I got connected with Capt. Jose Rodriguez, Chief Pilot of National Airlines (National), through the airline’s management. The purpose of reaching out to Capt. Rodriguez was to let readers know what it means to fly planes during the holiday season, especially flying freighter aircraft in the peak season of the year.
Think about this. All of us have the luxury of getting on a plane to fly to our favorite holiday destinations or be with our loved ones in different parts of the world. Not the pilots or several other people in the service industry. What’s more? During the holiday seasons, everyone expects gifts; people shop online and offline, and what they buy online needs to reach their doorsteps on time or be in retail shops well ahead of time. It is the pilots who fly freighters around the world who play that crucial role in fulfilling our insatiable desire to buy online.
Capt. Rodriguez, who has been flying for the last 45 years, commercially for the last 39 years, was happy to talk about his life as a pilot. What does it mean to be flying freighters? What are the challenges for a chief pilot responsible for over 225 pilots?
First flying lesson in 1979 at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey, USA
Very early on, in my conversations with him, I understood the disciplined and meticulous approach he has. As we had agreed to connect over a virtual call to talk about the story, he made sure he created contingency plans. “As per our conversation, and in anticipation of my assignment, after I had already accepted the interview invitation, here are the answers to your questions just in case the schedule changes, which often happens,” he wrote to me after a date and time was fixed for our call. He did a follow-up call to ensure that I understood him well.
On Christmas Day, he was informed to be on standby to fly on Friday, December 27, to fly to JFK in New York and then to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), to fly the National B747 to Hong Kong and back. Our call was scheduled for the same day. Therefore, he ensured that I had sufficient information from him in advance, with relevant photographs copied from his compact discs (yes, CDs!) and from the cloud. But we did the call as planned because he still had more than an hour before a final decision was to be made about his flight to Hong Kong.
That is the life of a pilot: very unpredictable. But pilots like Capt. Rodriguez are trained to respond to such situations with calm and agility. When we finally got on a call at the appointed date and time, he shared many interesting stories from his life.
Capt. Rodriguez was born in Cuba to a Cuban mother and a Spanish father. His family left the Caribbean island when he was six years old to move to Spain. Four years later, they immigrated to the USA. He mentioned that his father wanted to be a pilot, but his mother had concerns and fears about him becoming one. “Moving to the US was really good for me to pursue my passion for aviation and flying, and my father fully supported me,” he said.
“I have been flying freighters since 1989, starting with the Boeing 707 and 757. For 12 years I flew the Boeing 747 in both passenger and freighter configurations.”
However, he regrets not having his father around when he started flying the Boeing 747. He was flying for Air Atlanta Icelandic in the Middle East for various Hajj contracts. He was then stationed in Madrid, Spain, as Air Atlanta Icelandic had given Iberia two aircraft on wet lease. “My father would have been delighted to fly with me to and from the country of his birth. He left us just short of that period,” Capt. Rodriguez said regretfully.
Has he flown to Cuba, the country of his birth? “Yes, a few times to Havana as Air Atlanta Icelandic used to have daily flights from Madrid to the Cuban capital city.’ According to him, he has flown a freighter to Cuba only once. “It was a B747 carrying building supplies when the USA was building its embassy in Havana.”
Speaking about his first freighter flight, Capt. Rodriguez said, “It was in 1989, flying a Boeing 707 from Miami to Bogota as a co-pilot for a cargo airline. I remember that flight so well because the captain was the part-owner of the cargo airline, and he was also the chief pilot and line instructor.” He also flew the B707 freighter into the Middle East during the Gulf War in 1991.
1: With his son in a B747-400F from New York to Houston in 2010; 2: With one of his captains giving his simulator check before retirement in 2015; 3: One of the B707F flights to the Middle East during the Gulf war in 1991
We had an hour-long conversation, and what he said about his written reply to my questions was so moving.
“I have never been able to express myself verbally as well as I do when I write. Why do I think I write pretty well? Because my little brother, who was 11 years younger than me, taught me how to write. He was the sports writer for The Miami Marlins (one of the American professional baseball teams based in Miami, Florida) from their inception until he passed away in 2016 after a 3-year battle with brain cancer,” Capt. Rodriguez was so generous to credit his late brother for his English language writing skills. “I owe it to my little brother.”
