He joined the Royal Navy as a helicopter pilot in 1992 and spent the next 19 years flying helicopters on operations around the world, and as a military helicopter instructor. Since leaving the Royal Navy, Martin has flown in support of the Police, and Offshore Oil and Gas in the North Sea.
Martin also spent three years working as an exchange pilot for the United States Coastguard based at Miami. During this time, in 2005, Hurricane Katrina devasted large parts of the USA and he flew rescue missions in New Orleans helping to recover those left stranded, many of whom had resorted to climbing onto their rooftops.
After joining EAAA in 2018, Martin spent the first three years flying with EAAA as a base pilot at the charity’s Cambridge base. In 2019, he became the EAAA Chief Pilot and line manager for all the EAAA pilots at both the Cambridge and Norwich bases. He continues to fly day and night shifts for EAAA across both bases.
Captain Martin says, “I wanted to fly the air ambulance because it was it combines my passion for aviation with the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. I really enjoy this rewarding an impactful role. Visits from previous patients are a particular highlight, as these provide an opportunity to see first-hand the difference EAAA makes to people’s lives.”
Outside of work Martin enjoys spending time with his children, walking, and travelling.