Helicopter Pilot

Air Methods LLC

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

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of related experience and/or training in aviation industry
  • Associate's degree required; Bachelor's preferred
  • 2,500 total flight hours with specific experience in rotor wing aircraft
  • Commercial single-engine and multiengine ratings required
  • FAA First or Second Class Medical certificate mandatory
  • Ability to maintain positive relationships in high-stress environments

Responsibilities

  • Operates aircraft safely and in compliance with regulations
  • Conducts thorough pre-flight inspections for airworthiness
  • Acts as final authority on flight safety for passengers and cargo
  • Ensures familiarity with aircraft systems and medical interiors
  • Completes all required documentation accurately
  • Plans detailed flights quickly and effectively
  • Participates in team meetings and community outreach

Benefits

  • Health, Dental and Vision insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with company contributions
  • Tuition Reimbursement for continuing education
  • Full Life Insurance paid by the company
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance options
  • Relocation Assistance for new hires
  • Employee Assistance and Concierge Service programs
Full Job Description
Overview

Mercy Air

B407 (IFR)

Salary Range: ($82,900 - $93,251)

+ $25,000 Stipend

+ $3,000 IFR Stipend

+ Experience Stipend: Up to $12,000

Off Duty Housing

$40,000 Sign On Bonus

Location

Bakersfield, California is known for its deep roots in American music, hardworking spirit, and access to diverse landscapes. Known as the birthplace of the "Bakersfield Sound," it played a major role in shaping country music while maintaining a strong sense of local identity. Surrounded by fertile farmland and framed by the southern Sierra Nevada, Bakersfield blends agriculture, energy, and culture, offering both opportunity and authenticity in the heart of the Central Valley.

Benefits

Air Methods is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package created with the diverse needs of our teammates in mind:
  • Health, Dental and Vision
  • Competitive 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Flexible Spending Account Benefit Plans
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Full Company-Paid Life Insurance
  • AD&D Insurance
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Business Travel Accident Insurance
  • Voluntary Legal
  • Relocation Assistance
  • Employee Assistance and Benefit Concierge Service Programs

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 days on/7 days off (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: 1/25/2026

Minimum pay

USD $82,900.00/Yr.

Maximum Pay

USD $93,251.00/Yr.

Benefits

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

This position will be open and posted until filled, with a minimum posting period of three days.

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