Horizon Air: First Officer

The Team

Horizon Air seeks skilled aviation professionals to join its team as First Officers, flying throughout the Western United States. The airline is recognized for its high-performing pilots and collaborative environment, offering attractive compensation, ongoing development opportunities, and a direct path to Alaska Airlines' mainline operations.

Role Summary

The First Officer, Experienced, plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and positive experience of all Horizon Air (QX) guests. This position requires a high level of professionalism and operates under a union collective bargaining agreement.

Key Duties

Performing as Second in Command during the transport of passengers, mail, freight, or for other commercial purposes.
Assuming responsibility for all aspects of flight conduct, including preflight checks, necessary paperwork, adherence to restrictions, safe flight operations, and post-flight duties.
Ensuring strict compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAA), Company Flight Procedures, and Company Policies on scheduled flights and routes to uphold safety standards.
Coordinating tasks such as flight fueling, loading, and passenger handling to facilitate the safe transport of passengers in accordance with company policies, the Flight Operations Manual (FOM), FARs, and CFRs.
Operating as a key team member within the flight deck (utilizing Cockpit Resource Management) and collaborating effectively with other operational departments.
Presenting a professional image at all times, including maintaining grooming standards and demeanor, as a representative of the company to both internal and external customers.

Required Experience, Education & Skills

Candidates must meet the following qualifications:

Possess 200 hours of FAA-approved Prior Qualifying Time to serve as pilot in command in part 121 operations, as per FAR § 121.436(a)(3). Proof of this flight time is required and will be verified during the interview process.
Alternatively, meet one of the following 200-hour requirements:
- 200 hours as second in command at a part 121 carrier (per FAR § 121.436(a)(3)).
- 200 hours as pilot in command at a part 91 carrier flying a multi-engine turbine-powered fixed-wing or powered-lift aircraft with an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license and an applicable type rating (per FAR § 91.1053(a)(2)(i)).
- 200 hours as pilot in command at a part 135 carrier in passenger-carrying operations of a turbojet airplane with a passenger-seat configuration, excluding each crewmember seat, of 10 seats or more (per FAR § 135.243(a)(1)).
- 200 hours as pilot in command at a part 135 carrier in passenger-carrying operations of a multiengine airplane in a commuter operation (per FAR § 135.243(a)(1)).
- 200 hours as pilot in command at a part 135 carrier holding an airline transport pilot certificate and, if required, appropriate type rating for that airplane (per FAR § 135.243(a)(1)).
- 200 hours of military flight time obtained as pilot in command of a multiengine turbine-powered, fixed-wing airplane or powered-lift aircraft in an operation requiring more than one pilot (per FAR § 121.436(c)).
Hold a minimum of 1,465 hours of total flight time or be R-ATP qualified.
Possess 500 hours of cross-country flight time, or 200 hours if R-ATP or military qualified.
Have 100 hours of night flight time.
Accumulate 250 total hours of flight time as pilot in command, including 100 hours of cross-country flight time and 25 hours of night flight time.
Record 75 hours of instrument flight time in actual or simulated instrument conditions.
Have 25 hours of multi-engine flight time.
Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate with multi-engine and instrument ratings issued by the FAA.
Possess and maintain a current First-Class FAA Medical Certificate.
Hold an FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit.
Have and maintain a valid passport allowing unrestricted travel to and from the U.S.
Possess a valid Driver's License.
Demonstrate excellent judgment, leadership skills, proven command ability, and maturity.
Be willing to accept a base assignment in Seattle, WA; Portland, OR; Spokane, WA; Boise, ID; Medford, OR; Anchorage, AK; or Everett, WA, based on company operational needs.
Be available to work multiple days away from home on a varied schedule, including weekends and holidays.
Possess the ability to communicate effectively in English.
Hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
Be a minimum age of 21 years old.
Be authorized to work in the U.S.

Preferred Experience, Education & Skills

100 hours of multi-engine flight time.
100 hours flown in the last 12 months.
A four-year degree from an accredited University.

Airport SIDA Badge Requirements

Employment requires obtaining and maintaining an airport SIDA badge provided by the airport authority. Failure to qualify for or maintain the SIDA badge will result in termination.

Job-Specific Leadership Expectations

Pilots are expected to embody the company's core values: own safety, do the right thing, be kind-hearted, deliver performance, and be remarkable.

Compensation and Benefits

Horizon Air offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.

Prior Part 121 Longevity Pay Credit: Longevity is matched year-for-year based on prior part 121 experience, contingent upon specific bidding preferences.
First Year Pay Rate: The starting hourly pay rate is $92.72.
Guaranteed Pay: Pilots receive a monthly pay guarantee of 75 credit hours (jet) or 73 credit hours (reserve).
Total Rewards: Benefits include free stand-by travel privileges on Alaska Airlines & Horizon Air, comprehensive well-being programs (medical, dental, vision), a generous 401k match program, and quarterly and annual bonus plans.

Location

Based in Portland, OR (Pilot Domicile), with potential assignments in Seattle, WA; Spokane, WA; Boise, ID; Medford, OR; Anchorage, AK; or Everett, WA.

Regulatory Information

Horizon Air is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. The company also adheres to Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, which require pre-employment drug testing for safety-sensitive positions.

Alaska Airlines | First Officer