Horizon Air First Officer Position
Horizon Air invites applications from experienced and highly motivated individuals for the position of First Officer. As a member of Horizon Air's pilot team, the successful candidate will be among the most respected professionals in the regional airline industry, flying throughout the Western United States. Horizon Air is committed to providing its pilots with competitive compensation, opportunities for professional development, and a defined pathway to its mainline carrier, Alaska Airlines. The pilot team is known for its expertise and strong collaborative spirit.
Role Summary:
The First Officer is responsible for ensuring the safety and comfort of all Horizon Air (QX) passengers while upholding the highest standards of professionalism. This is a union-represented position.
Key Duties:
- Serve as Second in Command in the transport of passengers, mail, freight, or for other commercial purposes. The First Officer is responsible for all aspects and conduct of flight, including preflight paperwork and restrictions, the safe operation of the flight, and all post-flight duties.
- Adhere to all Federal Aviation Regulations (FAA), Company Flight Procedures, and Company Policies on scheduled flights and routes to ensure flight safety.
- Coordinate tasks related to flight fueling, loading, passenger handling, and other associated duties to facilitate the safe and efficient transport of passengers in accordance with company policies and procedures, the Flight Operations Manual (FOM), Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), and Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs).
- Act as a collaborative team member in the flight deck (Cockpit Resource Management) and with other operational departments.
- Maintain a professional image at all times, adhering to grooming standards and demonstrating exemplary demeanor as a key representative of the company to both internal and external customers.
Job-Specific Experience, Education & Skills:
Required:
- A minimum of 200 hours of FAA-approved Prior Qualifying Time to serve as pilot in command in part 121 operations (per FAR § 121.436(a)(3)). Candidates must provide documented proof of this flight time requirement. All prior qualifying time will be verified via pilot logbooks with the System Chief Pilot and/or the Director of Operations at the time of interview. Qualifying experience includes:
- 200 hours as second in command at a part 121 carrier (per FAR § 121.436(a)(3)); or
- 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 license and an applicable type rating (per FAR § 91.1053(a)(2)(i)); or
- 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 of more (per FAR § 135.243(a)(1)); or
- 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)); or
- 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)); or
- 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)).
- A minimum of 1,465 hours of total flight time or R-ATP qualified.
- 500 hours of cross-country flight time or 200 if R-ATP or military qualified.
- 100 hours of night flight time.
- 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.
- 75 hours of instrument flight time in actual or simulated instrument conditions.
- 25 hours of multi-engine flight time.
- FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with multi-engine and instrument ratings.
- Must possess a current First-Class FAA Medical Certificate.
- FCC permit restricted radiotelephone operator.
- Must have and be able to maintain a valid passport allowing unrestricted travel, without a TRP, to and from the U.S.
- Must possess a valid Driver’s License.
- Excellent judgment, leadership skills, demonstrated command ability, and maturity.
- Must 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 need.
- Must be willing to work multiple days away from home, working a varied schedule, including weekends and holidays without restrictions.
- Ability to communicate effectively in English.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Minimum age of 21 years old.
- Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
Preferred:
- 100 hours of multi-engine flight time.
- 100 hours flown in the last 12 months.
- Four-year degree from an accredited University.
Compensation and Benefits:
Horizon Air offers a competitive compensation package, including:
- First-year pay rate: $92.72 per hour
- Monthly pay guarantee (jet): 75 credit hours
- Reserve pay guarantee: 73 credit hours
- Experienced Hire Bonus: Up to $25,000 for those with 1,000+ hours of prior qualifying time, paid out at 12 and 18 months of employment or at transition to Alaska Airlines via Pathways.
- Prior Part 121 Longevity Pay Credit: Year-for-year longevity pay match for hourly rates, with no cap, for pilots with prior part 121 experience, contingent upon the pilot maintaining a permanent bid preferencing all Captain positions as their highest priority bids.
- Free stand-by travel privileges on Alaska Airlines & Horizon Air
- Comprehensive well-being programs including medical, dental and vision benefits
- Generous 401k match program
- Quarterly and annual bonus plans
- Generous holiday and paid time off
Additional Information:
- Employees working at an airport or maintenance hangar will be required to obtain and maintain a SIDA badge.
- Horizon Air embodies values of owning safety, doing the right thing, being kind-hearted, delivering performance, and being remarkable.
Apply by: 7:00 PM Pacific Time on 10/1/2025
Locations: Seattle, WA; Everett, WA; Portland, OR; Spokane, WA; Medford, OR; Boise, ID; Anchorage, AK
Horizon Air is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.