HEMS Commander (KSS)

Helicopter Jobs; Redhill; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Group Pension Scheme

Life Assurance

Income Protection

Travel Insurance

Private Healthcare

2 Paid Volunteering Days

Support for civilian licence pathway

Job summary

Gama Aviation is seeking skilled and quick-thinking HEMS Commanders to join our Special Mission Flight Crew for our cherished charity partner, Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS). You will lead life-saving missions across Kent, Surrey and Sussex with AW169 helicopters in a multi-pilot operation.

This role offers Type Rating and HEMS/NVIS training, strong development opportunities, and full support for military transition into civilian careers.

Qualifications

• Current UK CAA ATPL(H) or CPL(H) with ATPL(H) theory and medical
• IR(H) rating current
• Minimum 1000 hours as PIC on helicopters or equivalent experience

Responsibilities

• Provide safe, compliant and efficient flight operations in support of HEMS operations
• Operate in accordance with the Company operations manuals and regulatory requirements
• Engage with safety reporting and risk management processes
• Represent the Company positively with charity partners and stakeholders

Skills

Flight operations

Safety compliance

Risk management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

ATPL(H) or CPL(H) with ATPL(H) theory

Tools

IR(H)

UK CAA Class 1 Medical

NVG experience

Job description

Vacancy No VN1313

Employment Type: Full-Time

Division: Air

Location: Redhill

Position: HEMS Commander (KSS)

Working Hours: Rostered Basis

• Competitive Salary + Excellent Benefits!
• Unique and fulfilling flying experience within an exciting, forward-thinking aviation business!
• Opportunities for personal and professional development in a challenging yet supportive environment!
• Type Rating and HEMS/NVIS training included!
• Full support for Military transition, including funded licence conversion!

• Competitive Salary + Excellent Benefits!
• Unique and fulfilling flying experience within an exciting, forward-thinking aviation business!
• Opportunities for personal and professional development in a challenging yet supportive environment!
• Type Rating and HEMS/NVIS training included!
• Full support for Military transition, including funded licence conversion!
• For more details, read on!

Gama Aviation is currently seeking skilled and quick-thinking HEMS Commanders to join our Special Mission Flight Crew for our prestigious charity partner, Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS). As HEMS Commander, you'll have the opportunity to contribute directly to life‑saving missions as part of a multi‑pilot operation flying AW169 helicopters across Kent, Surrey and Sussex, day and night.

This is far more than a flying role, it's a chance to make a real difference. You will be at the heart of life‑saving missions for a charity known for its cutting edge approach to Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS). Flying in this fast paced and challenging environment offers not only professional development but also unmatched job satisfaction. If you're passionate, adaptable, and eager to contribute to a life‑saving operation, this role is for you.

We're looking for flexible and committed individuals who are enthusiastic about delivering world class emergency services!

Gama Aviation is proud to support the Armed Forces Community. We are a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and hold a Silver Award under the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. We actively support military personnel currently transitioning into civilian careers, and will fully fund and coordinate the conversion of military licences to their civilian equivalent for successful candidates.

About Us

Gama Aviation is a hugely diverse business that offers much more than perhaps its name would suggest. Yes, we fly but we also save lives, provide mission critical intelligence, and build systems that deliver decisive advantage.

With operations in the UK, Jersey, Europe and the Middle East, a career with us can offer travel, personal growth opportunities and the ability for long‑term progression in a fast paced and dynamic service industry.

About The Charity

Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) is a world leader in Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), delivering critical care with innovation and expertise. Operating 24/7, 365 days a year, it costs £15.2M annually to keep this vital service running, with 86% of the funding raised through the incredible generosity of KSS's supporters.

KSS serves a population of 4.8M people, plus a transient population of 90M people, KSS have been tasked with over 38,000 incidents over the last 30 years. Their fleet of helicopters and Rapid Response Vehicles ensures that specialist doctors and paramedics can reach patients quickly, providing life‑saving care in crucial moments before they reach the hospital.

By joining Gama Aviation in support of KSS, you'll become part of a dedicated, passionate team working to save lives across Kent, Surrey and Sussex.

Skills, Qualifications And Experience Required

• Provide safe, compliant and efficient flight operations in support of HEMS operations
• Conduct Company duties with diligence and professionalism, and operate in accordance with the Company operations manuals and other regulatory requirements
• Be responsible for actively engaging with the Company safety reporting scheme, taking a proactive stance on risk management, and reporting any events which may contribute towards continual improvement in safety
• Display kindness and professionalism whilst acting as a representative of the Company and actively engage with our charity partners and other industry stakeholders

Licensing Requirements

Civilian candidates:

• Current UK CAA Part-FCL ATPL (H) or CPL(H) with ATPL(H) theoretical exams, plus current UK CAA IR(H) plus current UK CAA Class 1 Medical

Military Candidates

• Current Qualified Military Pilot (Helicopters) with Unrestricted Green Instrument Rating (Helicopters)
• Validity period current ATPL(H) theoretical exams plus current UK CAA Class 1 Medical
• For the right candidate who does not hold ATPL(H) theoretical exams and/or current UK CAA Class 1 Medical, Gama will fully fund and coordinate the pathway to achieve these

Additional Requirements

• Minimum 1000 hours as PIC of aircraft, of which 500 hours is as PIC on helicopters; OR,
• Minimum 1000 hours as co‑pilot in HEMS operations of which 500 hours are as PICUS and 100 hours as PIC of helicopters
• Minimum 500 hours operating experience in helicopters, gained in an operational environment similar to the intended operation
• Minimum 20 hours of VMC at night as PIC
• Willingness to work on a rostered basis including working night shifts
• Minimum Level 4 English Language proficiency standard
• EU/UK Driving Licence
• Right to live and work in the UK

Advantageous

• MCC qualification, or equivalent military credit, highly desirable but can be provided for the successful candidate
• 2000 hours total flight time
• Relevant type rating
• NVG experience

In addition to a Competitive Salary, we will offer you

Competitive Group Pension Scheme

• Comprehensive Life Assurance *
• Comprehensive Income Protection *
• Comprehensive Travel Insurance *
• Comprehensive Private Healthcare (after successful passing of probation) *
• 2 Paid Volunteering Days each calendar year (subject to line manager approval)
• Full support for conversion to a civilian licence will be provided for military candidates
• Investment in Training, Qualifications and Professional Development
• (Subject to insurance underwriting)

Due to the volume of applications received, only candidates selected for interview will be contacted. If you do not hear from us within 20 working days then your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.