Helicopter Pilot

Air Methods•Dexter, NY

About The Position

Air Methods is hiring a Helicopter Pilot for LifeNet of NY in Watertown, New York, operating an EC135 under instrument flight rules (IFR). The pilot is responsible for ensuring aircraft and weather conditions are suitable for transporting medical crew and patients to receiving hospitals within the assigned operational area. The role requires compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations, the Aeronautical Information Manual, General Operations Manual guidelines, and Air Methods policies and procedures. The pilot has final authority over aircraft operations and the safety of passengers, cargo, and equipment. The position follows a regular 7-days-on/7-days-off schedule with 12-hour shifts. Compensation is commensurate with flight and EMS experience, with a stated range of $82,900 to $93,251 per year. A $15,000 sign-on bonus is advertised.

Requirements

Associate’s degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school, plus two to five years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Must have flown in category for a commercial operator or in the military within the previous 24 months.
For the IFR program: 2,500 total flight hours, including at least 2,000 hours in category.
For the IFR program: 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time in category.
For the IFR program: 500 hours of cross-country flight time and 100 hours of night flight time.
For the IFR program: 75 hours of actual or simulated instrument time, at least 50 hours of which were in flight in an aircraft, including 20 hours in actual instrument conditions in category.
Commercial and instrument ratings for the category and class of aircraft; an ATP rating in category meets this requirement.
First- or second-class FAA Medical Certificate.
Maintain a weight not exceeding 250 pounds and be younger than 70 years old.
Subject to DOT/FAA drug and alcohol testing requirements, including pre-employment, random, reasonable-cause/suspicion, and post-accident testing.
Maintain positive interpersonal relationships with colleagues, EMS representatives, hospitals, and the public, and strive to maintain a friendly and professional working environment.
Regular scheduled attendance is an essential function; schedule is 7 days on and 7 days off with 12-hour shifts.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.

Responsibilities

Operate Air Methods aircraft safely and legally.
Complete a preflight inspection before every flight, verify airworthiness, and sign off on the Daily Flight Log.
Perform a complete aircraft walk-around before entering the cockpit and after each flight.
Exercise final authority over aircraft operations and the safety of passengers, cargo, and equipment.
Maintain thorough familiarity with aircraft and medical systems on backup aircraft used in the operational area.
Ensure the medical flight team is familiar and comfortable with the medical interior and systems.
Complete required documentation.
Conduct detailed flight planning to exacting standards, often with little notice.
Participate regularly in Air Methods meetings, activities, projects, committees, and community outreach.
Perform other duties as assigned.