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Posted

Anyone know the mandatory retirement age for EMS pilots? I'm trying to break into the field relatively late and was curious as how long I would potentially be able to do it.

Posted

So far, there is none. The only mandatory retirement age is for Part 121 airline pilots. Congress is considering increasing that, but it's not a sure thing. For Part 135 pilots, you can fly (legally) as long as you can pass a Class II medical exam.

Posted
Anyone know the mandatory retirement age for EMS pilots? I'm trying to break into the field relatively late and was curious as how long I would potentially be able to do it.

 

 

Thanks Gomer! You working for an EMS outfit?

 

R/ Arcman

Posted (edited)

Yes. It's a long story.

 

FWIW, EMS is just another Part 135 operation, really no different from any other commercial flying. There are those with hero mentalities, but they tend to be removed from the gene pool rather quickly, unfortunately taking others with them.

Edited by Gomer Pylot
Posted
Yes. It's a long story.

 

FWIW, EMS is just another Part 135 operation, really no different from any other commercial flying. There are those with hero mentalities, but they tend to be removed from the gene pool rather quickly, unfortunately taking others with them.

 

 

Thanks GP. At the risk of sounding like 20 questions, what are some of the things about the work which keep you in it? Any gripes about the job?

Posted

isnt an EMS pilot typically rushed to transport more quickly? not saying that any other commercial job isnt the same. but after all, somebodies life is on the proverbial 'line'. however, i do understand the safety aspects, im sure it gets hectic trying to find an LZ in the middle of an apartment complex or wherever

Posted

I stay in it because I have no other marketable skills, and I don't want to flip burgers or greet the tourists at WalMart.

 

There can be a rush, but you have to resist it. If the patient dies because of a 5 minute delay, then that patient was going to die anyway. Rushing will kill you, and the med crew, and maybe the patient, if you get that far. As the old story goes, "I've got two speeds. If you don't like this one, you really won't like the other one".

 

There is little need to land in the middle of an apartment complex, because there a ground ambulance can do the job, and move the patient to a better area if it's necessary. Most scene flights are to roadsides or similar, and while they can be tight, they're usually easy enough to spot by all the flashing lights on the ambulances and police cars. Not always, but usually.

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