DOW Skillbridge HEMS Pilot

Air Methods•Greenwood Village, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The DOW SkillBridge program offers a pathway for military aviation professionals to transition into Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) piloting. This program combines ground instruction, specialized training at FlightSafety International (FSI), and practical experience at an operational base to prepare participants for a career as an Air Methods HEMS pilot. The training focuses on building aircraft knowledge, understanding civilian operating procedures, and developing crew coordination skills essential for HEMS missions. Participants will learn Federal Aviation Regulations, company policies, flight planning, weather evaluation, aircraft systems, operational risk assessment, and coordination with medical crews. The goal is to equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to qualify as a civilian HEMS pilot, though participation does not guarantee qualification or employment. The specific training sequence and duties will vary based on individual experience, aircraft assignment, and program requirements.

Requirements

Recent flight experience in the applicable aircraft category with the military or a commercial operator within the previous 24 months.
Strong communication, crew coordination, and decision-making skills.
A commitment to learning civilian HEMS procedures and operating standards.
An associate’s degree or equivalent education and experience, with two to five years of related experience and/or training.
Eligibility to participate in the applicable DOW SkillBridge program and required command approval.
Commercial pilot certificate with instrument rating appropriate to aircraft category and class; an ATP certificate in category satisfies the certificate requirement.
First- or Second-Class FAA Medical Certificate.
VFR program flight experience: 2,000 total flight hours, including at least 1,500 hours in category.
1,000 hours as pilot in command (PIC) in category.
500 hours of rotor-wing turbine time.
200 hours of cross-country time, including at least 50 hours at night.
100 hours of unaided night PIC time. Up to 50 hours may be replaced by 100 hours of night vision goggle time; at least 50 unaided night hours are required.
50 hours of actual or hood instrument time flown in category; simulator time does not count. For rotor-wing candidates with a fixed-wing rating and at least 100 hours of fixed-wing actual or hood instrument time, the rotor-wing requirement may be reduced to 25 hours.
IFR program flight experience: 2,500 total flight hours, including at least 2,000 hours in category.
1,000 hours PIC in category.
500 hours of cross-country time.
100 hours of night flight time.
75 hours of actual or simulated instrument time, including at least 50 hours in flight in an aircraft and 20 hours in actual instrument conditions in category.
Regular scheduled attendance and approximately 10% travel are required.
Flight crew members must meet the stated operational requirements of a maximum weight of 250 pounds and an age below 70 years, subject to applicable law and company policy.
This position is subject to DOT/FAA drug and alcohol testing requirements.

Nice To Haves

A bachelor’s degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

Making sound flight decisions based on weather, aircraft condition, operational risk, and applicable requirements.
Operating aircraft safely and legally, with final authority for aircraft operations and the safety of passengers, cargo, and equipment.
Completing preflight inspections, aircraft walkarounds, and required flight documentation.
Preparing detailed flight plans, often with limited notice.
Working closely with medical crews to support safe, coordinated operations.
Maintaining familiarity with primary and backup aircraft, including their medical interiors and systems.
Building professional relationships with teammates, EMS agencies, hospitals, and the communities served.