What you read below are the perfectly recollected, reflected, and articulated responses to my questions. It has been a great learning experience doing this interview with Capt. Rodriguez. Now I know why he is still the Chief Pilot after 45 years of flying and clocking close to 25,000 hours of flight time.
How long have you been a pilot?I began my pilot training in 1979 at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey and completed most of my ratings while attending college. Altogether, it has been an incredible 45 years since I started my first flying lesson
Why did you choose to be a pilot?Becoming a pilot has been my dream since I was 7 years old. I have fond memories of my dad taking me to airport viewing terraces, where we would watch airplanes take off and land for hours. Every activity I pursued as a child seemed to naturally tie back to my love for aviation, solidifying my passion for flying.
“As pilots, we don’t always know the specifics of what we are carrying, particularly when it is general cargo, and I’m not usually curious about it.”
Do you have more pilots in your family?No, I’m the only pilot in the family. However, my dad shared a deep passion for aviation. He began pursuing it at a young age, but his mother, concerned about the perceived dangers, convinced him to quit. It’s a decision he always regretted, which may have further fueled my own determination to follow his path.
What types of aircraft have you flown in your life?I began my training in a single engine Cessna before transitioning to various multi-engine aircraft to complete my ratings. When I started flying commercially, I had the opportunity to fly classic aircraft like the McDonnell Douglas DC-3 and the Curtis C-46. Later, I moved into jets, flying the Boeing 707, 720, and 757, as well as all series of the Boeing 747. I have been flying the B747-400 since early 1999 and had the privilege of flying the B747-8 for just under a year in 2017-2018.
1: Preparing for the 40-hour B747-400F relief flight to Pakistan & Nepal in 2021; 2: Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal; 3: The flying route of the 40-hour humanitarian relief mission; 4: With his colleagues, airport officials and Sam Chui, aviation vlogger in Kathmandu airport
What are the types of freighters that you have flown in your life?I have been flying freighters since 1989, starting with the Boeing 707 and 757. For 12 years I flew the Boeing 747 in both passenger and freighter configurations. Since 2012, my focus has been on the B747-400 freighter, with additional experience on the B747-8 freighter in 2017.
How long have you been flying freighters?Excluding the passenger configurations of the Boeing 747, which I’ve also flown, I have been flying freighters for 35 years.”
What is your favorite aircraft?I would say the DC-3 holds a special place in my heart for providing such a solid foundation in real, hands-on flying, especially as a taildragger. That said, the Boeing 747 is my favorite overall. They don’t call it the Queen of the Skies for nothing — it’s an incredible aircraft to fly.
Can you recollect the most memorable freighter flight in your life as a pilot?The most memorable freighter flight of my career was in late October 2005, from Istanbul in Turkey to Islamabad in Pakistan. We were carrying humanitarian aid and specialized equipment to assist earthquake victims and first responders in reaching remote mountainous villages in the Kashmir region. I flew this mission on a Boeing 747-200 freighter. It stands out as a truly special experience because I felt an immense sense of pride and purpose in contributing to such an important mission to help those in need.
“As a chief pilot, I believe in leading by example and fostering open communication within the team. I encourage a collaborative environment where pilots feel comfortable sharing feedback and concerns.”
Can you recollect the most challenging freighter flights that you have done in your career?I’d say the key to managing challenging freighter flights is thorough preparation, including detailed route and airport studies, as well as identifying and mitigating potential threats ahead of time. This preparation has often made seemingly difficult flights more manageable. Some of the most challenging airports I have flown into include Tegucigalpa (Toncontín Airport) in Honduras, with its very tricky approach; La Paz (El Alto International Airport) in Bolivia, at a very high altitude; and Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport) in Nepal, with its unique terrain. Each of these flights tested my skills and reinforced the importance of proper preparation and situational awareness.”
Can you recollect the most dangerous freighter flight you have done in your life?Truthfully, throughout my career, I have been fortunate never to have experienced a flight that I would categorize as outright dangerous. I attribute this to thorough planning, strong teamwork, and adherence to safety protocols. Instead, I would point back to the challenging flights I’ve mentioned, where the complexity of the airports and the environment required heightened focus and skill. Aviation, especially in freighter operations, is all about anticipating and mitigating risks, which helps ensure that even the most demanding flights remain safe.
