HEMS Pilot

Devon Air Ambulance; Exeter; On-site; GBP 79,000 - 89,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to £8,000 relocation package

25 days annual leave

8 bank holidays (pro rata)

Pension scheme with 6% contribution

Sick pay scheme 4 weeks full pay

Counselling and wellbeing services

Loss of license insurance

Healthcare insurance

EV scheme

Cycle to Work scheme

Job summary

Devon Air Ambulance (DAA) is recruiting a seasoned HEMS Pilot to join our Flight Operations team at Exeter/Eaglescott. You will operate as a single pilot alongside clinicians and support staff, in a 4 on 4 off roster; day and night flying including NVIS.

You will report to the Head of Flight Operations and contribute to a high-performing emergency service. The role requires strong PIC experience, helicopter hours, and ICAO-compliant medical status.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1500 hours as Pilot-in-Command (PIC).
• Minimum 500 hours PIC on helicopters.
• Minimum 500 hours relevant operating experience (HEMS or similar).
• Minimum 20 hours VFR at night as PIC.

Responsibilities

• Join Flight Operations team as HEMS single pilot with clinicians and operations staff.
• Rostered for a mixture of day and late shifts, 4-on-4-off baseline.
• Operate day and night including NVIS operations.

Skills

PIC hours

PIC on helicopters

HEMS experience

Night VFR PIC

ATPL(H) or CPL(H) with IR

UK CAA Class 1 Medical

NVIS experience

EC135/H145 rating

TRI/TRE training

Job description

Devon Air Ambulance (DAA) are seeking to recruit an additional HEMS Pilot to join our experienced Flight Operations Team.

Hours:Full-time roster in accordance with the company approved FTL Scheme

Location:Airbases – Exeter Airport / Eaglescott Airfield (North Devon)

Salary:Starting Salary of £78,540 - £88,540 per annum dependant on HEMS experience

Late Shift allowance of £102 per shift.

Further enhancements are payable for –

Annual HEMS Experience Increment* / LTC / CRMT / Second Type / TRI / TRE

*subject to a maximum of 10 years experience

Pay is currently subject to a review.

You will need to live within 90 minutes of Exeter and Eaglescott Bases or make your own arrangements for accommodation to fulfil this requirement. Overnight accommodation is available at Eaglescott Airbase.

The Role

We have a vacancy for an experienced HEMS Pilot to join our Flight Operations team at DAA. Reporting to the Head of Flight Operations / Senior Pilot and operating as a HEMS single pilot you will work as part of a team alongside our clinicians and operations staff.

DAA operates day and night, including ad-hoc NVIS operations; you will be rostered for a mixture of day and late shifts in accordance with our approved FTL scheme, nominally on a 4 on 4 off basis.

The Candidate

Essential Requirements -

• UK CAA ATPL(H) or UK CAA CPL(H) with Instrument Rating
• UK CAA Class 1 Medical
• A minimum of 1500hrs as Pilot-in-command of aircraft
• A minimum of 500hrs as pilot-in-command on helicopters
• A minimum of 500 hours relevant operating experience (HEMS or similar)
• A minimum of 20hrs VFR at night as pilot-in-command

Highly Desirable Requirements -

• Previous experience in a similar role
• NVIS experience
• EC135 or H145 type rating
• Training Qualifications (TRI/TRE)

If you are looking for a new challenge that makes a real difference to the local community, we want to hear from you!

The Package

Remuneration as above

If successful, Type Rating training can be offered depending on current experience and qualifications under a training bond agreement.

As a valued member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including -

• Up to £8,000 relocation package available if eligible
• 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays (pro rata)
• Enhanced Maternity / Paternity and Adoption leave
• Pension scheme with a 6% contribution by DAA
• Occupational sick pay scheme of 4 weeks full pay and 4 weeks half pay during probation, rising to 12 weeks full and 12 weeks half pay after successful probation
• Free counselling and financial wellbeing services
• Loss of license insurance
• Healthcare insurance
• Electric vehicle scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme

Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience and career.

Closing date for applications is Wednesday 2nd December 2026 at 9am

Interviews will be on Thursday 10th December 2026 at DAA Head Office in Exeter.

Please note that interview locations are subject to change depending on the volume of applications received.

If you would like to find out more information about the role, please contact us at [e-mail] to arrange an informal conversation with Richard Applegarth, Head of Flight Operations.

What's the recruiting process like at DAA? Learn about your experience as a candidatehere.

Due to the nature of this role, offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check and references.

Disclaimer: Devon Air Ambulance reserve the right to close a vacancy earlier than the advertised date if a high number of applications are received. Once a vacancy has closed, we are unfortunately unable to consider further applications, so please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.