IFR Pilot
Posted on October 24, 2025
PHI Health is a leading air ambulance provider in the United States, renowned for its unwavering commitment to safety, excellence, and community service. Operating under CAMTS guidelines and boasting more than 80 bases nationwide, PHI Health transports over 22,000 patients annually, delivering critical care swiftly and reliably. The company prides itself on an unmatched safety record and employs some of the best aviation, medical, and communication specialists in the air medical industry. Beyond just patient transport, PHI Health actively engages in outreach education and partners with leading healthcare systems to elevate the standard of care across communities. The mission is clear and impactful: move communities to health while maintaining the highest standards of safety.
Joining PHI Health means becoming part of a team dedicated to providing life-saving services in diverse and challenging environments. Their ethos is built on core competencies such as safety, efficiency, quality, and service, with the ultimate goal of achieving zero accidents through their Destination Zero safety program. Emphasizing professionalism and respect, PHI Health fosters a culture that values both internal and external customers, ensuring every aspect of their service is reliable and courteous.
PHI Health is currently seeking exceptional, skilled, and dedicated pilots for their Helicopter Air Ambulance (HAA) operations based in St. Louis, MO. This role places pilots at the forefront of urgent medical missions, delivering rapid response and critical patient care. The position requires experienced pilots to operate the EC145 helicopter under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) with Special Purpose Instrument Flight Rules (SPIFR) and Night Vision Goggles (NVG). These pilots play a crucial role in saving lives by responding quickly and safely to complex and high-pressure scenarios.
This full-time role involves 24-hour operations on a day/night rotation schedule, requiring flexibility and strong situational awareness. Successful candidates must be prepared for some physical lifting to assist in patient and equipment loading. Additionally, pilots must participate in community outreach initiatives and follow all PHI Air Medical policies, contributing to broader company safety campaigns such as Destination Zero.
PHI Health invests in its team by offering attractive benefits including off-duty housing, a generous relocation package (with minimum service requirements), and a substantial sign-on bonus of up to $100,000. The competitive compensation package also includes shift bonuses, safety bonuses, annual employee bonuses, and other incentives designed to reward dedication and exceptional performance.
As part of their stringent hiring standards, PHI Health requires candidates to hold commercial and instrument helicopter ratings, maintain a first-class medical certificate, and meet specified flight time minimums that include hours in turbine helicopters, unaided night operations, and instrument flying. Physical fitness is essential, with the need to lift 100 pounds during patient loading tasks. Prospective pilots must also demonstrate strong communication and customer service skills, pass comprehensive background checks, pre-placement physical exams, and drug screenings.
PHI Health offers a unique opportunity for pilots passionate about aviation and making a meaningful difference in healthcare. The role promises the excitement of flying combined with the rewarding experience of contributing to life-saving missions. Pilots who thrive in fast-paced, mission-critical environments and uphold the highest standards of safety and professionalism will find PHI Health an ideal place to elevate their careers and take part in a vital service to communities nationwide.
- Meet minimum flight hours and experience requirements
- Hold valid commercial and instrument helicopter ratings
- Possess first class medical certificate
- Pass pre-placement physical exam including functional capacity exam
- Be able to lift 100 pounds to assist in loading patients and equipment
- Pass drug screening and background check
- Meet body weight limit of 235 pounds
- Submit to interview and acceptance by customer/PHI management
- Demonstrate strong communication and customer service skills
- Participate in community outreach and safety programs
- Work flexible schedule with day/night rotations as required