The pilot shortage is beginning to bite forcing Virginia State Police to cut back operating hours due to a shortfall in pilot numbers. The operational hours for the VSP’s MedFlight service will be reduced from 24hr to 16hrs per day between the hours of 8 am to midnight.

The State Police say four pilot positions remain open at the base despite a relatively low experience requirement – According to the state’s recruitment page they require a minimum of FAA CPL(H) with 500 hours total time (with 200 hours turbine and 50 night as pilot in command) for candidates, this compares with more typical new hire experience where 4-5,000 hours is the norm.

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