Total Aviation Staffing is hiring a VFR Helicopter Pilot for our client, a leading air medical transport provider supporting life-saving missions across the country.
This opportunity is based in Red Bluff, California and is ideal for an experienced helicopter pilot who wants to do more than simply log flight hours. In this role, you’ll support critical air medical operations, work alongside skilled medical and aviation professionals, and play a direct role in helping patients receive urgent care when every minute matters.
If you’re a safety-focused pilot with strong VFR/NVG experience, solid turbine helicopter time, and the ability to perform under pressure, this is a high-impact opportunity with strong compensation and meaningful work.
What You’ll Be Flying This position 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 not a standard pilot job. You’ll be part of a mission-driven operation where aviation skill, judgment, and professionalism directly support emergency medical care.
This opportunity offers:
- Potential annual earnings of $105,073 – $130,391
- Sign-on bonus up to $75,000
- Location bonus up to 25
- 7-on / 7-off schedule
- Relocation assistance available
- Competitive pay and benefits
- Shift bonuses and incentives
- Annual safety bonus
- Annual employee bonus
- Mission-driven flying in the air medical industry
- Opportunity to participate in community outreach
Important Bonus Details California candidates may be eligible for a sign-on bonus of up to $37,500 . Once overtime and double-time hours are calculated, additional wages may generate extra compensation, potentially making the total bonus value worth up to $75,000 , depending on total overtime and double-time hours worked.
Key Responsibilities As a VFR 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.
- Support the company’s Safety Management System and other safety initiatives.
- Work closely with medical crews, communications teams, maintenance personnel, and leadership.
- Provide safe, efficient, courteous, and reliable service to internal and external customers.
- Participate in community outreach programs as needed.
- Assist with loading and unloading patients and equipment when required.
- Maintain compliance with FAA, CAMTS, company, and customer requirements.
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
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Strong internal and external customer service skills
- Ability to successfully interview with customer and management teams
- Ability to pass a pre-placement physical exam, drug screening, and background check
- Ability to meet and maintain the company’s flight personnel weight restriction policy of 235 lbs. or less
Physical Requirements This role requires the ability to assist with loading and unloading patients and equipment. Candidates must be able to pass a functional capacity exam, including a strength and flexibility assessment, with the ability to lift up to 100 lbs.
Schedule and Location Requirements - Schedule: 7 days on / 7 days off
- Location: Red Bluff, CA
- Candidates must live within a 1-hour commute of the assigned base.
- Housing is not provided.
- Schedule changes may be required based on base needs.
Additional Details If an aircraft transition is required, a minimum one-year service requirement may apply. If relocation assistance is used, a minimum two-year service requirement may apply.
Apply Today If you’re an experienced helicopter pilot looking for a role where your aviation skills directly support life-saving work, we encourage you to apply today.
Total Aviation Staffing is proud to connect qualified aviation professionals with outstanding career opportunities across the industry.