Avera | Pilot

Helicopter Pilot - Avera St. Luke's Hospital

Job Overview

Avera St. Luke's Hospital is actively recruiting for a dedicated Helicopter Pilot to join its esteemed Careflight program. This is a regular, full-time position involving rotating shifts, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, based in the United States of America.

Compensation and Schedule

Pay Range: $90,480.00 – $135,200.00 annually. The actual rate of pay will be determined by the candidate's experience and qualifications.

Work Schedule: This position requires varied shifts, with a standard of 80 hours over a two-week period, accommodating a flexible rotating schedule.

Role and Responsibilities

The Helicopter Pilot is entrusted with the paramount responsibility of safely and efficiently conducting all Avera-requested helicopter missions. This includes meticulous pre-flight planning, adherence to all Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), Operations Specifications, Aircraft Flight Manual requirements, and company policies. The pilot will ensure the safe conduct of flight operations from initial request to termination, demonstrating strong interdisciplinary skills and effective critical thinking to navigate dynamic flight environments. Flexibility to work at various Avera Careflight bases may be required.

Key Duties Include:

• Obtaining comprehensive weather briefings and developing flight plans, considering altitude, terrain, obstacles, weather conditions, fuel load, and airport facilities.
• Ensuring all flight operations strictly comply with FARs, Operations Specifications, and Avera's established policies and procedures.
• Diligent execution of all checklist items as stipulated by the Aircraft Flight Manual.
• Consulting with the Leader of Operations to resolve operational challenges and refine procedures.
• Maintaining accountability for the ongoing operations of the flight program in alignment with established safety and quality standards, goals, and objectives.
• Collaborating with the Leader of Maintenance to address mechanical irregularities, discrepancies, and schedule maintenance.
• Responding promptly to flight requests within program guidelines and assisting the crew with passenger and equipment loading/unloading.
• Participating in monthly program meetings and contributing to training initiatives.
• Maintaining an in-depth understanding of the company Operations Manual, Federal Aviation Regulations, Operations Specifications, Aircraft Flight Manual, and any other pertinent flight operational requirements.
• All Careflight personnel are responsible for maintaining physical health and a weight not exceeding 240 pounds.

Qualifications and Experience

The successful candidate will possess the necessary skills and experience to perform the essential functions of this role, including adequate visual acuity, effective communication abilities, and the capacity to hear, understand, and distinguish speech and sounds. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for individuals with disabilities, provided they do not impose an undue hardship on the employer.

Required Education, License/Certification, or Work Experience:

• A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Pilot Certificate with an instrument rating, or an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate valid for Rotorcraft Category, Helicopter Class, must be held and maintained upon hire.
• A current First or Second Class FAA Medical Certificate is required upon hire.
• A minimum of 1500 total flight hours, with at least 1200 hours in helicopters.
• At least 1000 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC) in rotorcraft operations.
• A minimum of 100 unaided night hours, or 50 unaided night hours with 100 aided night hours.
• At least 500 hours of turbine flight time.

Preferred Education, License/Certification, or Work Experience:

• An Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) rating is considered an advantage.

Commitment to Avera's Values

Candidates are expected to demonstrate a commitment to Avera's mission, vision, core values, and social principles in their daily work, serving patients, families, and the community with compassion and hospitality. Upholding Avera's standards of Communication, Attitude, Responsiveness, and Engagement (CARE) with enthusiasm and sincerity is paramount. Maintaining confidentiality and working collaboratively within a team environment to ensure a productive and efficient workflow are essential. Compliance with all applicable safety principles, laws, regulations, and standards, including those from CMS, The Joint Commission, DHHS, and OSHA, is required.

Avera Benefits

Avera offers a comprehensive benefits package for qualifying full-time and part-time employees designed to support balanced and healthy lives. Benefits include:

• Paid Time Off (PTO) available from day one for eligible hires.
• Up to a 5% employer matching contribution for retirement plans.
• Career development opportunities supported by hands-on training and mentorship.

Avera is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, Veteran Status, or other protected categories. For individuals requiring accommodation with the online application process, please call 1-605-504-4444.