Martin Hivon
From the Canadian Armed Forces to Chrono Aviation
Martin Hivon was an officer in the Canadian Armed Forces and a fighter pilot for 27 years. In theory, he was retired when he chose to join the Chrono Aviation team as assistant chief pilot on the PC-12. In practice, he had his own airline, taught airplane piloting, including aerobatics, and worked 80 hours a week. Return to an exceptional journey.
Martin Hivon could be at home gardening or reading, but retirement means very little to him! He has dedicated his life to aviation, and continues to do so. This former soldier, who spent more than 27 years in the Canadian Forces as a fighter pilot, is indeed a true enthusiast. In addition to having acquired extensive flight expertise on several types of aircraft, including high-performance jets and aerobatic aircraft, he served as an operational and test pilot on the CF-18. He is also one of the only Canadians to have piloted F/A-18s on US Navy aircraft carriers as part of an exchange program. “I was chosen to be an instructor for three years on the F/A-18. I was the only Canadian on a base of 28 Americans. I was then able to complete my flight qualification on American aircraft carriers. This is a unique opportunity for a Canadian pilot. I feel privileged to have had it,” he says.
A SEASONED ENTREPRENEUR
After his distinguished career in the Canadian Armed Forces, Martin founded his own aviation company. He taught flying and aerobatics and performed air shows. In addition, he managed the Rivière-du-Loup airport. “It was my little retirement plan of 80 hours a week,” he explains with a laugh. During this period, he met Dany Gagnon and Vincent Gagnon, who had just launched Chrono Aviation. Sharing the same passion as them, Martin quickly hit it off with both men. From time to time, he even sent them a few clients looking for charter flights.
And, as luck would have it, in 2022, after a 10-year mandate, he decided not to renew his management contract in order to experience new challenges. For their part, the leaders of Chrono Aviation were looking for a pilot who could take charge of the PC-12 fleet. The former fighter pilot therefore joined Chrono Aviation. His mandate: to get the pilot team back on its feet, at a time when the pandemic was wreaking havoc and pilots were a rare commodity.
A DOUBLED AND MOTIVATED BRIGADE
Within a year, Martin hired many pilots and, with his small team of pilot-trainers, trained them. It also reviewed staff retention strategies. Indeed, in a very competitive market dominated by large airlines, how can we retain staff? Of course, salary plays a big role. But well-being, employee appreciation and career development opportunities are also important. Martin has integrated all these notions into the company's essential values. And his efforts paid off. In less than two years, he managed to more than double the number of commanders and first officers on the PC-12s. “Since my arrival, I have seen the first cohort of young people that we trained become first officers, then commanders. They are highly motivated and want to learn. It’s very rewarding for me,” he says proudly.
A few times a year, especially in the summer, Martin continues to give aerial acrobatics shows. He also has an unlimited aerobatic plane, a Yak 55M in the colors of Chrono Aviation, whose cockpit is in the shape of a bubble. Last June, he amazed visitors during the AéroSalon, the aerial festival of the National Aeronautics School in Saint-Hubert, with his incredible figures. Between his role as instructor, assistant chief pilot and aerobatics specialist, Martin couldn't dream of a better end to his career!