Winner of NEMSPA Pilot of the Year

It was our honor to be at the Air Medical Transport Conference to celebrate the best of the best in air medical transport. The National EMS Pilot Association, or NEMSPA, is built on the foundation of going the extra mile, doing the right thing, and always making safety a priority.

These pillars don't just guide our work; they are embodied by our nominees for the

2025 Pilot of the Year Award.

This year, the pool of candidates was incredibly strong, but one name rose above

the rest. The NEMSPA Pilot of the Year Award recognizes a pilot who, through

their skill, professionalism, and dedication, exemplifies the highest standards of

our profession and truly works hard to get all of us home at the end of our shift.

The recipient of the 2025 NEMSPA Pilot of the Year Award is a line pilot for

PennSTAR Flight, Metro aviation—a man whose professionalism is engrained in

his work, who serves as a great mentor to new and seasoned pilots alike, and who

is, above all, humble and grounded in the incredible work he does.

Please join me in congratulating the 2025 NEMSPA Pilot of the Year:

… Bobby King!

Bobby’s decades of service, including a distinguished career as a Pennsylvania

State Policeman and an Army National Guard Instructor Pilot, laid the foundation

for his work ethic and calm demeanor in crisis. We know that on May 19, 2025,

Bobby’s knowledge, proficiency, and personal courage were put to the ultimate

test.

While piloting his aircraft, the tail rotor completely separated. Losing the tail rotor,

the gearbox, and part of the vertical fin in flight is arguably one of the most

catastrophic emergencies an Air Medical pilot can face. Yet, Bobby immediately

executed the emergency procedure, modifying the textbook to fit the extreme

circumstances.

He expertly guided the crippled aircraft into an incredible, successful autorotation,

landing it safely in the only suitable spot: the small, upward-sloping front yard of a

home in a wooded development. Bobby terminated that maneuver with zero

forward airspeed on touchdown, preventing a disastrous outcome. All crew

members walked away.

The safe outcome was no miracle—it was the result of a pilot's supreme skill and

composure under pressure. His quick, accurate communication to the

communications center also ensured rescue vehicles were promptly dispatched.

This extraordinary feat, recognized by his colleagues and supervisors at PennSTAR

and Metro Aviation, showcases why Bobby is the very best of us.

Bobby King is the embodiment of the values we cherish: Loyalty, Integrity, and

Selfless Service. His actions that day didn't just save a crew; they reinforced the

trust the public and our medical partners place in every NEMSPA pilot.

Bobby, you credit your medical crew and your recurrent training, which speaks

volumes about your humility and dedication to team success. But today, we

recognize you for your singular courage and masterful airmanship.

Congratulations, Bobby!