RTAG 2026
Meet the Metro Family at RTAG in Orlando
Booth 815
Thinking about what’s next in your aviation career? Come meet the Metro Aviation team at RTAG and learn what it’s really like to fly, maintain, and build a career with one of the nation’s leading air medical operators.
Our team will be on site throughout the event, including leaders from operations, recruiting, maintenance, and our pilot group. Whether you’re actively looking for your next opportunity or just want to learn more about Metro, stop by and talk with us.
Meet the Team
John Vance, Director of Operations
Joseph Abshier, Recruiter
Melvin Clawson, Recruiter
Rick Claypool, Part 135 Project Manager
Britney Ratcliff, Director of HR
Bring your questions. Ask us about schedules, aircraft, bases, training, career progression, benefits, and what makes Metro different.
Come meet the people behind Metro Aviation and see where your career could take you next.
AN OUTSIDE VIEW
In 2020 U.S. Air Force helicopter pilot Michael Tosi wrote an article for Vertical Magazine previewing the military-to-civilian transition.
He was able to experience the hiring process from beginning to end with Metro Aviation and DHART and provide his thoughts on what civilian helicopter flying offers to military pilots.
Why Metro
Metro Aviation entered into the air medical service business in November 1983 when we agreed to provide helicopter ambulance service for Schumpert Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. Today Metro Aviation operates more than 155 aircraft and has air medical transport operations throughout the United States. Our foundation of safety, quality, and customer service has remained with us for 40 years and is still the cornerstone of our company.
Our success can be attributed to several things. Our unwavering values and history of innovation have made us a leader in the air medical services industry. However, none of it could be achieved without our people. Metro Aviation is a family-owned business and has ingrained those family values into the company’s culture. At Metro Aviation, we consider our employees to be our family. We are committed to providing an environment allowing them to exercise their talents and maximize their potential.
SkillBridge Partner
Metro Aviation is a Proud partner with BreakTurn, formerly SkyBridge, providing DoW Skillbridge transition positions to service members across the country.
BreakTurn is an intermediary between active duty service members transitioning to their next job and the aviation industry. Utilizing the DoW Skillbridge program and Army’s Career Skills Program enables SkyBridge to place service members with industry partners as interns. As a DoW approved Skillbridge provider, BreakTurn can place Service Members with a partner company during their last 180 days of active duty .
made the switch
Joe’s story
Joe began his aviation career in the United States Army. During his 20 years of active duty service, he served in the Infantry as a Blackhawk mechanic and as a pilot for the CH47 Chinook, earning the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3.
Upon his exit from military service, he became a pilot for the Duke University Life Flight program and took on the role of Lead Pilot in 2018.
Joe joined the Metro family in 2020 when Metro Aviation took over the operation of the Duke University Life Flight program.
made the switch
Kristen’s story
21-year-old Kristen was in Baghdad as a broadcast journalist with an Army Mobile Public Affairs Detachment during her junior year at LSU. During Sadaam Hussein’s trial, she was the sole American female in the courtroom and received national media attention for her radio show on AFN-Iraq. She deployed a second time before leaving the military and worked as a reporter and producer for a local news station, eventually joining the Metro family as the Director of Marketing in 2013.
Kristen said she loves how her career has evolved with her personal life. “I appreciate the emphasis on family and a career that allows me to be a vital part of the team, as well as a present mom for my two girls.”
made the switch
Warren’s story
Warren began his aviation career in the United States Air Force. During his 20-plus years of active duty service, he served as a B-52 Instructor/Evaluator Pilot, held the role of Director of Innovation, and was part of the AFWERX fellowship program. He earned the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and currently serves in the Air Force Reserves. Warren joined the Metro family in 2022 as the Director of Safety Innovation.
Warren chose Metro for the family culture and the company’s desire for innovation. “Most of the employees I talked to had been with the company for many years, and multi-generations in a family are working at Metro. This longevity speaks to a high degree of employee satisfaction.”
In their own words
Jerry Lingefelt, Aviation Site Manager
Jerry began his aviation career in the United States Army. During his 7 years of active duty service, he served as a pilot for the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior, the AH-64D Apache Longbow and earned the rank of Captain. Upon his exit from military service, he flew helicopters in the Gulf of Mexico to log the hours required to achieve his ultimate goal of becoming an HAA pilot. Jerry joined the Metro family in 2019. He has served as a pilot and currently serves as the Aviation Site Manager for Pafford Air One.
What is one thing you think someone making this transition should know?
“Network, network, network. Aviation is a small community, and almost everyone knows each other. Connect with pilots, maintainers, and support staff at local operations. Social media groups are also a great place to ask questions, make contacts, and get guidance on the industry and the military to civilian transition in general.”
Why is Metro Aviation a great place to work?
“When I was looking into operators to work for, everyone I talked to spoke highly of Metro Aviation’s reputation for safety, training, and leadership. Metro’s vision, outlook on the future, dedication to the industry and its customers, and family atmosphere make it the best choice.”
Mel Clawson, Aviation Recruiter
Mel began his aviation career in the United States Army. During his 30 years of active duty service, he served as a pilot for UH-1 Huey, AH-1 Cobra, and the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior and earned the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Upon his exit from military service, he entered the HAA industry flying Single Pilot IFR. Mel joined the Metro family in 2021.
What is one thing you think someone making this transition should know?
“Civilian flying is a different world, and you won’t be an expert on the subject matter like you were in the military. Be willing to listen and take advice from those that have been in the industry and get connected to organizations that can help with the transition.”
Why is Metro Aviation a great place to work?
“Metro is a family-owned and operated aviation company that is innovative, safety-focused, and most importantly, takes care of its people. You are part of the family.”