Helicopter Pilot

Air Methods Pilots; Big Bear City (CA); On-site; USD 82,900 - 93,251; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Off Duty Housing

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to join the Big Bear operation in California. The role focuses on ensuring airworthiness, safe transport of medical crew and patients, and strict adherence to FAR, AIM, and GOM guidelines.

It offers a structured pay scale with steps and a 7/7, 12-hour shift schedule. The position requires 2–5 years’ related experience, a two-year degree (Bachelor’s preferred), and instrument flight time with 2500 hours total and 1000+ PIC in category.

Qualifications

• FAA FAR/AIM/GOM knowledge required.
• Strong safety mindset and adherence to procedures.
• Minimum flight hours and instrument proficiency criteria must be met per program requirements.

Responsibilities

• Operates Air Methods aircraft safely and legally.
• Completes pre-flight checks and daily logs for airworthiness.
• Has final authority on aircraft operations and safety of crew and passengers.
• Familiar with aircraft systems and medical interior for backup aircraft.
• Performs meticulous flight planning with short notice.

Skills

Safety culture

Flight operations

Team communications

Education

Associate degree or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

ATP rating

Fixed wing multiengine

Commercial SEL

Job description

Big Bear Fire

B407(IFR)

130% ACCRA

Off Duty Housing

$15,000 Sign On Bonus (External Pilots)

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

Big Bear, California, offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and year-round outdoor adventure. Nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, it’s surrounded by towering pines and centered around the sparkling Big Bear Lake, making it ideal for boating, fishing, and relaxing in the summer, and skiing or snowboarding in the winter. The charming mountain village atmosphere, fresh alpine air, and abundance of hiking and wildlife viewing make it a beloved getaway for those seeking both excitement and tranquility just a few hours from Southern California’s cities.

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 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: 8/6/2026

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.

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)