Scope of work

The Helicopter Pilot will be responsible for flying helicopters to provide safe and efficient transportation for medical evacuations, emergency services, and mission outreach activities to remote and underserved areas. This role requires a highly skilled and mission-driven individual who is passionate about aviation and dedicated to serving communities in need. The pilot will be expected to perform regular maintenance checks, ensure compliance with aviation regulations, and contribute to the mission of bringing medical care and the gospel message to hard-to-reach regions of the Philippines.

Qualifications Standard

Required

Valid Private Pilot License (PPL) or Commercial Pilot’s License (CPL-H)
Strongly recommended training: Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), Multi-Engine, and longline proficiency
At least 300 hours of total flight time (including helicopters and fixed wing)
Mechanical aptitude and basic understanding of aircraft maintenance procedures.
Experience in remote area flight operations (flying over mountains, jungles, islands).
Ability to operate in challenging weather conditions (rain, high winds) with critical thinking.
Excellent problem-solving skills and adaptability in high-pressure situations.
Strong understanding of aviation regulations and safety procedures.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with diverse cultures and team members.
Fluency in English (ability to understand local dialects is a plus).
Strong physical condition and ability to work quickly and with flexible and odd hours.
A heart for service, a passion for missions, and a commitment to Adventist Christian values.

Preferred

250+ hours in helicopters (especially in the type of aircraft used by PAMAS).
Previous experience in mission aviation or humanitarian airlift services.
Training in First Aid or Basic Life Support (BLS) and ability to respond effectively.
Familiarity with the geography and climate of the Philippine Islands.

Personal Attributes

Mission-driven: Strong desire to contribute to meaningful, life-changing work in underserved areas.
Adaptable: Ability to operate effectively in diverse and unpredictable conditions.
Safety-conscious: Prioritizes the safety of passengers, crew, and equipment above all.
Team Player: Works effectively with other staff, volunteers, and mission personnel.
Compassionate: Understanding of the humanitarian nature of the work and the ability to provide service with empathy.

Job Description

Flight Operations

Operate helicopters safely and efficiently for scheduled flights, emergency medical evacuations, and outreach missions.
Plan flight routes and ensure safe navigation based on weather conditions, terrain, and other environmental factors.
Provide air support for medical teams, missionaries, and supplies, delivering services to remote villages and communities.

Safety & Compliance

Adhere to aviation regulations and organizational policies regarding flight operations and safety protocols.
Perform logistical planning for flights, including fuel management, cargo weight distribution, and navigation.
Conduct pre-flight inspections.
Oversee basic aircraft maintenance and liaise with aviation mechanics to ensure aircraft airworthiness.
Keep records of flight hours, maintenance logs, and operational reports.
Ensure that all flight equipment is in good condition and ready for use at all times.

Mission Support

Collaborate with medical, mission, and operations teams to coordinate logistics and delivery of personnel and goods.
Assist with loading and unloading of medical equipment, personnel, and cargo as needed for outreach programs.
Actively engage with the team to provide logistical support in humanitarian and disaster response missions.
Assist with any other tasks that need done when when not occupied with Aviation related work.
Actively engage in fundraising efforts to help with missions and operational budgets.

Training & Development

Participate in ongoing training, including safety drills, emergency response, and mission-specific procedures.
Mentor and assist with the training of new pilots, particularly in the unique challenges of flying in remote and difficult terrains.

Community Outreach

Represent PAMAS in a professional and compassionate manner, especially when interacting with local communities during flight operations.
Engage with local communities, building relationships and supporting the spiritual and practical mission of the church.

Working Conditions

Flight Hours: The Helicopter Pilot will be expected to work irregular hours depending on mission schedules, which includes emergency flights.
Environment: The position requires working in remote locations, sometimes with limited amenities and infrastructure.
Travel: Frequent travel to various remote islands, mountain areas, and hard-to-reach villages throughout the Philippines.