrick will be a great fit for building on Ameriflight’s momentum,” said Ameriflight Owner and Chairman Jim Martell. “He is a well-established leader with an extensive background in the aviation industry that includes a unique blend of airline operations, corporate strategy, finance, and business development. We are pleased to have him on board.”

A proven leader, Fluegeman’s vast background and successes in leading safe and reliable airline operations, as well as his strategic insight, brought him to the attention of Ameriflight. Most recently, he spent seven years with ABX Air, a cargo airline operating a fleet of Boeing 767 freighters for customers in the e-commerce and express delivery markets. He held a handful of operation leadership roles, ending his time there as Chief Operating Officer. Notably, he successfully added aircraft to their fleet, expanded their operations in Europe and South America, implemented new operating systems, and secured a new 6-year collective bargaining agreement with the ABX pilot group. Prior to his time at ABX, he held a number of finance leadership roles with the cargo airline Southern Air and with the financial services firm Deloitte.

“It’s a tremendous opportunity to join such a long-standing, industry-leading company,” said Fluegeman. “As I have gotten to know the team, it has become clear to me that Ameriflight operates with purpose and is passionate about its mission of Delivering More Than Cargo. As President, my intention is to continue Ameriflight’s vision and its commitment to building a diversified aviation services platform, by focusing on safety, first and foremost, as well as customer service, new business growth, and our people.”

About Ameriflight:

Ameriflight is the nation’s largest Part 135 cargo airline. Founded in 1968, Ameriflight has grown from a small air charter and cargo service carrier to an international operator with 11 bases, 1,500 weekly departures, and 200 scheduled destinations. The company is headquartered in Dallas, TX and has more than 500 employees including over 150 pilots and over 100 aircraft. Ameriflight provides feeder services for overnight express carriers such as UPS, FedEx, and DHL, as well as cargo charter services for customers with cargo of all shapes and sizes.

For 24/7 on-demand cargo charter quotes call 972-426-3075 or email charter@ameriflight.com. For more information, visit us at ameriflight.com, connect with us on LinkedIn, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok at @Ameriflight.

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The world of aviation brings together people from a variety of backgrounds and career experiences. Here at Ameriflight, our employees have unique and interesting stories to tell and we’re here to share them.

We’re featuring employees across our company, check it out!

Meet Ameriflight PHX Dispatcher, Bailey Wildung

University of North Dakota

“I grew up in sunny Arizona and am the youngest of four siblings. My oldest sister and I are the only two in the family that are in the aviation industry – my sister works in corporate for American Airlines and I’m a dispatcher / pilot!

I graduated from the University of North Dakota in December of 2022 with my Bachelors in Aeronautics along with all of my flight ratings from CSEL/ CMEL to CFI/CFII. While I was in school, I also worked for a third-party operator, cleaning airplanes for American Airlines.

I first heard about Ameriflight at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in 2022. I kept my eye on any PHX base openings as I was finishing college. I didn’t have the flight minimums for a First Officer or Captain position, so I decided to try dispatching that way I could still do something in the industry and continue building flight time on the side. 

I was hired in February of 2023 as an AM Dispatcher at the PHX base. My typical morning begins by talking with maintenance to get a list of aircraft that are available. I’ll then assign tail numbers to each route and send the required paperwork to our customer. Once the pilots come in, they check in with me and get ready to go preflight. After giving the pilots their release, they take off and call me on the radio once they’re in cruise and call again once they land. 

One thing about my job that I find interesting is getting to see the flow of things from the operations side rather than the pilots side. You wouldn’t realize how much work is done behind the scenes! I also get to see some cool aircraft that come in and out of the airport – one being Drake’s 767 that was parked on the ramp! 

Adventures with fiancé

In the middle of 2023, I took a break from flying, so I have not built too much flight time recently. However, my fiancé and I are currently looking into purchasing an aircraft to build flight time together while he instructs. He is also a pilot! We actually met in private pilot ground school in January of 2019 and are recently engaged. Fun fact: our wedding venue is at an airport! 

When I’m not working, you can find me hanging out with my fiancé, my dog, my family and friends! I love to be outdoors doing activities such as hiking, off-roading, paddleboarding, camping, and almost anything outside!

I have learned to just go with the flow and see where life takes me, so I don’t have an exact path planned out for myself. Although, I am keeping all of my options open! Possibly including a first officer position at Ameriflight when I reach the required minimums! ” 

Keep up all the awesome work, Bailey!

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Ameriflight has been flying high priority cargo for more than 50 years. We know how important on-time deliveries are and we know what it takes to get the job done. We’ve been able to evolve the customer experience to a unique build of mix and match services that best fits the individual needs of the flight.

Mix and match your own:

We offer fast turnaround quote times and can even have your cargo in the air in as little as one hour.

We have four different aircraft types with widespread size and speed options available to transport your cargo:

       SAAB340, EMB120, SA227, BE99

We have vast experience moving a variety of cargo types. Whether you need to move everyday packages, live animals, dangerous goods, radiopharmaceuticals, medical supplies, AOG parts, or anything in between, we’ve got you covered.

Our door-to-door service option takes our typical airport-to-airport service up a notch by giving you peace of mind that your goods will be picked up and delivered directly to the locations needed.

With our extensive operation, we can set up a personalized scheduled network for your continual delivery needs.

Our crews are available to load and unload your cargo making it one less service provider you would typically have to hunt down. 

