PILOT FAQ's

Where are the Martinaire crews domiciled? 

Martinaire operates in 14 different States across the USA from coast to coast and border to border. Aircraft are primarily based in the geographic areas of the Atlantic Coast, North Central States, Pacific Northwest, Southeast, Southwest and West Coast. Crews are domiciled either at the main route hub or at the out-station. For current openings, please see the EMPLOYMENT page.

What is starting pay?

New hire pilots are paid $2050 per month. Second year pilots are paid $2250 per month. 

Does Martinaire pay salary and expenses while in training?  

Martinaire does not pay a salary while in training, but we do pay for your hotel. Also, upon successful completion of the initial new hire checkride, Martinaire will reimburse you per diem rate of $59.00 per day for meals and other incidentals associated with your travel while in training. Typically training takes from 10 to 12 calendar days. This per diem rate is currently allowable by law without having to turn in receipts and proof of expenses. You only need to complete a reimbursement form that will be provided to you during your post initial new hire checkride debrief.

How are pilots paid?

Pilots are paid by the month. Payday is every other Thursday and all Martinaire employees are required to have their pay direct deposited in to their bank account. Pay stubs are forwarded to your base or your home. 

Is there any way to earn extra pay? 

Yes. Pilots are paid $100 for “extra leg” pay (regular route pilots) and may earn $100 for flying a second round trip in the same day. In addition, pilots based at outstations may wash their aircraft twice per month for $75 each wash. Martinaire reimburses for cleaning supplies.

Are pilots paid per diem?

Regular route pilots are not paid per diem. Charter/Fill-in pilots are paid $25.00/day for each day away from base.

Does Martinaire require cell phones?

Yes. Martinaire requires each pilot to have a cell phone and reimburses each pilot $35 per month towards their cell phone bill. Cell phone reimbursement is automatic.

How much does the employee have to contribute for health insurance?

Employees with “Employee Only Coverage” contribute $25 per month towards all HEALTH INSURANCE coverages. Employees with “Employee + Family Coverage” contribute $275 per month. This contribution is subject to change in the future, but from now through April 2007, the contributions listed above apply.

Is there a waiting period for the health insurance?

Yes. 90 days.

Does Martinaire reimburse for auto mileage?

Yes, $0.40 / mile.

Do pilots get vacation and sick days?

Yes, 10 vacation days per year and 5 sick days per year after 12 months of employment.

Is there a training contract requirement?

Yes. Martinaire requires a one year commitment from new hire pilots. If you leave before one year, you must reimburse the company $3,500.00 for the cost of training.

Where have pilots gone on to after their one year with Martinaire?

Airlines, Charter, and Corporate companies that our former pilots have gone on to include: American Eagle Airlines, Atlantic Coast Airlines, Atlantic Southeast Airlines, Bombardier FlexJet, Chautauqua Airlines, Colgan Air, Comair, Express Jet, Mesa Air, Pinnacle Airlines, Raytheon Flight Options, Republic Airways, Skywest Airlines, Southwest Airlines,

How is seniority determined?

Your date of hire determines your seniority. If there are two or more new hires in a ground school, testing scores determine seniority. The higher you score, the higher your seniority among classmates.

Can I be bumped out of my base?

No. The route is yours until you voluntarily give up your base or the customer terminates the route.

Can I bid another city?

Yes. Once there are openings within the system, those openings are announced and pilots can bid on them. The most senior pilot bidding gets the route.

Does Martinaire pay for moving?

If your route is moved due to the needs of the company, Martinaire pays up to $1500.00 in moving expenses. Voluntary moves such as the initial move when you get hired or switching to a different route because you want to, are not paid moves.

What is a typical schedule?

5 days per week. Either Monday evening through Saturday morning or Monday morning through Friday night. Weekends and major holidays off. Major holidays are paid days off.

Does Martinaire assist in getting to and from the interview?

No. Martinaire only covers the cost of the simulator used during the interview.

Does Martinaire pay while in training?

No, but Martinaire will pay for your hotel while in training.

How many hours does the average Martinaire Pilot fly in a month?

It varies by route and assignment. The range is from 50 hours per month up to 100 hours per month.

What is "Standby"?

There are several different kinds of Standby (STBY) duty at Martinaire:

SAT STBY is based in San Antonio, TX. There are two pilots assigned to cover SAT STBY, each has an aircraft. The pilots go to the airport at 05:30 am and again at 17:30. They check in with dispatch to find out if they have an actual flight or just need to remain at the "ready". The SAT STBY pilots can expect to fly several times a week either; subbing for a Martinaire flight, subbing for another airline, or flying a charter for a freight forwarder. Most flights occur in the morning to afternoon hours.

DFW STBY is based in the Dallas / Ft. Worth, TX area and covers flight out of DFW and Addison, TX (ADS), which is our main maintenance facility. There is a 16:00 STBY, Midnight STBY, 04:00 am STBY. In addition to the 3 time slots mentioned, DFW STBY pilots also
cover vacation and sick time for other pilots stationed throughout the Martinaire route system. Sometimes DFW STBY pilot fill in on vacant routes for 2 weeks at a time, until the vacancy is filled with a new hire. The STBY pilots call Dispatch 1 hour before their scheduled "in position" time to find out where their aircraft is (ADS or DFW) and they must be at their aircraft, in uniform,  at their assigned time slot.

MHR STBY is based at Mather Field in Sacramento, CA. The MHR STBY pilot also goes to the airport at 05:30 am and again at 17:30 and checks in with Dispatch. The MHR STBY pilot will cover vacations and sick time for the California based pilots, along with charters and maintenance / ferry flights.

Most STBY flights are "out & back" flights, although some trips may require spending 1-2 days on the road.

Compared to regularly scheduled routes, STBY duty is much more dynamic and varied. Pilots must be flexible and ready to go anywhere at a moments notice.

Updated 1/14/2008