Government Pilot Careers
EMS Helicopter Pilot
Role
An EMS (Emergency Medical Services) helicopter pilot, also known as an air ambulance pilot, flies patients quickly to medical care, often from remote or congested areas. They typically work for helicopter service providers contracted by hospitals. Their primary responsibility is operating the aircraft while medical personnel care for the patient. Key duties include preflight inspections, rapid response to calls, navigating in varied weather (sometimes at night), managing aircraft load, assisting with non-medical tasks, logging flights, and ensuring FAA compliance. They often fly helicopters like the Robinson R-44, Bell 407, and Airbus H125 or H130.
Requirements
-Consider a degree: College education is highly recommended and is required at some companies that hire EMS helicopter pilots. This might be an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or specifically, a bachelor’s degree in science in aviation technology.
-Physical Examination: Most EMS helicopter pilot positions require you to have a 2nd class medical, however, some locations require a class 1 medical. (This step is important to ensure you have no medical conditions that may impair your flight abilities)
-Certifications: Earn private, instrument and commercial helicopter certifications.
-Log Hours: Depends on the company, but usually requires 1,000-2,000 hours flight time.
-Specific hours of experience: Some companies require flight time in specific helicopters or conditions (turbine engines, multi-engine craft, flying at night or flying IFR)
-ATP rating: It is not required for all EMS helicopter pilot jobs, but it can make you stand out from the rest. Some employers may want you to already have an ATP certification, others may request that you get it within a certain amount of time after being hired.