Helicopter Pilot

Air Methods

Helicopter pilot operating VFR aircraft for Air Methods’ air medical transport services. Ensuring safe flights, aircraft airworthiness, regulatory compliance, and patient transport to hospitals.

Posted 8/21/2026full-timeEffingham • Illinois • 🇺🇸 United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $82,900 - $93,251 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in aircraft operation, safety protocols, and compliance with aviation regulations. Proficient in flight planning, aircraft inspections, and maintaining operational readiness in medical flight environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

2000 Total Flight Hours1500 Flight Hours In Category1000 Hours PIC In CategoryFirst OR Second Class FAA Medical CertificateInstrument Rating For Category And Class Of Aircraft

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Aircraft OperationPre-Flight InspectionsFlight PlanningRotor Wing Turbine ExperienceCross-Country Flight TimeNight Flight ExperienceInstrument TimeCommercial Single-Engine LandFixed Wing Multiengine RatingFAA Regulations Compliance

Soft Skills

LeadershipTeam CollaborationCommunication

Certifications & Qualifications

ATP Rating In CategoryFirst OR Second Class FAA Medical Certificate

Industry Keywords

Air MethodsFederal Aviation RegulationsAeronautical Information ManualGeneral Operations ManualDOT/FAA Drug Testing

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Operate Air Methods aircraft in a safe and legal manner
Complete pre-flight inspections before every flight and verify aircraft airworthiness through the Daily Flight Log
Perform a complete aircraft walk-around before entering the cockpit and after each flight
Maintain final authority over aircraft operations and the safety of passengers, cargo, and equipment
Maintain familiarity with all aircraft and medical systems of 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 with little notice to exacting standards
Participate regularly in Air Methods meetings, activities, projects, committees, and community outreach
Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

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
Weight not to 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 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
Regular scheduled attendance on a 7/7 schedule with 12-hour shifts
Must comply with Federal Aviation Regulations, Aeronautical Information Manual, General Operations Manual guidelines, and Air Methods policies and procedures
Subject to DOT/FAA drug and/or alcohol testing requirements

Benefits

Comp & perks

$40,000 Location Stipend
$40,000 Sign On Bonus
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