Helicopter EMS Pilot Jobs From Helicopter Check Ride
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- Опубліковано 29 чер 2024
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Having been an EMS pilot, I am asked many questions about the job. I felt it only right to answer some of these common questions. "Can you tell me a typical day on the job as an EMS pilot?" On a typical day, you show up and talk to the pilot that you are relieving. The first thing you do, go down and preflight the aircraft. Get the aircraft ready to go for the day. Check in and look at weather. You have to have everything ready to go so that, when that call comes in, you are ready. After that, it's pretty much watch TV, sleep, eat, read, get on the computer, pretty much do whatever you want to do. If and when a call comes in, you go out to the helicopter and you fly Point A to B and try to transport the patient in the safest manner that you can.
"What was your favorite part of the Helicopter EMS Pilot Job?
My favorite part of the job, flying a $6 million aircraft! THAT was pretty cool. We had good maintenance and good equipment. I worked for a good company that I was proud to work for. The favorite part would be when we actually went out to fly. What was the least favorite part? That would definitely the hours, and hours (and HOURS), of doing nothing. The next thing that comes to mind is being watched over by hospital personnel that know nothing about helicopters or helicopter operations. Some of them want to dissect every move that you make and play armchair quarterback. We do not get involved in what they are doing in the back with the medical situation, but they all sure seemed like they need to get involved in what we were doing.
"What surprised you the most when you started working in the EMS field?" Well, because I had a background in emergency services with the police department and fire department, there were a few things I had to get used to. When I first went to interview for the job, the base manager knew my history and he said, "This is going to be a little bit different. You are used to rushing to the fire truck or rushing to the police car. In helicopter EMS, we do not rush. We walk to the helicopter. We walk to the helicopter, do a walk around. We climb in. We put our seatbelts on. We go through a step-by-step checklist to make sure everything's good to go. Then, when we're ready, we are flying from Point A to Point B as if we're hauling cargo." Now, the people in the EMS side of things, they have a hard time swallowing that because, to them, it is a medical emergency. To us, as the pilot, it is not. If you think about it, this makes sense. The person flying the aircraft needs to stay calm, needs to focus on his job. If he lets the emergency get to him and come into play, he takes chances, he takes risks, and he skips certain operations that end up causing real problems.
"What are employers typically looking for when hiring people in this line of work?" Well, I am not an employer, but I would say, at this point, they are looking for qualified people. We know the Vietnam veterans are retiring and those jobs are opening up. So, I think, in general, can you do the job? Do you have the qualifications? There is another problem in this industry of people faking time in their logbooks. As everybody hears about the pilot shortage, more and more people are tempted to fake their time to get in and get to the job. Well, you need that experience. You need that time under your belt to get in this line of work and have the experience necessary. I would say good quality people that actually have the required experience you need to do the job and do it right.
"What was the work schedule like?" The work schedule was cool. We did seven days on, seven days off. We would work seven days of day shifts, we would have a week off, and then we would have seven night shifts. Those seven days did make the workweek very long, but it was sure nice having seven days off. The biggest problem was switching from days to nights. They would say, "Well, when you're switching from days to nights, during that week, stay up a little later each night, and sleep in a little bit more the next day to help get your sleep pattern moved around. That will help you get through your week." Me, personally, working nights off and on for years in all different types of emergency services, I do not think you ever get used to working nights.
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Helicopter EMS Pilot Jobs From Helicopter Check Ride
Thanks Kenny for the EMS field insight...
You are welcome Levi, is this the same levi that has joined in on live Tuesday training? if not, here is your free access link www.helicopterground.com/pl/9647
Awesome. As a former flight nurse I never ever ever tried to rush or push my pilots. (Often worked with same crew) I always reminded them I could keep this person alive for days. Of course my job was to leave scene or hospital extrication with supplies I needed to do that if those meds / blood products were not on board. Great info. Thx for the vid.
Thanks for the feedback!
Kenny I Have Your Book and Read it a Lot Sir and LOVE Chapter 14 On the EMS Helicopter Flying Kenny!!!
Thanks for commenting Bennie!
Hi Kenny, you should be very proud of your time as a medivac pilot. There is something very special about using your skills as a helicopter pilot to help people in what is probably one of the darkest times in their lives and in desperate need of help.
Thanks for commenting.
I have to say, as the time ticked down on this video, I felt a little anxiety, it was so informative I did not want it ti end.
Thanks for commenting!
This is very helpful, thanks
+Odin Matrix Thank you for your comment!
