About the Role
Avera St. Luke's Hospital seeks a dedicated Aviation Pilot to join its multidisciplinary team. The pilot is directly responsible for the safe and efficient conduct of all helicopter missions from initial request through termination. This role demands a thorough understanding of company Operations Manuals, Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), Operations Specifications, Aircraft Flight Manuals, and other pertinent flight requirements. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong interdisciplinary skills, effective critical thinking for problem-solving in dynamic environments, and may be required to work across all Avera Careflight bases.
Key Responsibilities
- Obtain weather briefings and prepare comprehensive flight plans, considering altitude, terrain, obstacles, weather, fuel load, and airport facilities.
- Ensure all flight operations are conducted safely and in strict compliance with FARs, Operations Specifications, and Avera's policies and procedures.
- Adhere to all checklist items as per the Aircraft Flight Manual.
- Consult with the Leader of Operations to resolve operational issues and refine procedures.
- Maintain accountability for ongoing flight program operations, ensuring adherence to established safety and quality standards, goals, and objectives.
- Coordinate with the Leader of Maintenance for the timely correction of mechanical issues and scheduled maintenance.
- Respond promptly to flight requests within program guidelines and assist crew with aircraft loading and unloading.
- Participate in monthly program meetings and training sessions.
- Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of company Operations Manuals, FARs, Operations Specifications, Aircraft Flight Manuals, and other relevant documentation for Careflight operations.
- All Careflight personnel are responsible for maintaining physical health and a weight not exceeding 240 pounds.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate must be able to work the specified hours and perform essential job functions satisfactorily. This includes adequate visual acuity, effective communication skills, and the ability to hear, understand, and distinguish speech and other sounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities, provided they do not cause undue hardship.
Required Education, License/Certification, or Work Experience:
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Pilot Certificate with an instrument rating.
- OR FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate valid for Rotorcraft Category, Helicopter Class.
- Current First or Second Class FAA Medical Certificate.
- 1500 total flight hours, with a minimum of 1200 hours in helicopters.
- 1000 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC) in rotorcraft.
- 100 unaided night flight hours, or 50 unaided night flight hours with 100 aided night flight hours.
- 500 hours of turbine time.
Preferred Education, License/Certification, or Work Experience:
- An Airline Transport Pilot rating is preferred.
Professional Expectations
- Demonstrate a commitment to Avera's mission, vision, core values, and social principles in daily interactions with patients, families, and the community.
- Champion Avera's values of compassion, hospitality, and stewardship.
- Uphold Avera's Communication, Attitude, Responsiveness, and Engagement (CARE) standards with enthusiasm and sincerity.
- Maintain strict confidentiality.
- Collaborate effectively within a team environment, optimizing workflow and ensuring a productive and efficient atmosphere.
- Comply with all applicable safety principles, laws, regulations, and standards, including those from CMS, The Joint Commission, DHHS, and OSHA.
Benefits
Avera offers a comprehensive benefits package for qualifying full-time employees designed to support balanced and healthy lives. Benefits include:
- Paid Time Off (PTO) available from day one for eligible hires.
- Up to 5% employer matching contribution for retirement savings.
- Career development opportunities through hands-on training and mentorship.