posted February 27, 2025

Celebrating Women in Aviation

DENVER, CO – Feb. 27, 2025 – As the nation’s leading air medical service, Air Methods joins the celebration of Women of Aviation Worldwide Week (March 3 – 9) with a nod to one of their own, Elizabeth Peebles.

From flying small fixed-wing aircraft as a hobby to becoming Air Methods’ first female assistant chief pilot (ACP), Elizabeth Peebles’ career thus far has been nothing short of noteworthy. Peebles began flying in 2003 with Cessna 172s and quickly found her way into helicopters—a decision that marked the beginning of a much bigger adventure.

“I quickly learned flying can be expensive as just a hobby,” said Peebles. “So, I turned my hobby into a career flying helicopters.”

Originally from Northern California, Peebles became a HEMS pilot with REACH in Colorado in 2018 and transitioned to Air Methods’ Flight for Life a year later. Wanting to elevate her career, she earned her way to a check airman role, which eventually led to her promotion as ACP.

“After working as a check pilot for four and a half years, I am excited to have a role in program development,” said Peebles. “When you are in a minority population of an industry, there are many opportunities for being ‘the first’”

With over 7,000 hours of flying under her belt, her accomplishments speak volumes. She was the first female to fly commercially in Abu Dhabi, integrated offshore oil fields in the region and later became the first female helicopter captain for the French oil company Total Oil. As a testament to her groundbreaking achievements, she also became the first female helicopter pilot with the Flight for Life program, and now, the first female ACP with Air Methods.

“In over 20 years in this industry, I have never worked for another aviation company where I felt more valued by my supervisors,” said Peebles. “The leadership here at Air Methods has demonstrated their commitment to my professional growth and longevity.”

As Peebles continues to break barriers and advocate for positive change in aviation, this trailblazing aviator hopes to pave the way for others to follow.

“I am hopeful to model this [ACP] role positively for all pilots on the flight line who want to eventually develop their careers into a leadership role,” said Peebles. “One of the biggest pieces of advice I can give for those entering the field is to be open to opportunities, even if they don’t fit your plan.”

Created in 2010 by Mireille Goyer, an airline pilot and aviation educator, Women of Aviation Worldwide Week is recognized annually during the week of March 8 as a reminder to commemorate the achievements and improvements made by women in the industry and highlight aviation opportunities.

Discover how you can make a meaningful impact in the aviation industry by exploring career opportunities at Air Methods. Visit the website www.airmethods.com/careers/.