Easy to find ifr fix wing video's, but sure rare to find helicopter ifr
You may be interested in our instrument course, if so here is the link www.helicopterground.com/store/kGZZ4FX7 We also have an Amazon #1 best selling book that I can give you in PDF format for free. Here is "Top Ten Check Ride Tips" www.helicopterground.com/pl/38587
Thank You for your Service 🚒🚒🚒
Thank you!
Kenny, I’ve watched a lot of your videos. I think you are doing a great thing. You’re providing valuable information to the vast public. I’m 42, and like you I am a cop 6 years from retiring. I’m also retiring from the military as an MP in 2 years. The problem I have is that I am 230lbs. Now based on my size, 225lbs to 235lbs is my comfortable weight. That means, less than 225lbs I have to struggle to “make weight”. Over 235lbs, I’m fat... LOL. I have a private rotary, started instrument. My goal is LE (CBP, Maryland State Police), ideally EMS. I’ve spoken to a lot of EMS pilots and crew and they all say... “Don’t worry about the weight you’re at.” However, getting there (tours, instruction, etc...) you have to worry about weight. I’m not fat, I’m 6’2 and just bigger than average. The question is should I just chalk it up as a loss, and something I can’t change, or press on in rotary. My heart is in rotary (I tried fixed wing) and the VA will pay for all my ratings through CFII. You’re thoughts please. Thank you
Scott, If want to be a prifessiinal pilot then go for it. I know many pilots your size and they are working the industry professionally as well. Never give up!
For the cost to the ‘consumer’ for a medivac flight, flying a $6M + helicopter with trained medical staff on board; to be paying $50k/year or so for a pilot is a crime.
Exactly!
$50K a year would be accurate for maybe 15 years ago. Starting salary today is around $65K. With bonuses, holiday pay, overtime etc, you could easily approach $100K. I flew a whopping 110 hrs last year, worked hardly any overtime, was home every night and made close to $100K. I didn’t have to worry about being furloughed as a FO flying for the regionals either...like what’s currently happening in the country.
@@Glashawk1 any advice for me I’m 18 and I graduate next week what should be the first steps I should take as for a person who doesn’t come from the most wealthy family
Well, first off is decide whether you are going to pay out of pocket (civilian) or have Uncle Sam pay for training. My local program of 24 pilots, I’d say at least 20 were prior military. Without the military, you’re looking at spending $80K just to get the min ratings. Then, you’d have to fly as an instructor to build hours. Once you’ve gotten about 500 hrs, you can do tours, Ag flying, utility, etc. Once you get 2,000 hrs, you can apply for your first EMS job. That whole process takes about 6-7 min to get the required time. Pay won’t be good along the way and even in EMS pay isn’t very good. It’s mostly a job for old retired military like myself who have supplemented income and we wanted an easy retirement job. Some young guys / gals out there but generally they don’t stay long. Good luck to ya.
@@Glashawk1 Spot on!
I am about to start an air ambulance with rotor and fixed wing operations. It's really cool to see what other companies have!
Thank you!
Hey Kenny! Quick question, are you required to be an EMT or paramedic if you are just acting as pilot in command? Thanks for the awesome videos and website! I joined last month and love it so far.
-Markus
No the pilot is only responsible for flying. The pilot does not get involved with the medical care. Thanks for signing up with HOGS!
I was a helicopter pilot and got out of the field because you don't make that much money doing the job you love. So I ended up becoming a crane operator and I'm still up in the air making a lot more money!
Yep you have to do it for the passion, not the money!
Thank you very much for your video learmed more then my own research.
You are welcome. Glad it helped.
Folks, Take it from me!!!!!! This guy is SPOT ON!!!! I have been flying 36+ years (26 Military). I'm still flying. I have over 6500+ hours of flying. For me If I fly fine, If I don't, that too is fine. You will have days when you come to work and just do not feel like flying and on other days you want the tone to go off for a scene flight. They are my bread and butter. The 7 days on and 7 days off is typical, we have a lot of opportunities for overtime.
This fella hit on a BIG point that I couldn't agree more with.... The medical Crews...... Hey if any med crew members read this listen up, pay attention. Pilots get sick and tire of the med crew members (Not All but there are ALWAYS those who need to STFU and keep their 2 cents to themselves. I have a sore spot with this area. I will always take constructive criticism, But like he said, they need to focus on their medical duties and not pilot duties. This drives me crazy, I just bite my tongue and truck on. I have in the past had a medic cross the line and that caused me to let him have it.... There are med crew members who think they know out job because they sit in the back. Well trust me they don't. I had this one paramedic at my base who would constantly tell his pilots myself included where the hospital is located in Houston... I have only been at Herman Memorial 300 times in the past 7 years, but he was serious..... They drive me nuts..... God forbid if there is an unusual sound, WHAT WAS THAT? Relax its on its just X, not to worry all is good. This particular nurse was afraid to fly.
