Pilot Aviation FAQ

BCF, PCF and BDSF are common suffixes used for converted cargo aircraft. They usually mean that the aircraft was originally built as a passenger aircraft and later modified for freight operations.

BCF means Boeing Converted Freighter. It is used for Boeing-supported passenger-to-freighter conversions, such as the 737-800BCF or 767-300BCF. PCF usually means Passenger Converted Freighter and is often used for conversion programmes where a passenger aircraft is modified into a dedicated cargo aircraft. BDSF means Bedek Special Freighterand is associated with freighter conversions by Israel Aerospace Industries, formerly known through its Bedek division.

A converted freighter is different from a factory-built freighter. During conversion, passenger seats and cabin equipment are removed, the floor is strengthened, a large cargo door may be installed, and cargo loading systems are added. Converted freighters are common because they allow airlines and cargo operators to reuse older passenger aircraft for cargo work instead of buying a new freighter.

For pilots, these suffixes can matter because converted freighters may have different loading procedures, operating limitations, performance data and cargo-related procedures compared with passenger aircraft or factory-built freighters.