Martinaire, Ameriflight, Mountain Air Cargo

Wiggins is owned by Ameriflight now; their pay is among the highest of FedEx feeders but I've heard they have incredibly high turnover. We had to cover a couple of their EWR runs in January/February because one of their pilots lost his medical. The also don't give their floater pilots every 5th week off, so they pretty much live on the road.
Wow talk about a HUGE hit on quality of life. How could they expect to keep pilots when they constantly keep them away from home?
 
I'm a former Navy instructor pilot looking to get back in the cockpit after being out for a few years. Right now I'm doing my due diligence researching opportunities (specifically in Michigan) ranging from CFI jobs to big freight like IFL and Kalitta. I exceed all hours minimums every company is looking for, with the one big caveat that none of my flight time counts as multi engine.

This week I came across the smaller/feeder cargo services offered by Martinaire, AMF and MAC. I have a decent grasp on what those jobs entail, but I'm hoping some current or former employees of those carriers might be able to answer a few questions (bonus if anyone has familiarity with operations in Michigan).

- What is a typical work week (5-7days, same or changing routes daily)?
- Do they have call outs where you're babysitting a phone for 24 hours a day, hoping to get a flight?
- How is the work culture (positive employees, good relations with management)?
- What's the quality of maintenance department?
- How are the aircraft equipped (glass or analog cockpits, GPS, etc)?
- What exactly does being a standby or floater pilot mean?
- Do they have a respectable benefit plan (medical, dental, major holidays)?

I appreciate any insight members can offer. I realize some may be tempted to say, "With your hours just get your MEL and apply to Endeavor or Express at DTW," but that doesn't particularly appeal to me right now.

Thanks.
Mano, Sorry I didn't see your post awhile back. In regards to IFL. They are taking 250 hour pilots, putting them on the 727 FE table for a while (200-500) hours, then putting them on the 135 certificate flying Falcons, then back to the 727 as a FO. To fly the Convair, 727 and CRJ you will need the MEL ATP which will require at least 50 hours and the ATP/CTP course. They love Michigan guys. You're a Naval Aviator. If you get a multi, they could work with you.

No such thing as a career instructor pilot in the Navy.

The OP had to have done time in the fleet at some point if he was a regular Navy pilot. If he had said he was a Marine, I could have bought him flying the T-6/T-34, then T-45, then Harrier, then back to the VTs as an instructor.

But he would have said "Marine" if he was.

Hate to be a Cliff Clavin but it is a little known fact... There was once upon a time a LDO program as a designated Naval Aviator. Back in the early 90s VT-10 had a female LDO who IIRC only flew the T-34C her whole career.
 
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