newpilotusa

For any Air Methods pilots out there, I'm wondering how difficult is it to get selected for an interview? Is it as easy as it is to obtain an interview at a regional?

dvtpilot

This cannot be emphasized enough. If you're looking for a FW job, this one is a solid 5/10. Was better two years ago but recent restructuring has shown zero interest or ability to manage the fixed wing side of the house. You're better off at a regional if you're a younger guy not close to age 65.

newpilotusa

Thank you for responding. I'm just wondering, why is it getting worse? Also, out of question, when you are on your 12 hour shift, are you at the airport or are you at your house?

Aubieflyer

Not getting worse, just the cancer is spreading. There are a handful of inept, incompetent Regional "directors" who will not stand up to the medical side of the house, hence the scud-running. If a nurse says you did an inverted approach, well, guess what bubba, you did and its your arse.

Specifically, avoid bases east of the Mississippi. The RAD is a very poorly regarded rotor pilot who can't comprehend FW flying, 135 rules or anything but flying his R44 in a cornfield. He will come down on you every chance he gets for turning down a flight.

Boris Badenov

The RAMs were always a mixed bag. My program was east of the Mississippi (by about a mile), and we were pretty much left out of the As The Prop Turns regional political fights, etc. I gather that was largely because we were a hospital program...if you get a choice, you definitely want a hospital program. I did some workover at a couple of the community programs and the QOL was several ticks lower, for sure.

FWIW, I never once had a decision to turn down a flight questioned. But again, that probably had something to do with the program.

deadstick35

I just wanted to bump this up because it speaks volumes about the ever-present issues of being a f/w pilot at a r/w company. It’s something to think about becaue the scenario is believeable. However, a first-person account of it would be more credible.

squawk 762

I flew the PC12 for Air Methods for five years, I left the company, and aviation in 2013. As far as quality of life, it is pretty good. 7 on, 7 off. 12 hour shifts spent at the airport with your own room and bed. I only flew about 2-3 times per week, and in the 5 years I was there I logged about 600 hours.

I would not recommend it for anyone looking to move forward in their career, I left Ameriflight in the 99 for it because I had 3 kids under 5, and wanted to be home every day to help my wife. (I took all night shifts the first 2 years).

The flying is tough. You get a call at 2 am, need to check weather, file a flight plan, and be taxiing in about 10 minutes. A lot of the destination airports were in mountainous terrain and VFR only, and many local pilots wouldn't even go to them in day VFR conditions. Fatigue is a real issue, and it's tough to stay on top of your game when only flying 15 hours a month.

As far as it being a helicopter company, I'd actually describe it as a healthcare corporation that operates helicopters, and keeps a few airplanes to stay profitable. Company management is all nurses and medics, and most training is geared to helicopter operations.

It is a nice place to work, and I'd recommend it as a retirement job, but you'll never make much more than first year regional FO pay as a fixed wing pilot there.

NxNW

I'm pretty sure the only FW base in the North East is in Potsdam, NY. Way up on the North side of the Adirondacks.

rougepilot

Curious for current Air Methods pilots. What are the current pay rates, schedule, QOL? I'd be looking at the King Air out of APA. Feel free to PM me too. Thank you in advance!

tlove482

You can find the union contract online.

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