Helicopter Pilot

Air Methods

. Operate Air Methods aircraft safely and legally .

Posted 9/23/2026full-timeBarstow • California • United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $82,900 - $93,251 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in aircraft operations, safety compliance, and flight planning, with a strong focus on maintaining airworthiness and regulatory adherence. Possesses extensive flight experience, including rotor wing turbine and cross-country flight time, along with necessary certifications.

Highest-signal resume keywords

2,000 Total Flight Hours1,500 Flight Hours In CategoryInstrument Rating For CategoryFirst Or Second Class FAA Medical CertificateCommercial Single-Engine Land

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Aircraft OperationsPre-Flight InspectionFlight PlanningRotor Wing Turbine ExperienceCross-Country Flight TimeNight Flight ExperienceInstrument TimeAircraft Airworthiness VerificationMedical Systems FamiliarityDocumentation Completion

Soft Skills

Interpersonal RelationshipsProfessionalismTeam Collaboration

Certifications & Qualifications

FAA Medical CertificateInstrument RatingFixed-Wing Multiengine Rating

Industry Keywords

Federal Aviation RegulationsAeronautical Information ManualGeneral Operations ManualAir Methods Policies

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Operate Air Methods aircraft safely and legally
Verify aircraft airworthiness before every flight through pre-flight inspection and Daily Flight Log sign-off
Perform a complete aircraft walk-around before entering the cockpit and after each flight
Hold final authority regarding aircraft operations and the safety of passengers, cargo, and equipment
Maintain familiarity with aircraft and medical systems of backup aircraft
Ensure the medical flight team is familiar and comfortable with the medical interior and systems
Complete required documentation
Conduct detailed flight planning with little notice and to exacting standards
Participate regularly in Air Methods meetings, activities, projects, committees, and community outreach
Ensure aircraft and weather conditions are airworthy for transporting medical crew and patients to receiving hospitals within the assigned operational area
Maintain compliance with applicable aviation regulations and company policies

Requirements

What you’ll need

Associate’s degree (A.A.) or equivalent from a 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
Must maintain a weight not exceeding 250 pounds
Must be less than 70 years old
Must have flown in category within the previous 24 months
2,000 total flight hours with a minimum of 1,500 flight hours in category
1,000 hours PIC in category
500 hours of rotor wing turbine
200 hours of cross-country flight time, including at least 50 hours at night
100 hours unaided night as PIC, with specified NVG substitution rules
50 hours total actual or hood instrument time in flight and in category, with specified fixed-wing substitution rules
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
Must comply with Federal Aviation Regulations, Aeronautical Information Manual, General Operations Manual guidelines, and Air Methods policies and procedures
Must maintain positive interpersonal relationships and a friendly, professional working environment

Benefits

Comp & perks

$30,000 stipend
Experience stipend: up to $12,000
Off-duty housing available
$40,000 sign-on bonus
Work-life balance
7/7 schedule with 12-hour shifts
Industry-leading benefits (details referenced on the benefits page)