Marcus Isbill, a veteran pilot of nearly 30 years, has been named chief pilot for CALSTAR, Jim Arthur, director of flight operations, has announced.

Isbill’s aviation career started in 1985 with the U.S. Army.  Prior to retiring in 2001, he served in multiple roles in the military, including UH-1 chief of standardization and instrument examiner.

His 12-year civilian career has been focused on emergency medical services operations in Alaska.  Most recently, he served as aviation services manager for Air Methods Corporation.

Isbill holds an Airline Transport Pilot and Certified Flight instructor (helicopter and instrument) certificate and is an active Part 135 flight instructor.

Arthur noted that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was required to sign off on Isbill’s hiring. “The position of chief pilot is one of three senior management positions required by the FAA for certified air carriers.  Mr. Isbill’s primary responsibilities include supporting CALSTAR’s staff of 40 pilots with regulatory and operational guidance that ensures the safety and efficiency of CALSTAR flight operations.”

Arthur added, “Marc’s leadership ability, experience and knowledge will effectively support our team of professional pilots for years to come.”

Isbill and his wife, Dawn, have three children.  Included in his hobbies is the training of Labrador Retrievers.

CALSTAR is the largest non-profit air ambulance service on the west coast.  Headquartered at McClellan Park in Sacramento, the company has nine bases in all and serves a diverse area from Santa Barbara to Mendocino County to South Lake Tahoe.  CALSTAR has served more than 50,000 critically ill and injured patients in its 29-year history.