Helicopter Pilot - Thermal

Mercy Air

EC135 (VFR)

Salary Range: ($91,190 - $102,576) with 110% ACCRA

$7,500 Stipend

+ Experience Stipend: Up to $12,000

Off-Duty Housing Available

$15,000 Sign On Bonus

Internal Bid ends: 8/19/26

AIR METHODS: GO ABOVE AND BEYOND HERE!

As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us to serve our communities. We are committed to providing air medical transport resources to our communities 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, while providing our pilots with work life balance. Our #1 objective is to ensure safety to/from every time, so come join our growing and high-performing culture, sparked by teammates who deliver on being the best!

Location

Thermal, California, holds a unique appeal for its tranquil desert landscapes, equestrian culture, and its significance in the world of polo. Nestled in the Coachella Valley, Thermal is known for its warm climate and breathtaking views of the Santa Rosa Mountains. The region is a haven for equestrian enthusiasts, featuring world-class facilities like the Empire Polo Club, which hosts prestigious events, including the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Thermal's commitment to preserving its natural beauty is evident in its proximity to the Salton Sea and the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, providing residents and visitors with opportunities for outdoor recreation. The town's serene atmosphere, coupled with its equestrian and cultural prominence, makes Thermal, California, special, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and sophisticated leisure pursuits in the heart of the desert.

Benefits

Air Methods is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package created with the diverse needs of our teammates in mind:

• 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

Job Summary

Responsible to ensure aircraft and weather conditions are airworthy to transport medical crew and patient to receiving hospital within an assigned operational area. Responsible for compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR), Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), General Operations Manual guidelines (GOM), and thorough knowledge of Air Methods policies and procedures.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities include the following:

• Operates Air Methods aircraft in a safe and legal manner.
• Completes pre-flight before every flight verifying the aircraft is in an airworthy condition by sign off of Daily Flight Log. Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight and upon completion of each flight.
• Final authority with regard to operations of aircraft and for the safety of passengers, cargo and equipment.
• Must be thoroughly familiar with all aircraft and medical systems of backup aircraft utilized at operational area and also ensures that the medical flight team is familiar and comfortable with the medical interior and systems.
• Responsible for completion of required documentation.
• Able to conduct detailed flight planning with little notice to exacting standards.
• Participates regularly in Air Methods meetings, activities, projects, committees and community outreach.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Additional Job Requirements

• Regular scheduled attendance (7/7 schedule - 12 hour shifts)

Subject to applicable laws and Air Method’s policies, regular attendance is an essential function of the position.  All employees must follow Air Methods’ employment practices and policies.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities. 

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily
• The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required
• In accordance with applicable laws, Air Methods will provide reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue burden so disabled employees may perform the essential functions of the position

Pay Scale:

• Based upon flight and EMS experience
• STEP A: $82,900
• STEP B: $86,216
• STEP C: $89,665
• STEP D: $93,251

*ACCRA (Geo-Mod) is not included into base salary*:

Ex. Step A: 82,900 x 1.4 (ACCRA) = 116,060:

Education & Experience:

• 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

Operation and Safety Requirements:

• As a member of the Flight Crew, any person employed in this position shall maintain a weight not to exceed 250 pounds and shall be less than seventy (70) years old.

Skills:

• Maintains positive interpersonal relationships with colleagues, EMS representatives, hospitals and the public and strives to maintain a friendly and professional working environment
• Pilots must have flown in category within the previous 24 months

Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Program:

• 2000 total flight hours with 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 of which were at night.
• 100 hours unaided night as PIC (50 hours of unaided can be substituted for by 100 hours of NVG time, but cannot be reduced below 50 hours of unaided time).
• 50 hours total actual or hood instrument time in flight and in category (for a RW candidate who is FW rated, 100 hours or greater of FW actual or hood Instrument time can reduce the RW required instrument time to 25 hours).

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Instrument rating (for category and class of aircraft)(ATP rating in category meets this requirement)
• Fixed wing multiengine rating is required for twin engine aircraft
• Commercial single engine land is required for single engine aircraft
• First OR Second Class FAA Medical certificate required.

Internal Bidding Ends: 12/17/2024:

Work for Warriors is a no-cost employment program of the California Military Department for Service Members, Veterans, and military family members. The Veteran Staffing Consultant for Air Methods is Chuck Callahan.