VFR Lead Helicopter Pilot – Air Medical Transport

Total Aviation Staffing is hiring a VFR Lead Helicopter Pilot for our client, a leading air medical transport provider supporting life-saving missions across the country.

This position is based in Livingston, Texas and is ideal for an experienced helicopter pilot who is ready to combine hands-on flying with base-level leadership responsibilities. In this role, you’ll support critical air medical missions while helping lead, schedule, develop, and support the pilot team assigned to the base.

If you’re a safety-focused pilot with strong VFR/NVG experience, turbine helicopter time, and the leadership skills to help maintain a high-performing aviation operation, this is a strong opportunity to step into a meaningful lead pilot role.

What You’ll Be Flying

This role supports Bell 407 VFR/NVG operations in a 24-hour air medical environment. An instrument rating is required, and pilots should be comfortable operating in both day and night rotations.

Why This Role Stands Out

This is more than a line pilot position. You’ll still fly mission-critical air medical operations, but you’ll also serve as a key leader at the base, helping ensure the pilot team is trained, scheduled, compliant, and ready to operate safely.

This opportunity offers:

• Sign-on bonus up to $75,000
• 7-on / 7-off schedule
• Off-duty housing provided
• Relocation assistance available
• Competitive pay and benefits
• Shift bonuses and incentives
• Annual safety bonus
• Annual employee bonus
• Leadership opportunity within air medical operations
• Mission-driven flying with direct impact on patient care

Key Responsibilities

As a VFR Lead Helicopter Pilot, you will:

• Perform line pilot duties in accordance with company operating procedures.
• Operate aircraft safely and efficiently in support of air medical missions.
• Help ensure base pilots maintain the knowledge, skills, and readiness required to operate safely and in compliance with FAA regulations and company procedures.
• Coordinate with base leadership and operations management on planning, staffing, scheduling, and efficient base operations.
• Supervise base pilots, including professional development, assessments, counseling, and recommendations for corrective action when needed.
• Support scheduling for occupational health compliance, safety training, recurrent training, open shift coverage, sick calls, vacation coverage, and workover assignments.
• Ensure monthly schedules are distributed accurately and updated in a timely manner.
• Assist with pilot bonus and expense voucher approvals.
• Audit routine base bills and assist with processing for payment.
• Ensure paperwork, reports, and operational documentation are accurate and submitted on time.
• Keep operations, maintenance, and scheduling teams informed of aircraft operational status.
• Participate in safety meetings and support base safety representatives with flight safety, workplace safety, and safety audits.
• Support the company’s Safety Management System and other safety initiatives.
• Participate in community outreach programs as needed.
• Assist with loading and unloading patients and equipment when required.

Required Qualifications

The successful candidate will have:

• Commercial Helicopter Rating
• Instrument Helicopter Rating
• First Class Medical Certificate
• Minimum 2,000 total flight hours
• Minimum 1,500 helicopter hours
• Minimum 1,000 PIC helicopter hours
• Minimum 500 turbine helicopter hours
• Minimum 100 hours unaided night operations
  or
  50 hours unaided night and 100 hours NVG
• Ability to meet and maintain the company’s flight personnel weight restriction policy of 235 lbs. or less
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong internal and external customer service skills
• Strong leadership, organization, and scheduling skills
• Ability to successfully interview with customer and management teams
• Ability to pass a pre-placement physical exam, drug screening, and background check