Alaska Airlines | Pilot

Ascend Pilot Academy Cadet

The Ascend Pilot Academy (APA) is a comprehensive pilot development program designed to support aspiring aviators at the beginning of their flight training journey. This program provides a clear pathway toward a professional pilot career with Horizon Air.

Program Overview

Cadets complete their flight training at Hillsboro Aero Academy (HAA). Participants are responsible for self-funding their Private Pilot License (PPL) at their preferred flight school or HAA. Upon passing the PPL evaluation, cadets gain access to secured loan opportunities for subsequent training, including instrument rating, commercial license, multi-engine rating, and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certification. Horizon Air provides $27,000 in funding toward a Commercial Single-Engine License, while HAA provides funding for the Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII) rating. Successful graduates commit to a minimum of three years of service with Horizon Air following the attainment of ATP minimums, with future opportunities to apply to the Alaska Airlines Pathways program.

Key Responsibilities

• Obtain remaining licenses and ratings through HAA.
• Maintain good standing with HAA throughout the training period.
• Provide regular, consistent communication regarding curriculum progress to Horizon Air.
• Attend all scheduled program-specific meetings.
• Execute a service agreement committing to three years of employment with Horizon Air post-program completion.
• Authorize the release of training, disciplinary, attendance, and relevant personal records to Horizon Air and Alaska Airlines.

Candidate Requirements

• Minimum age of 18.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Little to no prior flight training experience (not exceeding a Private Pilot License).
• Ability to self-fund Private Pilot License training.
• Current First Class Medical certificate.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Valid passport with unrestricted travel authorization to and from the U.S. (no TRP required).
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S.
• Proficiency in the English language.
• Flexibility to work varied schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Leadership Expectations

Successful candidates will embody core company values: owning safety, doing the right thing, demonstrating care and kindness, and delivering high performance.

Total Rewards

Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Horizon Air offer competitive compensation packages, including:

• Pay according to the collective bargaining agreement.
• Free stand-by travel privileges on Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Horizon Air.
• Comprehensive well-being programs (medical, dental, and vision).
• Generous 401k matching program.
• Quarterly and annual bonus plans.
• Generous holiday and paid time off.

Employment Details

• Employer: Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air
• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Location: Seattle, WA / Redmond, OR
• Requisition ID: 2026-18457
• Application Deadline: 4/7/2026 at 7:00 PM Pacific Time

Regulatory and Equal Opportunity Statement

These companies are equal opportunity employers. All employment decisions are based on valid job requirements without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or other legally protected categories. As these positions are regulated by the Department of Transportation (49 CFR part 40), all candidates must pass a pre-employment drug screen for specified substances prior to starting in a safety-sensitive role.