Helicopter Pilot

Jobtailor; West Milford (NJ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Air Methods, in New Jersey, seeks an experienced EMS pilot to operate aircraft safely and efficiently. You will perform pre-flight inspections, sign daily flight logs, and lead flight planning under demanding, high-stakes conditions.

Requirements include 2000 total flight hours with 1500 in category, 1000 hours PIC in category, ATP rating, FAA medical certificate, and rotor-wing turbine experience. Expect leadership, teamwork, and precise documentation and compliance.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent from two-year college or technical school and two to five years’ related experience.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Regular scheduled attendance with 12-hour shifts.
• FAA medical and instrument requirements are implied by role.
• Weight and age restrictions apply as listed in the job description.

Responsibilities

• Operate Air Methods aircraft in a safe and legal manner.
• Complete pre-flight inspections and sign off the Daily Flight Log.
• Perform aircraft walk-arounds before and after each flight.
• Serve as final authority for operations and safety of passengers, cargo, and equipment.
• Maintain familiarity with backup aircraft systems and interiors.
• Ensure medical flight team familiarity with backup aircraft medical interiors and systems.
• Complete required documentation.
• Conduct detailed flight planning with short notice.
• Participate in meetings, activities, projects, committees, and outreach.
• Transport medical crew and patients within the assigned area.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Flight planning

Leadership

Team Collaboration

Communication

Education

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

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

• Operate Air Methods aircraft in a safe and legal manner
• Complete pre-flight inspections and sign off the Daily Flight Log
• Perform complete aircraft walk-arounds before and after each flight
• Serve as final authority for aircraft operations and the safety of passengers, cargo, and equipment
• Maintain familiarity with aircraft and medical systems of backup aircraft
• Ensure medical flight team familiarity with backup aircraft medical interiors and systems
• Complete required documentation
• Conduct detailed flight planning with little notice to exacting standards
• Participate in Air Methods meetings, activities, projects, committees, and community outreach
• Transport medical crew and patients to receiving hospitals within the assigned operational area
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• 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
• Regular scheduled attendance (7/7 schedule - 12-hour shifts)
• Weight must not exceed 250 pounds
• Must be less than seventy (70) years old
• Pilots must have flown in category within the previous 24 months
• 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, with permitted NVG substitution subject to stated limits
• 50 hours total actual or hood instrument time in flight and in category, with stated fixed-wing substitution provisions
• Instrument rating for category and class of aircraft; ATP rating in category meets this requirement
• Fixed wing multiengine rating required for twin-engine aircraft
• Commercial single-engine land required for single-engine aircraft
• First or Second Class FAA Medical certificate required
• Subject to DOT/FAA drug and/or alcohol testing

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in aircraft operation, safety protocols, and medical transport logistics, ensuring compliance with FAA regulations and maintaining high standards of flight safety. Proficient in flight planning and documentation, with a strong focus on teamwork and community engagement.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• 2000 Total Flight Hours
• 1500 Flight Hours In Category
• 1000 Hours PIC In Category
• First Or Second Class FAA Medical Certificate
• Instrument Rating For Category And Class Of Aircraft

Hard Skills

• Aircraft Operation
• Pre-Flight Inspections
• Flight Planning
• Rotor Wing Turbine Experience
• Cross-Country Flight Time
• Night Flight Experience
• Instrument Time
• Commercial Single-Engine Land
• Fixed Wing Multiengine Rating
• PIC Experience

Soft Skills

• Leadership
• Team Collaboration
• Communication

Certifications & Qualifications

• ATP Rating
• FAA Medical Certificate

Industry Keywords

• Air Methods
• Medical Transport
• FAA Regulations
• DOT/FAA Drug Testing
• Safety Protocols