Fixed Wing Pilot

Air Methods; Rapid City (MI); On-site; USD 83,000 - 93,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental and Vision

Competitive 401(k)

Tuition Reimbursement

Full Company-Paid Life Insurance

AD&D Insurance

Disability Insurance

Relocation Assistance

Employee Assistance

Job summary

Black Hills Life Flight in Rapid City, SD, seeks pilots to operate IFR-capable airframes for critical EMS transport 24/7. The role demands substantial IFR experience, FAA credentials, and strict adherence to FARs, AIM, and GOM policies.

This position offers a base pay scale with step increases, stipends for experience and IFR readiness, a substantial sign-on bonus, relocation support, and comprehensive benefits. You will join a high‑performing, safety‑driven Air Methods team.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree 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
• Instrument rating and FAA medical certificate required as per FAA regulations

Responsibilities

• Operates Air Methods aircraft in a safe and legal manner
• 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 ensure the medical flight team is familiar 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 in Air Methods meetings, activities, projects, committees and community outreach

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Recent flight experience

Education

Associate degree or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

Overview

Black Hills Life Flight

PC12 (IFR)

Salary Range: (82,900 to 93,251)

+ $12,000 Experience Stipend

+ $3,000 IFR Stipend

+ $40,000 Base Stipend

Off Duty Housing

$15,000 Sign-On Bonus

AIR METHODS: GO ABOVE AND BEYOND HERE!

As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us to serve our communities. We are committed to providing air medical transport resources to our communities 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, while providing our pilots with work life balance. Our #1 objective is to ensure safety to/from every time, so come join our growing and high-performing culture, sparked by teammates who deliver on being the best!

Location

Rapid City, SD, is special for its remarkable combination of history, natural beauty, and cultural significance. Known as the "Gateway to the Black Hills," it is surrounded by stunning landscapes, including towering pine forests, rugged mountains, and the famous Badlands. Rapid City is just a short drive from iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial, making it a hub for history enthusiasts. The city itself has a vibrant community with a charming downtown, art galleries, and a thriving local food scene. Its proximity to national parks, historic sites, and outdoor recreation, coupled with its welcoming, small-town atmosphere, makes Rapid City a uniquely appealing place to live.

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 (7/7 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 cross-country flight time, at least 50 hours of which were at night
• 500 hours of turbine time
• 100 hours night flight time
• 100 hours of flight 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: 8/23/2026

Minimum pay

USD $82,900.00/Yr.

Maximum Pay

USD $93,251.00/Hr.

Benefits

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

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

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