Search and Rescue (SAR) Captains

Helicopter Jobs; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Abu Dhabi Aviation is seeking experienced Search and Rescue (SAR) Captains to join our Operations team. This role conducts SAR and Aero-medical Evacuation missions, flying UAE military aircraft with the highest standards of safety and professionalism.

You will lead day and night SAR operations including NVG missions, coordinating with medical teams and aircrew to ensure mission readiness and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• AW139 type rating with minimum 500 hours on type.
• Minimum 3,000 helicopter flight hours.
• Valid Instrument Rating (FAA/GCAA, EASA, or military equivalent).
• NVG, CRM, and MCC qualifications.
• Minimum 180 NVG flight hours.
• Proven SAR experience with hoist operations.
• MEDEVAC operational experience.
• English Language Proficiency Level 4 (minimum).
• Strong communication and decision-making skills.
• Extensive SAR operational experience.
• Strong leadership and crew resource management capabilities.
• Ability to perform in demanding operational environments.
• Commitment to safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Adaptability to flexible schedules, including emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Command and safely conduct SAR and MEDEVAC missions.
• Maintain the highest flight safety and regulatory compliance.
• Execute day and night operations, including NVG missions.
• Ensure mission readiness of aircraft and SAR equipment.
• Complete operational, training, and regulatory documentation.
• Participate in training, proficiency checks, and development.
• Support safety culture through risk management and reporting.
• Collaborate with aircrew, medical teams, and stakeholders.

Skills

AW139 Type Rating

3000 flight hours

Instrument Rating

NVG qualification

CRM

MCC qualifications

NVG flight hours

SAR/hoist experience

MEDEVAC experience

English level 4

Leadership & crew resource management

Safety culture & risk management

Job description

Abu Dhabi Aviation is seeking experienced and highly skilled Search and Rescue (SAR) Captains to join our Operations team. This critical role is responsible for conducting Search and Rescue (SAR) and Aero-medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) missions, ensuring the highest standards of operational excellence, safety, and professionalism while flying UAE military aircraft.

As a SAR Captain, you will lead and execute day and night SAR operations, including Night Vision Goggle (NVG) missions, supporting life-saving operations across the UAE. This is an exciting opportunity for aviation professionals who thrive in dynamic environments and are committed to delivering exceptional mission outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Command and safely conduct SAR and MEDEVAC missions.
• Maintain the highest standards of flight safety and operational compliance.
• Execute day and night operations, including NVG missions.
• Ensure mission readiness of aircraft and associated SAR equipment.
• Complete all required operational, training, and regulatory documentation.
• Participate in training, proficiency checks, and continuous professional development.
• Support a strong safety culture through risk management and reporting activities.
• Collaborate effectively with aircrew, medical teams, and operational stakeholders.
  
  

Required Qualifications & Experience

• AW139 Type Rating with a minimum of 500 flight hours on type
• Minimum 3,000 helicopter flight hours
• Valid Instrument Rating (FAA/GCAA, EASA, or military equivalent)
• NVG, CRM, and MCC qualifications
• Minimum 180 NVG flight hours
• Proven SAR experience with significant hoist operations experience
• MEDEVAC operational experience
• English Language Proficiency Level 4 (minimum)
• Strong communication and decision-making skills
• Extensive Search and Rescue operational experience.
• Strong leadership and crew resource management capabilities.
• Ability to perform effectively in demanding operational environments.
• Commitment to safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Adaptability to work flexible schedules, including emergency response requirements.