Helicopter Pilot

Air Methods; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 82,900 - 93,251; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401k plan

Relocation assistance

Tuition reimbursement

Life insurance

AD&D insurance

Disability insurance

Travel insurance

Legal assistance

Job summary

Air Methods in San Diego is seeking highly qualified pilots to join our air medical operations, delivering critical care transport 24/7. This role focuses on IFR-capable crews with strict adherence to FAR, AIM and GOM guidelines, ensuring patient safety and mission success.

Minimum requirements include 2500 total flight hours, 1000 PIC hours, and 500 rotor-wing turbine time, with a 70‑year age limit noted for eligibility. Step pay ranges from $82,900 to $93,251 annually.

Qualifications

• 2500 total flight hours with minimum of 2000 flight hours in category.
• 1000 hours PIC in category; 500 hours rotor wing turbine time.
• 75 hours of actual or simulated instrument time in instrument conditions.

Responsibilities

• Operates Air Methods aircraft in a safe and legal manner.
• Performs pre-flight checks and thorough walk-around prior to flight.
• Maintains primary responsibility for safety of passengers and cargo.
• Completes required documentation and flight planning with attention to accuracy.

Skills

Flight hours

PIC time

IFR experience

Aviation safety

Education

Associate’s degree

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

Overview

Mercy Air

EC145 (IFR)

160% ACCRA (Geo-Modifier)

$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

San Diego is a special place because of its perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. With its stunning coastline, world-famous beaches, and near-perfect weather year-round, it’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts who love surfing, hiking, and exploring scenic spots like Torrey Pines and La Jolla Cove. The city’s deep-rooted history, from its Spanish colonial past to its role as a major naval hub, adds layers of significance, reflected in landmarks like Old Town and the USS Midway Museum. San Diego is also a foodie’s dream, offering everything from fresh seafood to the best California burritos, influenced by its close ties to Mexico. Whether it’s the world-renowned San Diego Zoo, the lively Gaslamp Quarter, or the laid‑back beach communities, there’s a unique charm that makes San Diego an unforgettable destination.

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

• 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

accreditation (Accra) (Geo‑Mod) is not included into base salary

Ex. Step A: 82,900 x 1.4 (Accra) = 116,060

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 multi‑engine 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: 7/21/26

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)