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Entry Level Life Flight Helicopter Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Geisinger Health

Helicopter Pilot IFR

Montoursville, PA · On-site

$79K - $98K/yr

Life Flight operates eight SPIFR EC145's and one BK117C1. We offer a $25,000 bonus for Pilots, a ... Helicopter time * 1000hrs.Helicopter Pilot in Command time * 75hrs of actual or simulated ...

Geisinger

Helicopter Pilot IFR

Montoursville, PA · On-site

$79K - $98K/yr

Life Flight operates eight SPIFR EC145's and one BK117C1. We offer a $25,000 bonus for Pilots, a ... Helicopter time * 1000hrs.Helicopter Pilot in Command time * 75hrs of actual or simulated ...

Geisinger Health

Helicopter Line Pilot

Avoca, PA · On-site

$86K - $107K/yr

Life Flight operates eight SPIFR EC145's and one BK117C1. A $25,000 signing bonus for pilots ( 3yr ... Helicopter time * 1000hrs. Pilot in Command time * 75hrs of actual or simulated instrument time at ...

Geisinger

Helicopter Line Pilot

Avoca, PA

$86K - $107K/yr

Life Flight operates eight SPIFR EC145's and one BK117C1. A $25,000 signing bonus for pilots ( 3yr ... Helicopter time * 1000hrs. Pilot in Command time * 75hrs of actual or simulated instrument time at ...

Memorial Hermann

Life Flight Pilot

Pavilion, NY · On-site

Join our pioneering helicopter air ambulance company and fly the modern Airbus BK 117 D-3 (H145 ... Hermann Life Flight. *Memorial Hermann expects pilots to pass ATP checkride with 2 years of ...

Cityview Helicopter Tours

Helicopter Pilot

Detroit, MI · On-site

$89K - $110K/yr

This includes, but is not limited to: training, testing, compliance with flight time restrictions ... Helicopter pilot training * Commercial helicopter training * Individual aircraft training ...

STS Technical Services

VFR Helicopter Pilot

Oracle, AZ · On-site

$50K/yr

... life saving emergency care. Operations include 24 hour flight coverage with rotating day and night ... Commercial Helicopter Pilot Certificate * Instrument Rating * First Class FAA Medical Flight ...

Survival Flight

Helicopter Pilot

Eureka Springs, AR · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

* Survival Flight is accepting resumes for a full-time Helicopter Air Ambulance (HAA) Pilot position flying a Bell 407 at our base in Eureka Springs, AR . We are certain that you will find a home ...

REACH Medical Holdings

Helicopter Pilot

Twin Falls, ID · On-site

$147K - $162K/yr

Pilot Incentives - ​ This is pilot life at Global Medical Response: * 💰 Potential to earn up ... Effectively communicate and collaborate with dispatch, flight crews, facilities, and partners

Survival Flight

Helicopter Pilot

Jerseyville, IL · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Survival Flight is accepting resumes for a full-time Helicopter Air Ambulance (HAA) Pilot position flying a Bell 206 at our base in Jerseyville, Illinois. We are certain that you will find a home ...

Survival Flight

Helicopter Pilot

Alva, OK · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Survival Flight is accepting resumes for a full-time Helicopter Air Ambulance (HAA) Pilot position flying a Bell 407 at our base in Alva, Oklahoma. We are certain that you will find a home amongst ...

Survival Flight

Helicopter Pilot

Jerseyville, IL · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Survival Flight is accepting resumes for a full-time Helicopter Air Ambulance (HAA) Pilot position flying a Bell 206 at our base in Jerseyville, Illinois. We are certain that you will find a home ...

Survival Flight

Helicopter Pilot

Jerseyville, IL · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Survival Flight is accepting resumes for a full-time Helicopter Air Ambulance (HAA) Pilot position flying a Bell 206 at our base in Jerseyville, Illinois . We are certain that you will find a home ...

Survival Flight

Helicopter Pilot

Alva, OK · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Survival Flight is accepting resumes for a full-time Helicopter Air Ambulance (HAA) Pilot position flying a Bell 407 at our base in Alva, Oklahoma . We are certain that you will find a home amongst ...

Survival Flight

Helicopter Pilot

Jerseyville, IL

$90K - $110K/yr

Survival Flight is accepting resumes for a full-time Helicopter Air Ambulance (HAA) Pilot position flying a Bell 206 at our base in Jerseyville, Illinois . We are certain that you will find a home ...

