Helicopter Pilot

All Aviation Jobs; Ridgecrest (CA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 93,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental and Vision

Competitive 401(k)

Flexible Spending Account

Tuition Reimbursement

Full Company-Paid Life Insurance

AD&D Insurance

Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

Business Travel Accident Insurance

Relocation Assistance

Employee Assistance

Benefit Concierge Service Programs

Job summary

Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to join a leading air medical transport team. Responsible for safe aircraft operation, pre-flight checks, and adherence to FAR, AIM, and GOM standards while delivering 24/7 mission support to communities.

Qualified candidates typically hold appropriate flight hours, FAA certifications, and may possess a two-to-five year related experience. Relocation housing and stipends are offered as part of the package.

Qualifications

• Must meet FAA medical requirements and age/weight guidelines.
• Two to five years of related experience and/or training.
• Bachelor's degree preferred as per job requirements.

Responsibilities

• Operates Air Methods aircraft in a safe and legal manner.
• Completes pre-flight checks and Daily Flight Log sign-off.
• Maintains safety and regulatory compliance for passengers, cargo, and equipment.
• Familiarizes crew with medical interior and systems of aircraft.
• Performs required documentation and flight planning as needed.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Recent flight category

Education

Associate degree

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

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!

Overview

Mercy Air

Bell 407 (VFR)

Salary Range: ($82,900 - $93,251)

• $40,000 Stipend
• Experience Stipend: Up to $12,000

Off-Duty Housing Available

$40,000 Sign On Bonus

Location

Ridgecrest, CA holds a unique charm nestled in the heart of the Mojave Desert. Its special appeal lies in the breathtaking vistas of stark desert landscapes, accompanied by the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains that frame the horizon. The town is renowned for its strong sense of community, where residents come together to celebrate the annual Petroglyph Festival, showcasing ancient rock art, and to enjoy outdoor pursuits like hiking, off-roading, and stargazing thanks to its designation as a Dark Sky Community. Ridgecrest has schools that cater to various educational needs, and Cerro Coso Community College offers higher education opportunities for local residents. The cost of living in Ridgecrest is often lower than in major cities in California, making it an attractive option for those seeking a more affordable lifestyle.

Benefits

• 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

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.

• 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 a 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 at night.
• 100 hours unaided night as PIC (50 hours of unaided can be substituted 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 required instrument time to 25 hours).

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: 7/24/26

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)