Helicopter Pilot

Air Methods; Hesperia (CA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

Air Methods is seeking experienced pilots to join our team in Hesperia, California. The role focuses on ensuring airworthiness, compliance with FAR/AIM/GOM, and safe transport of medical crews and patients within an assigned area.

The position requires comprehensive pre-flight checks, sign-off procedures, and active participation in safety and operational meetings. We emphasize a 7/7, 12-hour shift schedule with a strong culture of safety and community service.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree with 2–5 years related experience or equivalent.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Weight not to exceed 250 pounds and must be under 70 years old; regulatory accommodations as required.

Responsibilities

• Operates Air Methods aircraft safely and legally.
• Completes pre-flight checks and Daily Flight Log sign-off.
• Retains final authority on aircraft operations and passenger safety.
• Familiar with aircraft and medical systems of backup aircraft at the area.
• Completes required documentation.
• Performs detailed flight planning with short notice.
• Participates in meetings, projects, committees and community outreach.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Flight hours

Night flight time

Teamwork

Regulatory compliance

Education

Associate's degree or equivalent

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Overview

Mercy Air B407(VFR) 120% ACCRA $20,000 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

Hesperia, California, nestled in the Mojave Desert, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and community spirit. Its roots trace back to the Desert Serrano (Vanyume) people and the Spanish land grant Rancho San Felipe, Las Flores y el Paso del Cajon, established in 1781. Modern Hesperia boasts attractions like the scenic Hesperia Lake Park, the family-friendly Hesperia Zoo, and the innovative Cal Earth Homes. The city is also home to the upcoming Silverwood community, designed to foster kindness and neighborliness among residents. With its picturesque landscapes, including views of the San Bernardino and San Gabriel mountains, and a commitment to community values, Hesperia stands out as a special place in Southern California.

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

• 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

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

Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Program

• 2000 total flight hours with minimum of 1500 flight hours in category
• 1000 hours PIC in category
• 500 hours of rotor wing turbine
• 200 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)
• 50 hours total actual or hood instrument time in flight and in category (for a RW candidate who is FW rated, 100 hours or greater of FW actual or hood Instrument time can reduce the RW re