Survival Flight

Helicopter Pilot

Jerseyville, IL · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Survival Flight is accepting resumes for a full-time Helicopter Air Ambulance (HAA) Pilot position flying a Bell 206 at our base in Jerseyville, Illinois . We are certain that you will find a home ...

Survival Flight

Helicopter Pilot

Eureka Springs, AR · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Survival Flight is accepting resumes for a full-time Helicopter Air Ambulance (HAA) Pilot position flying a Bell 407 at our base in Eureka Springs, AR. We are certain that you will find a home ...

Mercy Flight Central

Helicopter Pilot

Canandaigua, NY · On-site

$85K - $106K/yr

Pilot-In-Command The Pilot-In-Command is responsible for safe and effective aircraft operations ... Responsible for pre-flight planning and weather checks in accordance FARs and the Mercy Flight ...

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Entry Level Life Flight Helicopter Pilot information

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$71.5K

$100.2K

$123.5K

How much do entry level life flight helicopter pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level life flight helicopter pilot in the United States is $100,249.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level life flight helicopter pilot?

Entry level life flight helicopter pilots are specially trained pilots responsible for operating helicopters that transport critically ill or injured patients to medical facilities. These professionals work closely with medical teams to ensure safe and rapid air transport, often in emergency situations. Entry level pilots typically have just met the minimum flight hour and certification requirements, such as holding a commercial helicopter pilot license and possibly an instrument rating. They must demonstrate strong decision-making skills, adaptability, and the ability to work under pressure. Training and mentorship are commonly provided to help them gain experience in the unique challenges of life flight operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level life flight helicopter pilot?

To thrive as an Entry Level Life Flight Helicopter Pilot, you need a commercial helicopter pilot license, strong flight proficiency, and thorough knowledge of aeronautical regulations and emergency procedures. Familiarity with aviation communication systems, GPS navigation, night vision equipment, and completion of specialized medical transport or air ambulance training are typically required. Excellent decision-making, stress management, and teamwork skills are vital for handling high-pressure, time-sensitive situations. These competencies are crucial to ensure safe patient transport, effective response during emergencies, and seamless coordination with medical and aviation teams.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level life flight helicopter pilots during their first year on the job?

Entry-level Life Flight helicopter pilots often face challenges such as adapting to unpredictable schedules, flying in adverse weather conditions, and managing the stress of emergency medical situations. The role requires rapid decision-making, clear communication with medical teams, and strict adherence to safety protocols. Building confidence in night flying, navigating unfamiliar terrain, and handling the emotional impact of critical patient transports are also common hurdles. However, strong mentorship, ongoing training, and teamwork help new pilots overcome these challenges and grow in their roles.

What is the difference between Entry Level Life Flight Helicopter Pilot vs Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Pilot?

AspectEntry Level Life Flight Helicopter PilotEMS Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, rotorcraft add-on, medical clearanceCommercial Pilot License, rotorcraft add-on, medical clearance
Work EnvironmentHelicopter emergency transport, often in challenging conditionsGround and air ambulance services, urban and rural areas
Employer & IndustryLife flight services, hospitals, emergency response agenciesEMS agencies, hospitals, private ambulance companies

Both roles require similar certifications and operate in emergency medical transport environments. The main difference is that Entry Level Life Flight Helicopter Pilots focus specifically on helicopter emergency transports, often in more challenging conditions, while EMS Pilots may also operate fixed-wing aircraft or ground vehicles. Both positions serve vital roles in emergency medical services and require specialized training and certifications.

How do you become an entry level life flight helicopter pilot?

To become an entry-level life flight helicopter pilot, candidates typically need a commercial helicopter pilot license, which requires logging a minimum number of flight hours, passing written and practical exams, and obtaining specific certifications such as an FAA first-class medical certificate. Prior experience in emergency or medical transport flying, strong communication skills, and familiarity with helicopter systems are also important for this specialized role.

How much do entry level life flight helicopter pilots make?