More benefits to chartering with Ameriflight:

• Personalized experience: the customer sets the airport and departure times, something you can’t do with most airlines or parcel companies
• High security: your freight is the only freight on the aircraft and is moved directly from truck to airplane to truck, which means minimal influence by outside sources and a drastic decrease in risk of your cargo being lost in transit
• Communication: you are kept up to date on every aspect of the flight from our 24/7 Flight Operations Center
• Guidance: our Charter specialists will guide you through every aspect of a charter flight, from picking the right airplane for your freight, better airports for you customers, or solving a problem you didn’t even know you had

Ameriflight specializes in on-demand cargo charters.  Our team is available 24/7 to walk you through the process. We’ll even give a quote within 30 minutes for your very own cargo charter flight.

Contact us today: charters@ameriflight.com  |  972-426-3075

Message us for a quote and we’ll get back to you shortly.

5.29.24

The post What is a Cargo Air Charter? And how do I get one? appeared first on Ameriflight.

The world of aviation brings together people from a variety of backgrounds and career experiences. Here at Ameriflight, our employees have unique and interesting stories to tell and we’re here to share them.

We’re featuring employees across our company, check it out!

Meet Air Charter Specialist, Ben Wing

“I was born in Boston and raised in Phoenix. I enlisted in the Army during my junior year of high school as an aviation operations specialist. My service included serving in Korea, Fort Campbell, and Fort Hood, with a notable distinction of becoming a Night Stalker with the 160^th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. I am grateful to have toured the world with the Army deploying to Afghanistan, Cameroon, and Kuwait while visiting Ireland and Germany. 

Since getting out of the Army in 2019, I went to work as a Crew Scheduler with Envoy Air, gaining valuable experience in airline operations. Looking for a more dynamic role, I pursued my Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and obtained the FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate. This led me to work as a dispatcher with Berry Aviation and falling in love with the fast-paced world of on-demand cargo operations. 

After getting laid off, I came over to Ameriflight in April of this year. The transition working as an Air Charter Specialist has been seamless building upon my experience and client relationships I’ve carried over.

I balance my career with a busy family life. My girlfriend and I have five feral children, ranging from ages 7 to 16. When I’m not working, I like to take the family to go watch hockey, racing, baseball, football, etc. We’re always doing something! I also enjoy hunting, fishing and cheering on Tennessee (Go Big Orange!)”

Ben was recently recognized at a Dallas Stars hockey game as the Boeing Military Vet of the Game.

Thank you for your service, Ben! We’re proud to have you on the Ameriflight team.

Click here for more employee features.

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The world of aviation brings together people from a variety of backgrounds and career experiences. Here at Ameriflight, our employees have unique and interesting stories to tell and we’re here to share them.

We’re featuring employees across our company, check it out!

Meet Jay Cooper, EMB120 First Officer (soon to be BE99 Captain!)

“I grew up in Rapid City, South Dakota, where I was the eldest of three children (two younger sisters). Life in my household mainly revolved around athletics, but we took advantage of the beautiful Black Hills and surrounding lakes whenever possible. Upon graduating high school, I initially planned to attend the Air Force Academy, but instead attended the University of South Dakota where I joined the Track and Field team and studied biology. I graduated with a doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy, married my wife (a Physical Therapist from a similar walk of life), and went on to practice for just 7 months before pursuing my interest in aviation. As an Occupational Therapist, I worked in Beaumont, TX and Hilo, HI before beginning flight training with ATP Flight School in Kansas City, MO. After just 8 months, I began flight instructing in Memphis, TN. 

Ameriflight InDoc Photo

I began my career with Ameriflight in July of 2023. It was an easy choice for a number of reasons. Firstly, Ameriflight is a great company for pilots who desire to sharpen their skills across multiple airframes, variable weather conditions, and night flying. Secondly, Ameriflight offers a direct path to United Airlines via the Aviate Program, which I joined while instructing for ATP Flight School. And lastly, Ameriflight features bases in some of the most desirable locations in the country. 

As a First Officer on the EMB120, my typical day involves an early morning show in order to prepare the aircraft to receive cargo. I check the aircraft exterior, interior, and systems. I then supervise the loading process alongside the Captain, ensuring the aircraft is properly loaded and no dangerous goods are unaccounted for. During the flight the First Officer and Captain generally split flying and monitoring responsibilities, which means despite my position as a First Officer, I get to take control of the aircraft.

Flying adventures

One interesting thing about my job is that we fly one of the rarer airplanes in the aviation industry. Very few pilots will be able to say they’ve flown the Brasilia, and it was one of the fastest turbo-prop airplanes in the world during its youth. I’ve enjoyed my time on the EMB120 but am looking forward to BE99 Captain class next month!

When not working, I enjoy flying in the general aviation community, skiing, watching movies, eating new foods, and going on adventures with my wife. Hawaii is without a doubt my favorite location to travel to. I had the chance to see an actively erupting volcano, swim with Manta Rays, skydive, and scuba dive near a family of whales.”

Keep up the great work, Jay! We’re proud to have you on the Ameriflight team.

Click here for more employee features.

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October 7^th, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Jamie Smith
Ameriflight, LLC
Director of Corporate Communications
jsmith@ameriflight.com | 972.426.3066 ext. 76273

DALLAS, TX – On October 7, 2024, at approximately 1930 local time, a Beechcraft 99 cargo flight operated by Ameriflight, LLC of Dallas, Texas was involved in a fatal aircraft accident on departure at OFK airport in Norfolk, Nebraska.

There was one crew member on board the aircraft at the time of the accident. Authorities have confirmed the pilot is deceased.

“We are filled with sorrow at the passing of our flight crew member,” said Ameriflight CEO and President Patrick Fluegeman. “The identity of the pilot will not be released by Ameriflight out of respect to their family and friends. Our focus is on supporting the pilot’s family and our employees through this difficult time.”

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are conducting a thorough investigation of the aircraft accident. Ameriflight is cooperating fully with authorities.

To contact Ameriflight, visit ameriflight.com.

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