Do you always know what you carry in the aircraft you fly? Are you curious about them?As pilots, we don’t always know the specifics of what we are carrying, particularly when it is general cargo, and I’m not usually curious about it. However, when it comes to hazardous materials, it’s a different story. We often transport items like explosives, flammable liquids and solids, and radioactive and corrosive materials. For these, strict regulations apply, including proper approvals, quantity restrictions, and compliance with international safety standards.
1: With Christopher Alf, founder and chairman, National Air Cargo Inc.; 2: With Florida governor Rick Scott (L) and Christopher Alf (R) at the inauguration of National’s office in Orlando in 2013; 3: With Jacob Matthew, President & Board Member, National Air Cargo Inc.; 4: With his colleagues from National in Dubai
In such cases, I am required to have a detailed notification form that specifies the exact location on board. This allows the crew to quickly access the information in an emergency and consult the necessary guidance manual for handling the situation safely. Awareness and preparedness are key when transporting hazardous cargo.”
How many pilots do you have in your team?We have a total of 225 pilots across the B747, A330, and B757 fleets as of today. I’m incredibly proud of each and every one of them for their professionalism, dedication, and contribution to our airline’s success.
What is your biggest challenge as a Chief Pilot?My biggest challenge as a chief pilot is maintaining a balance between fairness and responsibility. On one hand, I strive to provide my pilots with the best possible working conditions, ensuring they feel supported and valued at all times. On the other hand, I must also protect the interests and sustainability of our airline. Finding that balance is a constant effort, but it is a responsibility I take seriously and approach with great care. As a chief pilot, I believe in leading by example and fostering open communication within the team. I encourage a collaborative environment where pilots feel comfortable sharing feedback and concerns. This approach helps us maintain a strong, united group while ensuring operational excellence.
What is the total number of hours you have flown so far?I must say I have officially stopped logging my flight hours after reaching approximately 21,000 hours, partly because I became less focused on the numbers, partly out of laziness, and also because at this point in time, I’m here at National for the remainder, until retirement. Based on company reports over the last 7-8 years, I estimate that I have accumulated around 24,500 hours.
To me, these hours represent far more than just numbers. They are a testament to decades of experience, countless journeys across the globe, and the privilege of doing what I love every day. Each flight has added to my growth as a pilot and my deep appreciation for aviation.”
“Beyond work, I like to take the opportunity to explore the local culture, whether trying local foods, visiting historical sites or simply observing how people live. It’s a great way to unwind and gain a broader perspective on the world, which often inspires me in unexpected ways.”
How many important family functions have you missed because of your professional responsibilities?In my career, I can honestly say I’ve missed many important family functions, especially in the early years when building my experience and career required a significant time commitment. Over time, I have made a concerted effort to better balance my professional responsibilities with family life, prioritizing special occasions and milestones whenever possible.
As part of being management, it can sometimes be easier to plan ahead, but other times the demands of the job make it challenging. However, I have learned to appreciate the quality of time I spend with my family over the quantity, and I try to make the moments we do share truly meaningful. It’s a balancing act that every aviation professional understands, and I’m always striving to improve.
How do you find time to relax while flying around the world?I don’t fly the line full time, but whenever I do, which is fairly often, I make it a priority to connect with my fellow pilots. I enjoy spending time with them, asking for their insights on how we can improve our operations to make them more efficient and effective. Beyond work, I like to take the opportunity to explore the local culture, whether trying local foods, visiting historical sites, or simply observing how people live. It’s a great way to unwind and gain a broader perspective on the world, which often inspires me in unexpected ways. Balancing professional conversations with personal exploration helps me relax and stay grounded during my travels.
National Airlines is a US FAA-certificated Part 121 air carrier, with a fleet of nine B747-400 freighters and four passenger aircraft, including the A330-300, A330-200, and B757-200. The company provides on-demand commercial cargo and passenger charters to over 450 airports worldwide. At the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow, National Airlines officially announced a commitment to order four Boeing 777 freighters, which are expected to join the fleet in 2026.
Photographs: Capt. Jose Rodriguez; National Airlines/LinkedIn; Sam Chui/samchui.com
