Soar to New Heights: Air Methods and Mauna Loa Helicopters Unite to Pilot Careers in Emergency Medical Services

Air Methods, a leading provider of air medical services, has partnered with Mauna Loa Helicopters, a Hawaii-based rotary operator, to inspire aspiring pilots to explore careers in Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS). This collaboration is part of Air Methods' Grass is Greener initiative, aimed at introducing pilots, especially those in the tourism sector, to the rewarding world of air medical services.

The partnership kicked off with two Mauna Loa pilots undergoing a comprehensive training program in Denver, Colorado. The training included classroom instruction, simulator sessions, and hands-on aircraft experience, covering essential topics like aeronautical decision-making, IFR and GPS navigation, and aircraft security.

Rob Hamilton, CEO of Air Methods, emphasized the initiative's goal to bridge the gap between initial flight training and the specialized field of air medical services. "By partnering with respected flight schools like Mauna Loa Helicopters, we’re opening doors for talented pilots to explore careers that combine aviation excellence with lifesaving impact," said Hamilton.

Mauna Loa Helicopters plans to send instructors to Air Methods' training program quarterly, offering them a glimpse into the national air medical provider's operations, industry standards, and networking opportunities with professionals in the field. Benjamin Fouts, owner of Mauna Loa Helicopters, highlighted the alignment of Air Methods' mission-driven work with his instructors' career aspirations.

This initiative underscores Air Methods' commitment to nurturing the next generation of air medical pilots through strategic partnerships with flight schools nationwide. The demand for aviation professionals, including pilots and maintenance technicians, is projected to soar, with the business aircraft sector alone needing 33,000 pilots and 69,000 technicians by 2034.