Job Description

Lead Pilot (SPIFR) – HAA - Santa Rosa, CA

*Multi-Mission/ Fire Base - Located in beautiful wine country!! 

Competitive Starting Salary: $117,475–$126,787 (Dependent on Experience) including 35% Geo Modifier 

Lead Pilot Stipend: 5,000

Fire Stipend: 5,000

IFR Allowance: 5,000

Sign-On Bonus: 15,000 (paid after training completion)

Retention Bonus: 40,000 (after 36 months through the GMR Pilot Retention Bonus Plan)

The Lead Pilot is a key member of our operational leadership team, responsible for overseeing daily pilot operations at the assigned base. This individual ensures compliance with FAA regulations and company policies, provides mentorship and supervision to base pilots, and acts as a liaison between pilots, base leadership, and flight operations management.

This role requires strong leadership, attention to detail, and the ability to foster a culture of safety, professionalism, and teamwork in both flight and ground operations.

Flight Operations:

• Maintain an assigned flight schedule and remain available for additional shifts as needed due to vacation, sick leave, or other coverage gaps.

• Ensure aircraft readiness for dispatch, including:

  • Compliance with FARs and company procedures

  • Aircraft cleanliness and general presentation

  • Preflight preparation, crew coordination, and documentation

• Complete all required documentation accurately and on time (e.g., duty logs, load manifests, time sheets).

• Participate in all assigned training, check flights, and ongoing education (e.g., ground school, computer-based learning).

• Effectively communicate critical operational details during shift handoffs and via approved internal communication channels.

• Represent the company with professionalism at all times, including during public interactions and special events.

• Adhere to and uphold all current company policies and safety standards.

• Attend meetings and training sessions outside of regular shifts as required.

Leadership & Management Responsibilities

In addition to pilot duties, the Lead Pilot is responsible for the following leadership functions:

• Ensure base pilot compliance with all applicable FARs, company SOPs, and operational standards.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for airport and FBO coordination.

• Approve and audit base pilot timecards and ensure accurate reporting of duty time and schedule adherence.

• Maintain and manage base pilot schedules, including coverage for PTO, trades, and sick leave.

• Monitor pilot performance, morale, and wellness, promoting a positive work environment.

• Conduct regular performance reviews, flight assessments, and feedback sessions under HR guidance and in collaboration with the Chief Pilot.

• Coordinate and deliver ongoing training and checkride preparation to ensure pilot readiness and consistency.

• Participate in pilot and mechanic hiring processes, providing input and recommendations.

• Collaborate with base leadership to address operational and safety-related concerns.

• Support medical crew integration and training as applicable.

• Attend leadership meetings, including quarterly management and process review meetings.

Qualifications

Minimum Flight Experience:

• 3,000 hours total helicopter time

• 1,500 hours PIC (helicopter)

• 2,000 hours turbine

• 500 hours cumulative night

• 200 hours cumulative IFR

• Meet US Forest Service carding requirements:

  o 100 flight hours in the previous 12 months

  o 50 hours in the EC-135

  o 200 hours mountain time (as defined by AIM)

Preferred Experience:

• FAR Part 135 and EMS operational experience

• NVG experience preferred

Required Credentials:

• FAA Commercial Rotorcraft License

• Helicopter Instrument Rating

• Current FAA Class II Medical Certificate

Pilot Incentives

• Hourly position

• 35% geographical pay modifier to base pay

• $5,000 IFR stipend

• $5,000 Fire Base stipend

• $5,000 Lead Pilot stipend

• $15,000 sign-on bonus (with a 1-year commitment)

• $40,000 retention bonus after 36 months under the GMR Pilot Retention Bonus Plan

• 24-hour pilot housing provided

• 7-on / 7-off schedule

Physical Requirements

• Maximum duty weight of 230 pounds, including flight suit and boots

• Frequently required to sit for extended periods

• Occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl

• Frequently lift and/or move up to 70 pounds

• Vision requirements include close, distance, peripheral, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus

• Must work near moving mechanical parts and in various weather conditions

• Frequently exposed to bloodborne pathogens, airborne particles, and in-flight vibrations

• Noise levels may require wearing a headset

Mental Requirements

• Ability to make sound, time-sensitive decisions under pressure

• Follow oral and written instructions precisely

• Adapt to irregular schedules and changing operational needs

Preferred Experience

• Previous Airbus EC135/H135 or similar aircraft experience preferred but not required

Why Choose REACH?   As  a leader in helicopter air ambulance services,  REACH Air Medical Services is one of  Global Medical Response ’s (GMR) family of solutions. Our GMR teams deliver compassionate, quality medical care, primarily in the areas of emergency and patient relocation services. View the stories on how our employees provide care to the world at  . Learn how our  values are at the core of our services and vital to how we approach care and check out our comprehensive benefit options at  GlobalMedicalResponse.com/Careers .

Global Medical Response and its family of companies are an Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes supporting veterans and providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with a disability. Pilots

• Competitive starting salaries from $117,475–$126,787 
• (DOE) including 35% geo modifier

Check out our careers site  to learn more about our benefit options.

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