Alaska Airlines | Pilot

Ascend Pilot Academy: Aspiring Airline Pilot Pathway – Horizon Air & Alaska Airlines

Program Overview

Horizon Air, part of the Alaska Airlines family, proudly presents the Ascend Pilot Academy (APA) – a premier pilot development program designed to support aspiring aviators who are just beginning or have not yet started their professional flight training journey. This comprehensive program offers a structured and supported pathway to becoming a pilot with Horizon Air, with an exciting opportunity for progression to a First Officer role at Alaska Airlines.

APA cadets will primarily attend Hillsboro Aero Academy (HAA) for their flight training. While individuals are responsible for self-funding their Private Pilot License (PPL), with the flexibility to complete this initial training at a flight school of their choice or at HAA, significant financial support is provided for subsequent ratings. The program includes secured loan opportunities for students to obtain their Instrument Rating, Commercial License, Multi-Engine Rating, and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) once they successfully pass the PPL evaluation for advancement. Notably, Horizon Air will provide substantial funding in the amount of $27,000 for students to receive their Commercial Single-Engine License, and Hillsboro Aero Academy (HAA) will further provide funds for students to become a Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII).

Career Progression & Commitment

Upon successful acceptance into the Ascend Pilot Academy and passing the Private Pilot License evaluation, individuals will sign an agreement committing to work for Horizon Air for a minimum of three years after achieving their Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) minimums. This commitment ensures a clear and rewarding career trajectory. Once employment with Horizon Air commences, graduates will also gain the opportunity to apply to the prestigious Pathways program, providing a direct route to a First Officer position at Alaska Airlines.

Key Responsibilities

Accepted students into the Ascend Pilot Academy are expected to:

• Continue to obtain all remaining licenses and ratings at Hillsboro Aero Academy.
• Maintain excellent standing and academic performance with Hillsboro Aero Academy.
• Engage in regular and consistent communication with Horizon Air regarding curriculum progress and training milestones.
• Attend all program-specific meetings as scheduled by Horizon Air.
• Commit to a minimum of three years of service with Horizon Air post-program completion and execute a formal agreement confirming this requirement.

Qualifications & Requirements

Interested candidates must meet the following essential requirements to be considered for this pilot development opportunity:

• Ability to self-fund Private Pilot License (PPL) training.
• Possession of a valid passport allowing unrestricted travel to and from the U.S. without requiring a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP).
• Maintenance of a valid driver’s license.
• A current First Class Medical Certificate.
• Ability to adapt to and work a variety of schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Proficiency in English communication.
• Little to no prior flight training experience, with experience not exceeding a Private Pilot's License.
• Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum age of 18 years.
• Authorization to work in the U.S.
• Agreement to a comprehensive release of records, allowing Horizon Air and Alaska Airlines full access to training, disciplinary, attendance, and any other relevant information pertinent to the APA program.

Compensation & Benefits

This regular, full-time, non-exempt position offers competitive compensation in accordance with collective bargaining agreements. As part of the Alaska Airlines group, Horizon Air provides an attractive total rewards package, which may vary by company, location, number of regularly scheduled hours worked, length of employment, and employment status. Key benefits include:

• Free stand-by travel privileges on Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Horizon Air (a flight processing fee may apply depending on the hiring company and airline booked).
• Comprehensive well-being programs, including medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• A generous 401k contribution and match program.
• Participation in quarterly and annual bonus plans.
• Generous holiday and paid time off.

For more detailed information regarding Alaska, Hawaiian, and Horizon Total Rewards, please visit our career site and view the benefits section.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Safety

Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Horizon Air are dedicated to upholding an Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement. It is our policy to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment and to ensure equal opportunity in all terms, conditions, and benefits of employment. We strictly prohibit discrimination and harassment against any employee or applicant based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories. We are committed to recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting qualified persons in all job titles, ensuring employment decisions are based solely on valid job requirements, and administering all personnel actions without prejudice.

As a Department of Transportation (DOT) regulated entity, Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Horizon Air adhere to regulations (49 CFR part 40). All applicants for safety-sensitive positions are advised that post-offer and/or pre-employment drug testing will be conducted to determine the presence of marijuana, cocaine, opioids, phencyclidine (PCP), and amphetamines or their metabolites. Failure to submit to testing or positive indications of drug use will render the applicant ineligible for employment, and any employment offer will be withdrawn.