This doesn't detract from me loving my job.... I wouldn't chance a thing
Thanks for commenting!
A friend flys EMS and said his last company has a thing that all the aircrew has to agree on the weather being ok to fly or they don't go. If the med people don't trust the pilot's judgement on whether it's safe to fly, get out of being on flight duty!
In my 8th year of EMS flying. You pretty much hit the nail on the head with respect to the medical crews, although that differs with employers. My career path, 10 years military helicopter. You get the turbine time, but the flight hours, except in war time, isn't great. And then there's the commitment in years. That said, I would do it again in a heartbeat. Next, 13 years flying regional jets (until the company was shut down by its major airline owner), with an additional two years getting my fixed wing ratings and instructing. Until Covid, airlines were trying to get helo guys and were successful. Bottom line, as we've seen, is people don't have to necessarily fly places for fun, but there will always be patients that need to be flown. I'm in my late 50's and in my 33rd of being a professional pilot. I've seen pilots fly into their late 60's in EMS, and the pay is getting better every year. With the airlines, you have a mandatory retirement age of 65.
Great videos!! I purchased your Helicopter Check Ride book and it's excellent as well. You can never stop learning.=)
Rory, thank you for your service and we appreciate your positive comments.
Just a quick question (if you don't mind me asking).. why did you leave the EMS? Was there a particular factor that pushed you away from that line of work or did you find a better flying/non-flying career elsewhere? Great video by the way!
Thanks for the question Dillon. I am still full time in the Helicopter Business with our Helicopter Online Ground School at www.HelicopterGround.com and still teach one on one in the aircraft. I am and prefer to be self employed.
I’m a FF/Paramedic. I make a 6 figure salary. I makes me sick you pilots get paid so poorly for the special job you do. So much talent. You are right in EMS needs to STFU in certain things. I always keep vigilant for safety concerns to be helpful. That’s it. Never pressure pilots or discuss how sick the patient is. Respect each others job but in the end the pilot is the boss. If he or she says we don’t fly, that’s it. Not my emergency. I shall not die needlessly. Thanks for your videos. Love the helicopter industry. Fly safe
Thank you!
Don't believe everything you hear of good on the income if a Helicopter Pilots. Low start $46,00 to$80,000 yearly. High up to $190,000 yearly.
In other words, join the military and get paid while training and build the hrs that way.
That's definitely a good option!
That's one way to do it if yer young and can't afford flight school.
Legit question Kenny, Iv been watching your videos awhile...I wanna fly EMS, I’m a fixed wing private pilot, an A&P for the airlines marking more than 46k a year and in the national guard as a UH-60 mechanic.....any advice on where to start ? I’m not new to aviation but Iv never been behind the stick of a helo but damn they are expensive, just wanna be as strategic and smart with my training as possible
Join HOGS at www.HelicopterGround.com and schedule an into flight at the school of your choice!
Like to see an update to this video in regards to salary. AirEvac was advertising up to mid 90k. Add in inflation and the airlines picking off their rotorwing cohort, I wonder how much has changed.
Yes pay has went up since the making of this video!
Hmmm Sounded like you were talking Air Methods in the video..... No comment lol I was flown for a job interview years ago to New Mexico. At the end of the interview I brought up the salary, the guy said $47,500. The instant he gave me that figure I said See ya wouldn't want to be ya. What I said to the guy was "Well I really appreciate the interview and show and tell, I need to return back home and discuss this with my wife. There was no way I was going to work for that salary. I finally was offered a position with (Company X) and was making around $68500. That along with my Military retirement was not bad. The fella in the video towards the end did mention that there were good and bad points working EMS. That was funny, I definitely know what he was talking about. My med crews ate their own, the topic of the day was (Whomever wasn't in the room). The gossip was out of control, I knew all that there was to know about their personal lives and I got tired of all of the BS. Thank goodness I;m no longer at that base.
Yep, I did it for 5 years. It was a good experience! Glad I did. Also glad I moved on! I would not take that particular line of work again!
Air Methods Management SuX big time, They do NOT give a ratZ about the line pilots, they also dont give a rats Az about the Unions Collective Bargaining Agreement ...... I HATE AMC
46K starting? This saddens me a lot. I have a 27k dollar bachelors in engineering and my starting was at 70k at the age of 23! I hope they realize how much more the world needs pilots.
