Helicopter Pilot

careers-airmethods; Liberty (SC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) plan

Tuition reimbursement

Life insurance

AD&D insurance

Disability insurance

Relocation assistance

Employee assistance

Job summary

Air Methods seeks exceptional helicopter pilots to join our team in Pickens, SC to transport medical crews and patients under IFR conditions. The role emphasizes safety, regulatory compliance, and precision in flight planning, with a focus on rotor-wing operations and cross-country missions.

Compensation starts at $82,900 per year and rewards EMS experience with a comprehensive benefits package and 7/7 12-hour shift schedule. This on-site position supports a high-performing culture.

Qualifications

• 2500 total flight hours with a minimum of 2000 hours in category
• 1000 hours PIC in category
• 500 hours rotor wing turbine time
• 500 hours of cross-country flight time, 100 hours of night flight time
• 75 hours of actual or simulated instrument time, at least 50 hours in flight, including 20 hours in actual instrument conditions in category
• Commercial & Instrument Rating (for category and class of aircraft)
• ATP rating in category meets this requirement
• First or Second Class FAA Medical certificate required.

Responsibilities

• Operates Air Methods aircraft in a safe and legal manner.
• Completes pre-flight before every flight verifying airworthiness.
• Final authority for operations of aircraft and safety of passengers, cargo and equipment.
• Familiar with aircraft and medical systems of backup aircraft; trains medical flight team.
• Completes required documentation.
• Conducts detailed flight planning with tight timelines.
• Participates in meetings, projects, and outreach.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

IFR experience

PIC hours

Rotor wing time

Cross-country hours

Night flight

Instrument time

Communication

Education

Associate degree or equivalent

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Overview

Helicopter Pilot - Pickens, SC

EC135/ IFR

$3,000 IFR Stipend

$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

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Pickens, South Carolina, offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and outdoor adventure. Residents enjoy easy access to stunning destinations like Table Rock State Park, Lake Keowee, and the scenic Cherokee Foothills, making hiking, fishing, boating, and mountain biking part of everyday life. Despite its peaceful atmosphere, Pickens is conveniently located just 30 minutes from Greenville—one of the Southeast's fastest-growing cities—providing access to excellent dining, shopping, entertainment, and a thriving economy. With its affordable cost of living, friendly community, and beautiful natural surroundings, Pickens is an ideal place to build both a rewarding career and an exceptional quality of life.

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.

Compensation

Compensation commensurate with flight and EMS experience from $82,900 per year.

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 on flight and EMS experience.

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 a minimum of 2000 hours in category
• 1000 hours PIC in category
• 500 hours of rotor wing turbine time
• 500 hours of cross-country flight time, 100 hours of night flight 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

• Commercial & Instrument Rating (for category and class of aircraft)
• ATP rating in category meets this requirement
• First OR Second Class FAA Medical certificate required.

This position is subject to drug and/or alcohol testing per the DOT/FAA requirements (pre-employment, random, reasonable cause/suspicion, post-accident). Air Methods is an EEO/AA employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status

Benefits

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

Internal bidding ends : October 14, 2026

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.