Air Methods finds partner to introduce pilots to air medical careers
Air Methods is on a mission to attract more pilots to fly helicopter emergency services.
Medical provider Air Methods has teamed up with Hawaii rotary operator Mauna Loa Helicopters to invite aspiring pilots to consider a career in helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS).
Launched last month, the new partnership began with two Mauna Loa pilots taking part in Air Methods’ multi-day pilot training in Denver, Colorado. The training featured classroom instruction, simulator sessions, and hands-on aircraft experience. Pilots also received training on aeronautical decision-making, IFR and GPS navigation, and aircraft and equipment security.
Part of Air Methods’ new Grass is Greener initiative, this partnership is designed to introduce newer pilots and those flying in the tourism sector to the mission and career potential of the air medical industry.
Rob Hamilton, CEO of Air Methods said the partnership aimed to bridge the gap between initial flight training and the specialised world of air medical services. “By partnering with respected flight schools like Mauna Loa Helicopters, we’re opening doors for talented pilots to explore careers that combine aviation excellence with lifesaving impact,” said Hamilton.
Mauna Loa Helicopters, which has 32 flight instructors across campuses, plans to send instructors to Air Methods’ training programme each quarter. This experience is designed to offer pilots experience of a national air medical provider, insights into industry standards and expectations and valuable networking opportunities with air medical professionals. The programme also provides many instructors with a significant step forward in building a long-term career in professional aviation.
“Air Methods offers the kind of professional environment and mission-driven work that aligns with what many of our instructors aspire to,” said Benjamin Fouts, owner of Mauna Loa Helicopters. The partnership with Air Methods is a strategic move to better prepare his instructors for careers beyond flight training, he added. “We’re excited to offer them access to this level of training, mentorship, and potential career pathways.”
As the Grass is Greener initiative continues to grow, Air Methods remains committed to cultivating the next generation of air medical pilots by building strong relationships with flight schools across the country.
Earlier this month, Air Methods welcomed a new HEMS base – AirLife Florida 1 in Wakulla County.
Meanwhile, last week CAE’s biennial Aviation Talent Forecast predicted business aviation will need an estimated 102,000 professionals worldwide by 2034 and civil aviation, as a whole, will require an estimated 1.5m aviation professionals over the same period.
The business aircraft sector will need 33,000 pilots and 69,000 aircraft maintenance technicians within the next 10 years. Civil aviation will need 267,000 pilots, 347,000 aviation maintenance technicians, and 678,000 cabin crew.
