Helicopter Pilot

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental and Vision

Competitive 401(k)

Tuition Reimbursement

Relocation Assistance

EAP and Benefit Concierge

Job summary

Air Methods is seeking a highly qualified Helicopter Pilot for Urbana, IL. The role requires pilots to operate in high-stakes EMS missions, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance across operations with 12-hour shifts on a 7/7 schedule.

The position offers a strong benefits package and a competitive compensation structure, with emphasis on airworthiness, flight planning, and team collaboration within Air Life 1 operations.

Qualifications

• 2,000 total flight hours with 1,500 in category and 1,000 hours PIC.
• 500 hours rotor wing turbine time and 2000 total hours overall.
• Commercial & Instrument Rating with ATP-category qualification.

Responsibilities

• Operate Air Methods aircraft in a safe and compliant manner.
• Complete pre-flight checks and Daily Flight Log sign-off.
• Maintain airworthiness and ensure safety of passengers and crew.
• Coordinate detailed flight planning on short notice.
• Participate in meetings, projects, and community outreach.

Skills

2000 hours total

1500 hours in category

1000 hours PIC

500 hours turbine time

Night solo time

Night instrument time

Commercial & Instrument rating

ATP rating in category

FAA Medical (First/Second Class)

Weight limit compliance (<=70 yrs, <=

Education

Associate’s degree (A.A.) or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Flight planning software

Aviation safety systems

Aircraft systems knowledge

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, 7 days on/7 days off (12-hour shifts). 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

Helicopter Pilot - Urbana, IL

AirLife 1

EC145 / VFR

$25,000 Location Stipend

$15,000 Sign On Bonus (new hires only)

Location

Urbana, Illinois, is special for its vibrant intellectual atmosphere, cultural diversity, and strong community engagement. Home to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, one of the world's leading research institutions, Urbana pulses with intellectual curiosity and innovation. The university brings together a diverse community of students, professors, and researchers, creating a lively environment that fosters learning and creativity. The city's downtown area, adorned with historic buildings, hosts a plethora of unique shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it a hub of cultural exchange and culinary delights. Urbana is known for its rich arts scene, with local theaters, galleries, and music venues offering a wide range of performances and exhibitions. The town's commitment to sustainability and green initiatives, evident in its parks and community gardens, showcases a deep respect for the environment. Additionally, Urbana's residents actively participate in local events, festivals, and community projects, nurturing a strong sense of togetherness and pride. It's this combination of academic excellence, cultural diversity, and community engagement that makes Urbana, Illinois, truly special, creating an enriching and welcoming environment for all who call it home.

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 assignedAdditional Job Requirements
• Regular scheduled attendance. (7/7 schedule - 12 hours 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.

Compensation

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

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.

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 preferredOperation 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
• Pilots must have flown in category for a commercial operator or in the military within the previous 24 months
• Maintains positive interpersonal relationships with colleagues, EMS representatives, hospitals and the public and strives to maintain a friendly and professional working environmentVisual Flight Rules (VFR) Program:
• 2,000 total flight hours with a minimum of 1,500 flight hours in category
• 1000 hours PIC in category
• 500 hours of rotor wing turbine time
• 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 (simulator time does not count) (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
• 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

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.

Internal bidding window ends : June 15, 2026

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.