posted February 27, 2025

Celebrating Women in Aviation

PHOENIX, AZ – 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, Erica Angel. For the last 15 years, Angel has been soaring through the skies building an impressive career as a pilot. Her journey to aviation — let alone a role in helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) — wasn’t always clear. Originally from San Juan Capistrano, CA, she never imagined that flying helicopters would be her calling until a conversation with her mother changed everything.

“I didn’t have any idea what I wanted to do when I was younger,” said Angel. “I just wanted to have an office job or something ‘normal.’ But it was my mom who said an office job sounded boring and that I should do something wild like fly a helicopter. So, I looked into flight school, and within a few months, I was starting my flight training. I took a chance. It has led to an exciting and unique career path.”  

In 2010, she began her career as a flight Instructor in Fresno, CA, before moving to Las Vegas to give Grand Canyon tours with Sundance Helicopters, the former tourism division of Air Methods. In 2018, Angel transitioned to the lifesaving service of Air Methods, becoming a HEMS pilot.

Over the years, she’s flown for Tri-State CareFlight 6 in Fort Mohave, AZ, Mercy Air 24 in Pahrump, NV, and Med Center 1 in Rock Hill, SC. Now, she’s preparing to relocate to Native Air 23 in Goodyear, where she’ll continue serving patients in need.

“HEMS is a unique job, and I love what I do,” said Angel. “I’ve left and returned and decided I will only do this job for Air Methods because of our focus on and commitment to always make safety the priority.”

Beyond the certifications, it’s the satisfaction of simply doing her job and staying safe that she cherishes the most. With more than 4,000 flight hours under her belt, she’s become well-versed in the demands of HEMS flying and understands the inherent value of women in the aviation industry.

“Having confidence and staying nimble in an industry that continues to evolve is the key to success,” said Angel.

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/.