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Relief Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Overview Regional Relief Rotor Wing PilotSouth Central RegionEMS Air Medical Aircraft: B407, EC130, AS350 (VFR)$30,000 Stipend and $15,000 Sign-on Bonus Available Pilot must live in or be prepared to ...

Helicopter Pilot Regional Relief

CO · On-site

$82K - $93K/yr

Overview North Central Regional Relief (VFR) Salary Range: ($91,190 - $102,576) with 110% ACCRA ... As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us ...

The Trip Pilot shall be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the vessel and its tow ... Operational management of the vessel as directed by the Master/Relief Master, including service ...

The Trip Pilot shall be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the vessel and its tow ... Operational management of the vessel as directed by the Master/Relief Master, including service ...

Your Impact The Chief Pilot (CP) will bring and maintain a strong track record in aviation that ... relief to communities in need. For more information, visit Lowes.com. #LI-81BMAT Lowe's is an equal ...

PacWest Regional Relief B407 (VFR) 120% ACCRA (Geo - Modifier) $15,000 Sign On Bonus **Must live in ... As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us ...

Overview PacWest Regional Relief B407 (VFR) 120% ACCRA (Geo - Modifier) $15,000 Sign On Bonus ... As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us ...

Your Impact The primary role of the Corporate Pilot at Lowe's is to provide safe and efficient air ... relief to communities in need. For more information, visit Lowes.com . Lowe's is an equal ...

Travels to satellite bases for flight relief duty as assigned. * Attends departmental and pilot meetings * Maintains clean aircraft and workplace.ntal and pilot meetings. * Ensures safe care to ...

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Relief Pilot information

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$39.5K

$103K

$171.5K

How much do relief pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for relief pilot in the United States is $103,038.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do rescue pilots get paid?

Rescue pilots, also known as relief pilots, typically earn between $50,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Salaries can vary based on whether they work for government agencies, private companies, or emergency services, and often include additional benefits such as overtime pay and hazard allowances.

How much does a Relief Pilot make?

A Relief Pilot's salary varies depending on experience, airline, and location, but typically ranges from $50,000 to $120,000 annually. They often work irregular hours and may need specific certifications such as an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license and type ratings for different aircraft.

What does a Relief Pilot do?

A Relief Pilot is a licensed pilot who temporarily takes over flying duties when the primary pilot is unavailable or needs rest, ensuring continuous flight operations. They assist with navigation, communication, and safety procedures, often working in commercial or cargo aviation environments and holding relevant certifications such as an Airline Transport Pilot license. Relief pilots help maintain flight schedules and safety standards during long or complex flights.

What are the typical responsibilities and work schedules for a Relief Pilot?

A Relief Pilot is responsible for taking over flight segments from the main pilot or co-pilot during long-haul or multi-leg journeys to ensure flight safety and regulatory compliance with rest requirements. This role often involves flexible and variable scheduling, sometimes including nights, weekends, and extended periods away from home. Relief Pilots are typically integrated into a larger flight crew, sharing cockpit duties, pre-flight preparations, and post-flight briefs. Their ability to step in seamlessly during critical moments helps maintain smooth operations and supports the well-being of the primary crew.

What pilots make $500,000 a year?

High-paying pilot roles, such as airline captains for major carriers, can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with seniority, long-haul routes, and additional pay for overtime or bonuses. Corporate and private jet pilots with extensive experience and specialized certifications may also reach this level, but such salaries are typically reserved for those with many years of service and high-responsibility positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Relief Pilot position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Relief Pilot, you need a valid commercial pilot’s license, strong flight experience, and in-depth knowledge of aviation regulations and procedures. Familiarity with flight management systems (FMS), cockpit instrumentation, and company fleet-specific aircraft is usually required, along with relevant endorsements and type ratings. Exceptional teamwork, quick decision-making, and adaptability are essential for smoothly integrating into different crew rotations and flight operations. These skills ensure safe, seamless flight operations and effective support for the primary pilot in dynamic or long-haul environments.

What is a Relief Pilot job?

A Relief Pilot supports the primary flight crew by taking over flying duties during long-haul flights, ensuring proper rest periods for other pilots. They help manage cockpit operations, monitor flight progress, and assist with takeoffs and landings when required. Relief Pilots are typically employed on extended international routes where regulations mandate crew rest to maintain safety. While they may not be responsible for all phases of flight, they play a crucial role in maintaining efficiency and safety throughout the journey.

More about Relief Pilot jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Relief Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Relief Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Relief Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Relief Pilot jobs include:
Infographic showing various Relief Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,038 per year, or $49.5 per hour.
Regional Relief Helicopter Pilot

Regional Relief Helicopter Pilot

Air Methods

Central, TX

$79K - $99K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago


Air Methods rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

133rd of 882 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview

Regional Relief Rotor Wing PilotSouth Central RegionEMS Air Medical Aircraft:  B407, EC130, AS350 (VFR)$30,000 Stipend and $15,000 Sign-on Bonus Available

Pilot must live in or be prepared to relocate to: New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, or Mississippi. 

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!

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.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions and Responsibilities 

  • 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.Irregular schedule, 7 shifts in a 2 week pay period.

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.

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

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

Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Program - Minimum Required Flight Times: 

  • 2000 total flight hours with minimum of 1500 flight hours in category
  • 1000 hours PIC in category
  • 500 hours of rotor wing turbine time
  • 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 (simulator time does not count) (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

  • Commercial & Instrument Rating (for category and class of aircraft)
  • ATP rating in category meets this requirement
  • First OR Second Class FAA Medical certificate required.
Minimum payMaximum PayBenefits

For more information on our industry-leading benefits, please visit our benefits page here. 

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

Air Methods is an EEO/AA employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. 

This position is subject to drug and/or alcohol testing per the DOT/FAA requirements (pre-employment, random, reasonable cause/suspicion, post-accident).

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Air Methods

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Air Methods is the most responsive and reliable provider of critical care transportation solutions. We partner with our EMS and hospital customers to solve the challenges of patient logistics and save lives. We deliver industry-leading performance in safety, clinical quality, and patient advocacy, committing to zero balance bills. In addition to caring for others, we care for our own teammates: building a high-performing culture where people are passionate about their work and always bring their best. We can't be the industry-leading air medical company without you.

Industry

Aviation

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Englewood, CO, US

Year founded

1980