Mission Statement:

LifeFlight of Maine is a private nonprofit with an important public, statewide mission as Maine’s only air ambulance service: to transform the critical care transport medicine system into an integrated, high-quality, patient-centered system worthy of the public’s trust. LifeFlight is committed to ensuring that everyone, in every community in Maine, has access to critical care and medical transport when needed.

There are few organizations that offer as challenging, meaningful, and gratifying a work experience as LifeFlight of Maine. LifeFlight was fully re-accredited by CAMTS (Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems) in 2022. In 2024, LifeFlight was recognized among the “Best Places to Work in Maine,” and in 2025 LifeFlight received the “Salute to Excellence Safety Award” from VAI (Vertical Aviation International) for its commitment to safety across the organization.

LifeFlight’s helicopters, airplane, and ground ambulances are based in Bangor, Lewiston, and Sanford. LifeFlight’s crews cover the entire state, including offshore islands, complementing and supporting the work of local EMS and hospital personnel in caring for critically ill or injured patients. The crew is comprised of a highly qualified team of pilots, flight nurses and flight paramedics, EMT vehicle operators, aviation maintenance technicians, and communications specialists. LifeFlight of Maine is a joint venture partnership of Central Maine Healthcare and Northern Light Health.

LifeFlight Aviation Services (LFAS) is a wholly owned subsidiary of LifeFlight of Maine committed to operating a safe, high-reliability, instrument-based aviation system for medical transport in Maine and northern New England. LifeFlight of Maine maintains a vast network aviation infrastructure consisting of PBN IFR routes, point-in-space instrument approaches, AWOS weather stations, fuel depots, and high-definition remote weather cameras. Lifeflight of Maine operates a fleet of Leonardo A109SP helicopters, a G1000 equipped King Air B200, and a fleet of ground ambulances.

Job Location:

Primary: Bangor

Position Summary:

The Fixed Wing Captain is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient conduct of medevac flight assignments. The captain functions as the pilot-in-command of a two-pilot crew. The captain determines whether to accept or decline a flight assignment based on weather conditions, or other factors that may impact the safety of flight. The captain works collaboratively with the first officer, communications center, and medical crew to safely complete medevac flight operations. This position is scheduled on a revolving day/night 12-hour shift primarily based at the Lifeflight hangar in Bangor.

Responsibilities:

Aviation Operations and Safety

• Plans flight assignments and obtains briefing information regarding purpose of the flight, weather, operating procedures, NOTAMS, runway conditions, and special instructions.
• Complies with all FAA Regulations, The General Operating Manual (GOM) and all other LFAS policies and procedures.
• Conducts a start of shift briefing with the assigned medical, communications and ground personnel.
• Prepares flight plan considering such factors as altitude, terrain, weather, range, weight, airport facilities and navigational aids. Utilizes the GOM in determining weather minimums to accept a flight assignment.
• Ensures at the beginning of the shift that the aircraft preflight is complete and the aircraft is equipped, serviced, and fueled for a flight assignment.
• Supervises and assists loading and distribution of cargo and passengers and determines that weight and balance is within prescribed limitations per the utilized method of aircraft weight and balance or the approved flight manual.
• Ensures cargo is properly secured and emergency equipment is aboard.
• Files, activates and closes the flight plans.
• Checks aircraft discrepancy log prior to flight to ensure all discrepancies have been corrected or properly deferred prior to a flight assignment.
• Logs all mechanical discrepancies as they occur and informs maintenance personnel. Notifies the LifeFlight Communications Center of the service status of the aircraft.
• Completes documentation, as required.
• Participates in debriefings on all flights.
• Monitors all weather situations and updates the Communications Center of same.
• Works to safely and efficiently respond to a flight request with a 25-minute lift off goal.
• Notifies the Flight Operations Supervisor whenever a personal medical deficiency exists that would affect the safety of flight.
• Maintains weight standard of 250 lbs. in measured in flight suit and boots.

Skills and abilities:

Leadership and Professional Development:

• Participates in the development, implementation, and evaluation departmental aviation policies.
• Shares professional responsibility for identification, development and achievement of department goals.
• Promotes and maintains positive professional working relationships.
• Demonstrates and promotes effective interpersonal skills.
• Promotes the safety culture of LifeFlight and places safety as a top priority.

Education and/or experience

• 3000 total flight hours
  • A minimum of 1500 hours Pilot in Command of an airplane
  • 1000 hours of Turbine engine time
  • 250 Multi engine airplane hours
  • 300 Night flight hours.
  • Airline Transport Pilot Rating.
  • Obtain a Class I FAA Physical Annually or as required by the operations being conducted.

Education and/or experience:

• Ability to operate airplanes and is exposed to non-conventional motion, noise, vibration, chemicals (i.e. jet fumes) and extreme heat or cold.
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds using proper body mechanics and bend and carry heavy equipment and assist with carrying and loading patients.
• Ability to use maintenance stands and ladders to preflight aircraft. Able to marshal, refuel, or deice aircraft if required.
• Works in a patient care environment on the aircraft and is exposed to possible infectious diseases and chemical toxins.

The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements considered necessary to successfully perform the job.