Yes Helicopter Pilots in general are underpaid unfortunately!
@@HelicopterGround how much is average now, and where are you based out of? How can you make 100k?
Hey don't be fooled, Helicopter Pilots make $46,000 start to $120,000a yr. Low . High to $180,000 yearly.....
did you at any time ever fly for maryland state police in the hh-65? I also wonder what are your feelings on flying a bird with a fenestron tail and without?
No I did not. I personally didn't notice much difference.
But I've got 1 question why do some pilots get 1-10 ft off the ground then change direction and go up and others go all the way up and turn
+Odin Matrix Pilots are trained in different ways and use different techniques depending on what they are doing!
+Helicopter Online Ground School/ what are the pros of doing these tactics, the only thing I can think of why they have these different takeoff styles, is seeing if their is a swash plate or any rotor problem before going to your destination
+Odin Matrix I really can't speak on behalf of what others do and why they do it. I do a hover pre take off check then depart into the wind. I take off more horizontal than vertical most of the time. When you depart vertically you are putting yourself in the upper area of what is called the height velocity diagram. As you gain altitude with little or no airspeed you are less likely to recover successfully from an engine failure. At times you may need a more vertical take off to clear obstacles as you depart. So again it depends on the situation.
Is it fun
@@HelicopterGround Single or multi engine would make a difference, wouldn't it? (& OEI performance)
If both engines fail at once, you probably need to slap maintenance (if you survive).
Thats funny, I have always said I am hauling a Box, not a patient....
They told us, think of it as your hauling boxes! Must keep the emotional part out of it!
$50,000 a year??! I’m a baggage handler for a major airline and I make about $65,000 base. With overtime I consistently make $80,000. It took me time to get to that pay rate but still. That’s crazy.
Flying isnt about the money its all about the view👍
I notice you are flying with Dual Pilots, Looks like an EC135. I prefer single pilot,
Single pilot, medic is up front to help watch outside the aircraft for dangers.
No flight controls on the left side... Single pilot.
I'd do it, but the insane massive up front cost says absolutely not.
+CHOPPERGIRL AIRWAR Yes unfortunately it is super expensive and is the main problem for most anyone wanting to learn!
Even autogyros are too expensive... that's why I settled on an Ultralight project instead. Too bad, because I'd love to go rotary
+CHOPPERGIRL AIRWAR Lol the "up front costs" are just the tip of the iceberg.
+cashmab Yeah screw helicopters... no upside for it, flying a deathtrap for hazard pay when you having to foot your own training bill. So far I got $500 in my ultralight project and don't ever plan for it to go over $1,500. In a 20 mph headwind I can hover it just the same. air-war.org
+cashmab Even autogyros are too expensive
hey look! its south bend.. I woked security at memorial.
Medflight inbound 1 trauma Eta !5 min
Thank you for the feedback!
If you are the ems pilot do you have to be medically smart?
No your job is flying the aircraft.
Oil and gas is a better job than ems. I do love helping the injured but the drama that goes with it is more stress than a pilot needs.
Thanks for the feedback!
How do you get turbine time?
That is a great question with no easy answer! I got an instructor job at a company that provided flight training in a piston helicopter and news reporting in a turbine helicopter. When I did not have students I was able to go along on news reporting flights. After logging around 80 hours of turbine time with an instructor over a period of a year I then got the opportunity to fly pic on the news reporting flights. I was very fortunate for that opportunity.
Would the mosquito XET single place turbine work for building hrs you need certs to fly it
air methods wants 10,000 hours of rotary
Thanks for commenting.
Now pay is $80,000 to 100,000 a year... Depends on State, Location.. When working Nights, They Sleep when they have No Call's. They can go days without Calls. But they are Still making the $$$$s. It's True s Lot of waiting time and boredom ...
Thanks for sharing.
Truck driver makes more wow
Unfortunately yes they do! Thanks for commenting!
But I want to get my ppl this January so I'm looking for a good school in Florida any suggestions
Instructors build time and move on. You will just have to get an intro flight and evaluate the CFI. www.helicopterground.com will save you money on the ground school and help the flight instruction to be more productive. Our video course is worth every penny, Here is a free copy of "Helicopter Check Ride" (an Amazon #1 best seller) www.helicopterground.com/pl/1856
Dont believe everything you hear, Helicopter Pilots make $80,000 to $180,000 yearly....
That’s a garbage salary for y’all
Yep!
M
Thanks for the feedback
Pilots have always been underpaid I can make more money running a small excavation business
Exactly!