Alaska Airlines | Pilot

Ascend Pilot Academy Cadet

Company: Alaska Airlines / Horizon Air

Location: Seattle, WA / Redmond, OR

Employment Type: Full-Time, Regular

Program Overview

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 to a professional piloting career with Horizon Air. Cadets receive training at Hillsboro Aero Academy (HAA) and benefit from secured loan opportunities for instrument, commercial, multi-engine, and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) ratings following the successful completion of a Private Pilot License (PPL) evaluation.

Horizon Air provides $27,000 in funding toward a Commercial Single-Engine License, and HAA provides funding for students to achieve Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII) status. Upon program completion and meeting ATP minimums, cadets commit to a minimum three-year employment agreement with Horizon Air, with future opportunities to apply to the Alaska Airlines Pathways program for First Officer positions.

Key Responsibilities

Upon acceptance into the APA, cadets agree to the following:

• Complete all remaining licenses and ratings at HAA.
• Maintain good standing with HAA throughout the program.
• Maintain regular, consistent communication with Horizon Air regarding curriculum progress.
• Attend all scheduled program-specific meetings.
• Sign an agreement committing to three years of employment with Horizon Air post-graduation.
• Authorize the release of all training, disciplinary, attendance, and relevant personal records to Horizon Air and Alaska Airlines.

Requirements

• Minimum age of 18.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Little to no flight training experience (not to exceed Private Pilot License).
• Ability to self-fund Private Pilot License (PPL) training.
• Hold a current First Class Medical certificate.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.
• Possess a valid passport allowing unrestricted travel to and from the U.S. without a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP).
• Legal authorization to work in the United States.
• Fluency in English.
• Flexibility to work a variety of schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Leadership Expectations

Candidates must embody the company values: own safety, do the right thing, be caring and kind, and deliver performance.

Total Rewards

Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Horizon Air offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Compensation per collective bargaining agreement.
• Free stand-by travel privileges on Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Horizon Air.
• Comprehensive well-being programs, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous 401(k) contribution/match program.
• Quarterly and annual bonus plans.
• Generous holiday and paid time off.

Regulatory Information

This position is subject to Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations (49 CFR part 40). All applicants must undergo pre-employment drug testing for substances including marijuana, cocaine, opioids, phencyclidine (PCP), and amphetamines. Positive test results or refusal to test will result in the withdrawal of any employment offer.

Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Horizon Air are Equal Opportunity Employers. We prohibit discrimination and harassment against any applicant based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected category.

Application Deadline: April 7, 2026, at 7:00 PM Pacific Time.