Entry-level life flight helicopter pilots typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on the employer, location, and experience. Starting salaries may be lower, but with additional certifications and experience, pay can increase significantly in this specialized field.
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The top searched job categories for Entry Level Life Flight Helicopter Pilot jobs are:

Entry Level Life Flight Helicopter Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Life Flight Helicopter Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $100,249 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

Helicopter Pilot IFR

Geisinger Health

Montoursville, PA • On-site

$79K - $98K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Geisinger Health rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 448 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

457th of 896 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Location:
Geisinger Life Flight Hangar 4 Montoursville
Shift:
Rotation (United States of America)
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Worker Type:
Regular
Exemption Status:
Yes
Job Summary:
Life Flight operates eight SPIFR EC145's and one BK117C1.
We offer a $25,000 bonus for Pilots, a very competitive salary and benefit package and Relocation assistance reviewed case by case.
1.5X base salary for extra shifts Additional financial incentives for extra shifts.
Job Duties:
  • Responsible for the safe and efficient conduct of a flight assignment related to the conveyance of patients in need of emergency services. The pilot-in-command and is authorized to process a flight assignment received from the Life Flight Communications Center and determines whether to accept or decline a flight assignment based on weather conditions or other factors that may impact the safety of flight.
  • Plans flight assignments and obtains briefing information regarding purpose of the flight, weather, operating procedures and special instructions.
  • Conducts a start of shift briefing with the assigned medical, communications and ground personnel.
  • Ensures that the aircraft is prepared pre-flight per the General Operating Manual; is inspected, loaded, equipped, fueled and staffed for a flight assignment.
  • Supervises and assists loading and distribution of cargo and passengers and determines that weight and balance is within prescribed limitations per the utilized method of aircraft weight and balance or the approved rotorcraft flight manual.
  • Ensures cargo is properly secured and emergency equipment are aboard.
  • Files, activates and closes the flight plans.
  • Ensures proper completion of flight logs, records and maintenance forms.
  • Checks aircraft discrepancy log prior to flight to ensure all discrepancies have been corrected or properly deferred prior to a flight assignment.
  • Logs all mechanical discrepancies as they occur and informs maintenance personnel.
  • Notifies the Life Flight Communications Center of the service status of the aircraft.
  • Participates in post-flight debriefings.
  • Keeps navigation charts current and up to date.
  • Maintains proficiency as Pilot-in-Command and proficiency in SPIFR operations.

Position Details:
  • 7 days on 7 days off
  • $25,000 Bonus
  • Certifications and Licenses:
  • FAA commercial pilot with an instrument rating
  • 2000hrs. total time or 1500hrs total time with ATP rating
  • 1500hrs. Helicopter time
  • 1000hrs.Helicopter Pilot in Command time
  • 75hrs of actual or simulated instrument time at least 50hrs of which were in actual flight
  • Helicopter Turbine Time: 1000 hours
  • 500 hours Cross Country
  • 100 hours of night flight time

  • Full benefits (medical, dental and vision) starting on day one
  • Three medical plan choices, including an expanded network for out-of-area employees and dependents
  • Pre-tax savings plans with healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSA) and a health savings account (HSA) with employer contribution
  • Company-paid life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage
  • 401(k) plan that includes automatic Geisinger contributions
  • Generous paid time off (PTO) plan that allows you to accrue time quickly
  • Up to $5,000 in tuition reimbursement per calendar year
  • MyHealth Rewards wellness program to improve your health while earning a financial incentive
  • Family-friendly support including adoption and fertility assistance, parental leave pay, military leave pay and a free Care.com membership with discounted backup care for your loved ones
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Referrals for childcare, eldercare, & pet care; Access free legal guidance, mental health visits, work-life support, digital self-help tools and more
  • Voluntary benefits including accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity insurance, identity theft protection, universal life and pet and legal insurance

Education:
High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED)- (Required)
Experience:
Minimum of 1 year-Related work experience (Preferred)
Certification(s) and License(s):
Licensed Commercial Helicopter Pilot with Instrument Helicopter Rating - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Valid Driver's License - Default Issuing Body
Skills:
Interpersonal Communication, Leads Others
OUR PURPOSE & VALUES: Everything we do is about caring for our patients, our members, our students, our Geisinger family and our communities.
  • KINDNESS: We strive to treat everyone as we would hope to be treated ourselves.
  • EXCELLENCE: We treasure colleagues who humbly strive for excellence.
  • LEARNING: We share our knowledge with the best and brightest to better prepare the caregivers for tomorrow.
  • INNOVATION: We constantly seek new and better ways to care for our patients, our members, our community, and the nation.
  • SAFETY: We provide a safe environment for our patients and members and the Geisinger family.

We offer healthcare benefits for full time and part time positions from day one, including vision, dental and domestic partners. Perhaps just as important, we encourage an atmosphere of collaboration, cooperation and collegiality.
We know that a diverse workforce with unique experiences and backgrounds makes our team stronger. Our patients, members and community come from a wide variety of backgrounds, and it takes a diverse workforce to make better health easier for all. We are proud to be an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

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