SUMMARY OF POSITION
The Lead Rotor Wing Pilot plays a key role in ensuring safe, efficient, and standardized operations at the assigned base. Working in close coordination with the Assistant Chief Pilot, this position supports the alignment of flight operations with company standards, regulatory requirements, and organizational goals. In addition to performing all duties of Pilot in Command, the Lead Pilot is entrusted with delegated responsibilities from the Assistant Chief Pilot, which may include oversight of base-level flight operations, mentoring pilots, ensuring compliance with policies and procedures, and assisting in operational decision-making.
UNDERSTAND ESSENTIAL AND NONESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
All duties as assigned as a Rotor Wing Pilot.
• Make safety the highest priority in all operations, actively participating in Apollo MedFlight’s Safety Management System and Just Culture.
• Retain final authority for the safe operation of the aircraft and ensure compliance with all FAA regulations, Operations Specifications, Flight Manuals, and Apollo MedFlight policies.
• Participate in preflight risk assessments and apply sound Crew Resource Management (CRM) techniques, incorporating input from all crew members.
• Report all known or suspected FAA violations, safety concerns, or incidents promptly through the Baldwin tool and to the Assistant Chief Pilot, Chief Pilot, or Director of Operations, as appropriate.
• Serve as the primary point of contact at the base for standardization, compliance, and audits in coordination with the Assistant Chief Pilot.
• Monitor base climate and culture, proactively communicating deficiencies, issues, or concerns to leadership.
• Facilitate clear, consistent communication between pilots, clinical staff, maintenance, OCS/Comm Center, and Apollo leadership.
• Act as liaison between base PICs and the Assistant Chief Pilot on operational or personnel matters.
• Oversee base-level programs including:
• Flight helmet inspection, tracking, and maintenance
• NVG inspection, tracking, and maintenance
• Base reading file and information distribution
• Manage base PIC scheduling and fatigue management in coordination with the Assistant Chief Pilot.
• Ensure the base and assigned aircraft remain clean, presentable, and compliant with regulations and company standards.
• Support accurate, timely, and complete operational reporting through established systems and tools.
• Participate in regular pilot meetings and other meetings as assigned.
• Conduct all duties of a line Pilot in Command in accordance with Apollo MedFlight standards.
• Obtain all required briefings (weather, mission, operational procedures, special instructions) prior to flight.
• Determine aircraft performance, fuel requirements, and weight and balance compliance before each mission.
• Make decisions regarding flight initiation, delay, cancellation, or deviation as dictated by conditions.
• Ensure proper aircraft equipment checks and maintenance discrepancy reporting.
• Confirm all medical crew members and passengers receive required safety briefings.
• Maintain a current second-class medical certificate and notify leadership of any condition that may affect flight status.
• Represent Apollo MedFlight to customers, patients, regulatory agencies, and colleagues with professionalism in all actions, behaviors, and communications.
• Foster a positive, team-oriented environment at the base through leadership, mentorship, and collaboration.
MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Current FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate
Rotorcraft-Helicopter; Instrument Helicopter
Current Second-Class FAA Medical Certificate
1700 total time
1000 hours of helicopter time
800 hours of PIC time
100 hours of nighttime aided or unaided or any combination
350 hours of turbine time
Other considerations
o ATP
o Previous HAA experience
o Previous search and rescue experience
Valid Driver’s License
High school diploma or equivalent.
Bachelor’s degree in aviation management, Aeronautical Science, or a related field preferred (or equivalent experience).
FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument rating. Airline Transport Pilot preferred. Multiple category and class is also preferred.
Second Class Medical Certificate from an authorized aviation medical examiner.
Previous experience as Assistant Chief Pilot, Regional/Program Aviation Manager or a similar leadership role within the aviation industry.
In-depth knowledge of aviation regulations, safety standards, and industry best practices.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to communicate with various stakeholders, including government agencies, medical and maintenance crews, and customers.
Leadership skills: Ability to manage staff and coordinate with different departments.
The ability to resolve conflicts and/or address performance issues.
Willingness to travel (Approximately 50 of allocated time)
Ability to complete regular training and proficiency checks. This includes simulator training for emergency scenarios and operations procedures.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
2000 hours of total time
1200 hours of helicopter flight time
1000 hours of PIC time
50 hours of unaided with 100 hours of aided night flight time
500 hours of turbine time
Strongly encouraged
o ATP
o 1000 hours of turbine time