Cape Air is known for being a regional airline that serves various destinations, particularly in the United States, the Caribbean, and Micronesia. In their first year at Cape Air, a direct-entry captain typically makes about $80,000. Pilots who upgrade after serving as First Officers for a year should anticipate making roughly $90,000 in their first year as Captains. This is according to the published data from the airline’s official website, one of the famous salary and job review sites online.
Also Read: Cape Air Flight Attendant Requirements
Cape Air was founded in 1988 by Dan Wolf, who started the airline with a single airplane, offering flights between Provincetown and Boston in Massachusetts. The airline quickly expanded its routes to include other destinations in the region. The airline focused on providing regional air services to destinations in the Northeast, Midwest, Caribbean, and Florida. Cape Air became known for operating in areas with challenging terrain and limited infrastructure. Cape Air employs pilots to operate its fleet of small regional aircraft, in exchange for a complete benefits package and comprehensive salary rates.
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Cash Salary Breakdown
- Basic Salary – Pilots working at Republic can earn a minimum of $80,000 per year. This data is based on the published rates of Cape Air’s official website. There are no mentioned base pay rates for this airline, so the provided salary above is based on the Annual Total Pay given.
- Flying Pay – As of this moment, there are no publicized per-hour rates for this airline’s Pilots. The rate per hour depends on seniority, length of service, and the type of aircraft flown.
- Layover Allowance – Currently, there are no provided per diem pay rates data for Pilots in this airline. The specific details of layover allowances, including per diem rates and conditions, are usually outlined in the pilot’s collective bargaining agreement or labor contract with the airline.
Also Read: Cape Air Flight Attendant Salary and Benefits
Benefits
- Wellness – Your mental and physical health is important for Cape Air. To keep you and your family happy and healthy, the airline provides a range of medical plans and alternatives, dental, and vision care.
- Retirement Plan – The US has this retirement benefit for Pilots called 401k. The said benefit is a savings plan that allows you to contribute a portion of your pre-tax salary into an investment account. Some employers also match a percentage of the employee’s contributions, providing additional retirement savings. You will surely benefit from this in the future when the the comes that you decide to retire and enjoy life.
- Travel Perks – Employees of this airline are entitled to complimentary standby travel and discounted travel tickets on partner airlines. For those working in the aviation industry, this may be the best perk ever.
- Employee Discounts – Pilots can get discounts from various stores and companies where you get cost savings on goods and services, which will then maximize the compensation package.
- Work-Life Balance – The airline also promotes work-life balance. This helps a lot when it comes to reducing stress and making plans with your family.
- Days Off and Sick Leave – Cape Air has a competitive vacation package for Pilots. Sick day benefits will also be covered by the company.
- Intensive Training – Before you enter the fleet, you will be assisted with intensive training facilitated by the company’s tie-ups and best pilots. Get ready for this challenging part, and you will learn everything you need to be a great pilot in the US.
Also Read: How to Apply Cape Air Flight Attendant Hiring
Video: LIFT students begin training to become Cape Air pilots in Hyannis, MA
Cape Air is now in partnership with LIFT to train its future Pilots in the best possible way. In the video, you will witness 9 LIFT students start training together to become Cape Air pilots in Hyannis, Massachusetts, as part of the strategic partnership between LIFT Academy and Cape Air.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the basis for the given salary rate of Cape Air?
The salary range of $80,000 to $90,000 is predicated on the following:
- Minimum 40-hour work week requirement for full-time pilots
- A $500 shift add-on bonus and one incentive shift worth 150% of your hourly rate are provided each pay period.
- Weekly schedules include 3.5 hours of overtime on average.
2. Does the airline provide complete benefits?
The airline does not run flights under its own name or branding because it is a contractor airline. Rather, other airlines hire the Republic under contract to run their flights under their name, logo, and uniform.
3. Why do Pilots choose Cape Air?
Simply because this company’s pilots receive perks that go much beyond salary, 401(k)s, and health insurance. Cape Air magnet pilots because of its superior training, gateway opportunities, and high standard of living.
4. What sets apart Cape Air from other airlines when it comes to salary basis?
Pilots at Cape Air receive the same compensation for each hour they are on duty (duty hour), in contrast to most airlines that base their pilot pay rates on the amount of time pilots spend in the air and on the ground (block time). This implies that your pay rate is constant both on the ground and in the air, providing you with a stable and predictable source of revenue.
5. What about this airline’s fleet size?
Cape Air’s fleet primarily consisted of small, nine-passenger Cessna 402 aircraft, and later, the larger Cessna 208 Caravan. The airline also introduced the Britten-Norman Islander for some routes.
Summary
If you will work as a Pilot at Cape Air, expect a starting salary range of $80,000 to $90,000 per year. This may not be the top salary rate for Pilots working in the United States but can be fair enough for a regional airline. It’s important for aspiring pilots to thoroughly research and compare the benefits offered by different airlines and training programs. Additionally, staying informed about industry trends, pilot demand, and regulatory changes can also help you find the best airline. Overall, Cape Air is one of the largest independent airlines in the US that can give you complete benefits.