US air medical provider Air Methods has partnered with Mauna Loa Helicopters to offer aspiring pilots a closer look at career opportunities in the HEMS industry. This partnership is part of Air Methods' new Grass is Greener initiative, which introduces newer pilots, and those currently flying in the tourism sector, to the unique mission and career potential of the air medical industry.

The partnership launched last month with two Mauna Loa pilots participating in Air Methods' multi-day pilot training in Denver. The training featured classroom instruction, simulator sessions and hands-on aircraft experience. Pilots also received education in key areas such as aeronautical decision-making, IFR and GPS navigation, and aircraft and equipment security.

“Our goal is to help bridge the gap between early-stage flight training and the highly specialised world of air medical services,” says Rob Hamilton, CEO of Air Methods. “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.”

Mauna Loa Helicopters, which currently has 32 flight instructors across its various campuses in Hawaii, plans to send a group of instructors to Air Methods' training programme on a quarterly basis. This experience will provide pilots with real-world exposure to a national air medical provider, insights into industry standards and expectations, and valuable networking opportunities with experienced air medical professionals. For many instructors, it also represents a significant step forward in building a long-term career in professional aviation.

“Air Methods offers the kind of professional environment and mission-driven work that aligns with what many of our instructors aspire to,” remarks Benjamin Fouts, owner of Mauna Loa Helicopters, adding how he sees this partnership as a strategic move to better prepare his instructors for careers beyond flight training. “We're excited to offer them access to this level of training, mentorship and potential career pathways.”

As the Grass is Greener initiative continues to grow, Air Methods remains committed to cultivating the next generation of air medical pilots by building strong relationships with flight schools across the country.