Helicopter Pilot

Air Methods

$82K — $93K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Associate’s degree or equivalent with 2-5 years related experience; Bachelor's preferred.
  • 2500 total flight hours with minimum of 2000 flight hours in category.
  • 1000 hours Pilot in Command (PIC) in category and 500 hours rotor wing turbine time.
  • 500 hours cross-country flight time with 50 hours at night.
  • 75 hours of actual or simulated instrument time, including 20 hours in actual conditions.
  • Instrument rating and relevant aircraft ratings required, as well as a valid FAA Medical certificate.

Responsibilities

  • Operates aircraft safely and legally while transporting medical crews and patients.
  • Performs thorough pre-flight checks to ensure airworthiness and logs findings.
  • Holds final authority for aircraft operations and passenger safety.
  • Familiarizes medical flight team with aircraft and medical systems.
  • Completes documentation as required by company policies.
  • Conducts flight planning with little notice while adhering to strict standards.
  • Engages in company meetings and community outreach activities.

Benefits

  • $15,000 sign-on bonus for external pilots.
  • Off-duty housing provided.
  • Access to outdoor activities in beautiful Big Bear, California.
  • Industry-leading benefits package as mentioned on the company website.
Full Job Description
Overview

Big Bear Fire

B407(IFR)

130% ACCRA

Off Duty Housing

$15,000 Sign On Bonus (External Pilots)

 

 

Location

 

Big Bear, California, offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and year-round outdoor adventure. Nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, it’s surrounded by towering pines and centered around the sparkling Big Bear Lake, making it ideal for boating, fishing, and relaxing in the summer, and skiing or snowboarding in the winter. The charming mountain village atmosphere, fresh alpine air, and abundance of hiking and wildlife viewing make it a beloved getaway for those seeking both excitement and tranquility just a few hours from Southern California’s cities.

 

Job Summary

 

Responsible to ensure aircraft and weather conditions are airworthy to transport medical crew and patient to receiving hospital within an assigned operational area. Responsible for compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR), Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), General Operations Manual guidelines (GOM), and thorough knowledge of Air Methods policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions and Responsibilities include the following:

  • Operates Air Methods aircraft in a safe and legal manner.
  • Completes pre-flight before every flight verifying the aircraft is in an airworthy condition by sign off of Daily Flight Log. Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight and upon completion of each flight.
  • Final authority with regard to operations of aircraft and for the safety of passengers, cargo and equipment.
  • Must be thoroughly familiar with all aircraft and medical systems of backup aircraft utilized at operational area and also ensures that the medical flight team is familiar and comfortable with the medical interior and systems.
  • Responsible for completion of required documentation.
  • Able to conduct detailed flight planning with little notice to exacting standards.
  • Participates regularly in Air Methods meetings, activities, projects, committees and community outreach.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Additional Job Requirements

  • Regular scheduled attendance. (7/7 schedule - 12 hour shifts)

Subject to applicable laws and Air Method’s policies, regular attendance is an essential function of the position.  All employees must follow Air Methods’ employment practices and policies.

 

Supervisory Responsibilities

 

This position has no supervisory responsibilities. 

Qualifications

Qualifications

 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  In accordance with applicable laws, Air Methods will provide reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue burden so disabled employees may perform the essential functions of the position.

 

Pay Scale

 

Based upon flight and EMS experience.

  • STEP A: $82,900
  • STEP B: $86,216
  • STEP C: $89,665
  • STEP D: $93,251

Education & Experience

  • Associate’s degree (A.A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school and two  to five years’ related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Bachelor’s degree preferred

Operation and Safety Requirements:

  • As a member of the Flight Crew, any person employed in this position shall maintain a weight not to exceed 250 pounds and shall be less than seventy (70) years old.

Skills

  • Maintains positive interpersonal relationships with colleagues, EMS representatives, hospitals and the public and strives to maintain a friendly and professional working environment
  • Pilots must have flown in category within the previous 24 months

Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) Program:

  • 2500 total flight hours with minimum of 2000 flight hours in category
  • 1000 hours PIC in category
  • 500 hours of rotor wing turbine time
  • 500 hours of cross-country flight time, at least 50 hours of which were at night
  • 100 hours unaided night as PIC (50 hours of unaided can be substituted for by 100 hours of NVG time, but cannot be reduced below 50 hours of unaided time)
  • 75 hours of actual or simulated instrument time at least 50 hours which were in flight in an aircraft including 20 hours in actual instrument conditions in category

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

  • Instrument rating (for category and class of aircraft)(ATP rating in category meets this requirement)
  • Fixed wing multiengine rating is required for twin engine aircraft
  • Commercial single engine land is required for single engine aircraft
  • First OR Second Class FAA Medical certificate required.

Internal Bidding Ends: 8/6/2026

Minimum payUSD $82,900.00/Yr. Maximum PayUSD $93,251.00/Yr. Benefits

For more information on our industry-leading benefits, please visit our benefits page here. 

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