Horizon Air | Chief Pilot

Base Chief Pilot

About Horizon Air

Horizon Air, an airline dedicated to creating exceptional travel experiences, is driven by its core values, leadership principles, and a shared passion for its guests. Its managerial teams are pivotal in shaping strategic direction and operational execution, ensuring the company's sustained success. Horizon Air is seeking individuals who share this commitment to excellence and a passion for aviation.

The Opportunity

Horizon Air is seeking a highly experienced and dedicated Base Chief Pilot to lead Flight Operations at its Portland, OR base, with potential opportunities at other key locations including Seattle, WA, and Anchorage, AK. This full-time leadership position is crucial for maintaining operational excellence and safety. The Base Chief Pilot holds a critical leadership position, balancing strategic imperatives with the meticulous tactical execution of Flight Operations at a designated Horizon Air pilot base. This influential leader is responsible for guiding a team of pilots, translating Flight Operations' strategic goals into daily operational excellence, and ensuring all activities adhere strictly to Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) and company policies, prioritizing safety and compliance above all.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement long-term operational strategies for the assigned pilot base, aligning with Horizon Air's Flight Operations objectives.
• Team Development & Management: Lead, mentor, and establish professional standards for a team of highly skilled pilots. Foster a culture of strategic thinking, provide effective performance management, ongoing feedback, and drive succession planning initiatives.
• Cultural Stewardship: Actively shape and reinforce a positive, professional, and high-performance culture within the pilot group and across the broader organization.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate trust and strong relationships between the pilot group and Horizon Air management through consistent, fair, and diplomatic communication.
• Interdepartmental Collaboration: Partner effectively with leadership across Horizon Air and Alaska Airlines, including station and inflight teams, to uphold the highest safety standards.
• External Representation: Serve as the primary liaison and company representative for external agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Port authorities, and the United States Postal Service.
• Operational Excellence: Review, recommend, and assist in implementing policies and procedures to enhance flight safety, regulatory compliance, and overall operational efficiency.
• Performance Monitoring: Oversee and manage all operational and delay metrics for the assigned domicile, ensuring optimal performance.
• Meeting Participation: Actively participate in operational meetings as required to contribute to strategic and tactical discussions.

Required Qualifications

• Aviation Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of professional pilot experience, including at least three (3) years operating under FAA Part 121 or 135 regulations, or equivalent military/other operational experience.
• Leadership Experience: At least four (4) years of proven leadership experience in aviation, such as Pilot in Command, Captain, Check Pilot, or Instructor roles.
• Education: A Bachelor's degree is required, or an additional two (2) years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. A high school diploma or equivalent is a fundamental requirement.
• Operational Capability: Must possess the ability to become a line-qualified pilot with Horizon Air.
• Regulatory Expertise: Strong familiarity with FAA regulations and Pilot Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA), coupled with a robust technical background and expert knowledge of pilot procedures.
• Essential Skills: Demonstrated ability to perform effectively under pressure, adapt to changing conditions, and exhibit exceptional professional judgment, time-management, and problem-solving skills.
• Influence & Culture: Proven capacity to influence strategic change, initiate impactful actions, and foster a high-performance culture.
• Communication: Outstanding verbal, written, and listening communication skills, alongside strong presentation abilities, emphasizing clear and transparent communication.
• Availability: Flexibility to work a varied schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as operational demands require.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Legal & Travel: Must be at least 21 years of age, authorized to work in the U.S., and able to obtain and maintain a valid passport allowing unrestricted U.S. travel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience serving as a Line Captain.

Leadership Expectations

Candidates are expected to embody Horizon Air's core values, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to safety, integrity, compassion, and consistent high performance.

Compensation & Benefits

Horizon Air offers a competitive compensation package designed to attract top talent.

• Annual Salary Range: \$186,754 - \$258,031.
• Total Target Compensation Range (including bonus & equity): \$244,580 - \$337,241.
• Note: Starting pay is determined by a range of factors including location, experience, and skillset, ensuring internal equity. While hiring typically occurs within the specified range, it is not always at the absolute top.

Comprehensive Total Rewards may include:

• Complimentary stand-by travel privileges across Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Horizon Air networks with high priority.
• Annual allocation of confirmed travel credits.
• Robust well-being programs, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous 401(k) matching program.
• Both quarterly and annual bonus plans.
• Generous holiday and paid time off allotments.

Further details regarding Alaska/Hawaiian/Horizon Total Rewards are provided during the hiring process.

Important Regulatory Information

Airport SIDA Badge Requirements

Employees in airport or maintenance hangar roles are required to obtain and maintain a SIDA badge issued by the airport authority. A comprehensive overview of SIDA Badge Requirements will be provided to successful candidates. Failure to qualify for or maintain a SIDA badge will result in employment termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Horizon Air adheres to all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. The company prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories. Horizon Air is committed to equal opportunity in all employment aspects and maintains an EEO Compliance Program.

Department of Transportation (DOT) Regulations

As a DOT-regulated entity (49 CFR part 40), Horizon Air requires post-offer and/or pre-employment drug testing for all safety-sensitive positions. Testing screens for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, PCP, and amphetamines. Failure to submit to testing or a positive result will render an applicant ineligible, and any employment offer will be withdrawn.

Application Deadline: 7:00 PM Pacific Time on September 28, 2025.