DOW Skillbridge HEMS Pilot

DOW SkillBridge: Military-to-Civilian HEMS Pilot

Bring your military aviation experience to a mission where every flight matters. Through the Air Methods DOW SkillBridge opportunity, you will build on your operational experience while preparing for a career in Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS).

This training pathway combines ground instruction, training at FlightSafety International (FSI), and practical learning at an operational base. You will develop the aircraft knowledge, civilian operating procedures, and crew coordination skills needed to work toward qualification as an Air Methods HEMS pilot.

Your Training Pathway

Build your foundation through ground training Learn how your military aviation experience translates to civilian air medical operations. Ground instruction prepares you to apply Federal Aviation Regulations, Air Methods' General Operations Manual, and company policies and procedures to the HEMS mission. Topics include flight planning, weather evaluation, aircraft systems, operational risk assessment, required documentation, and coordination with medical crews.

Develop aircraft proficiency at FlightSafety International (FSI) Participate in aircraft-specific training designed to strengthen systems knowledge, procedural proficiency, and decision-making. Through the applicable FSI curriculum, you will practice normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures and build confidence in the aircraft and operating practices used in your civilian role.

Bring it together at the base Continue your transition alongside experienced aviation and medical professionals at an operational base. Learn the local operating area, base routines, mission preparation, aircraft and medical interior familiarization, and coordination with hospitals and emergency responders. Base training connects your ground and FSI instruction to the day-to-day expectations of an air medical pilot.

The objective is to prepare you to qualify as a civilian HEMS pilot through successful completion of the applicable training, evaluations, and company requirements. The specific training sequence and flight duties depend on your experience, aircraft assignment, and program requirements. Participation does not guarantee qualification or employment.

The Mission You Are Preparing For

As a qualified Air Methods HEMS pilot, you will transport medical crews and patients safely while exercising the judgment and discipline the mission demands. Your responsibilities will include:

• 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 you serve.

What You Bring

Military aviation develops discipline, adaptability, and sound judgment. This opportunity is designed for candidates ready to apply those strengths to a civilian mission centered on patient care, aviation safety, and teamwork.

Candidates should bring:

• 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. A bachelor's degree is preferred.
• Eligibility to participate in the applicable DOW SkillBridge program and required command approval.

Pilot Qualifications

The requirements below describe the applicable pilot qualification standards. SkillBridge entry requirements and any credentials that must be held before training should be confirmed during the application process.

Certificates and medical

• 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.

Additional Requirements

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.

Air Methods provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable law and is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Qualified applicants receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Continue serving. Build your civilian aviation career. Prepare for your next mission with Air Methods