Hillsboro Aero Academy has formed a partnership with ADAC Luftrettung GmbH (ADAC Air Rescue) to provide a pathway for emergency medical service pilots in Germany. Under the collaboration, Hillsboro and ADAC have created a program primarily aimed at German-speaking individuals that will include mentorship from ADAC and support during student training. The program is open individuals without previous flight experience as well as instructors and Hillsboro graduates. 

Hillsboro graduates who have earned appropriate licenses and ratings, and the requisite 1,000 flight hours (including 500 in emergency medical service or a similarly challenging operation), will receive an interview with ADAC. Once the student receives a recommendation for employment, it will begin as soon as a suitable position becomes available. 

The partnership is designed to provide some relief to a growing need for emergency service pilots in Germany, Hillsboro said, noting that German rescue organizations see a need for at least 100 to 200 more pilots over the next decade.

“This cooperation with Hillsboro is a key component to building an innovative and sustainable foundation for the recruitment of new pilots, thus helping us avoid a shortage in staffing of free pilot positions at an early stage and ensure the aerial emergency medical aid of the general public for the future,” said ADAC Luftrettung managing director Frédéric Bruder.