Horizon Air is seeking an experienced First Officer to join its distinguished team of aviation professionals. As a pilot for Horizon Air, the First Officer operates among the regional airline industry's finest, flying throughout the scenic West. This role offers an attractive compensation package, significant development opportunities, and a clear pathway to the mainline carrier, Alaska Airlines. The team is renowned for its high level of skill and strong, close-knit teamwork. This is a union-represented position.
The Experienced First Officer is primarily responsible for ensuring a safe and positive journey for all Horizon Air guests while consistently upholding the highest standards of professionalism.
Acts as Second in Command for the transport of passengers, mail, freight, and other commercial purposes. This includes full responsibility for the conduct of flight, encompassing required pre-flight paperwork and restrictions, the safe execution of the flight, and all post-flight duties.
Ensures strict compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAA), Company Flight Procedures, and Company Policies on all scheduled flights and routes to maintain safety of flight.
Coordinates tasks with other departments to facilitate flight fueling, loading, passenger handling, and associated duties, ensuring the safe transportation of passengers in accordance with company policies, procedures, FOM, FARs, and CRFs.
Functions as a key team member both within the flight deck, actively practicing Cockpit Resource Management, and in collaboration with other operational departments.
Maintains a professional image, adhering to grooming standards and demonstrating a professional demeanor at all times, serving as a crucial representative of the company to internal and external customers.
Candidates must possess a minimum of 200 hours of FAA-approved Prior Qualifying Time to serve as pilot in command in part 121 operations, as defined by FAR § 121.436(a)(3). Proof of this flight time requirement is mandatory and will be verified in pilot logbooks by the System Chief Pilot and/or the Director of Operations during the interview process. Qualifying time 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 or 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)).
Additional required qualifications include:
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.
Possession of an FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with multi-engine and instrument ratings.
Must hold a current First-Class FAA Medical Certificate.
Possession of an FCC restricted radiotelephone operator permit.
Must possess and maintain a valid passport allowing unrestricted travel, without a TRP, to and from the U.S.
Must possess a valid Driver’s License.
Demonstration of excellent judgment, leadership skills, command ability, and maturity.
Willingness 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.
Willingness to work multiple days away from home, on a varied schedule including weekends and holidays, without restrictions.
Ability to communicate fluently in English.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Minimum age of 21 years old.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
100 hours of multi-engine flight time.
100 hours flown in the last 12 months.
Four-year degree from an accredited University.
Employment requires obtaining and maintaining a SIDA badge issued by the airport authority. Failure to qualify for or maintain a SIDA badge will result in termination.
Candidates are expected to embody the company's core values: own safety, do the right thing, be kind-hearted, deliver performance, and be remarkable.
Horizon Air offers attractive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.
Experienced Hire Bonus: Pilots joining with 1,000+ hours of prior qualifying time are eligible for an experienced hire bonus of up to $25,000. The bonus is paid in two installments: 50% after 12 months of active service and 50% after 18 months of active service or upon transition to Alaska Airlines via the Pathways program. Qualifying Prior Flight Time is defined by hours aligning with FAR requirements for a Part 121 Captain, including CFR 121.436 (a)(3) and (C), 91.1053 (a)(2)(i), and 135.243 (a)(1).
Prior Part 121 Longevity Pay Credit: The company offers a year-for-year longevity match for hourly rates with no cap for pilots with prior Part 121 experience. This longevity pay is contingent upon the pilot maintaining a permanent bid preferencing all Captain positions as their highest priority bids.
First-Year Pay Rate: $92.72 per hour.
Monthly Pay Guarantee: 75 credit hours (jet); 73 credit hours (reserve). Pay is per the collective bargaining agreement.
Benefits are subject to variations based on company, location, hours worked, employment length, and status. They typically include:
Free standby travel privileges on Alaska Airlines & Horizon Air.
Comprehensive well-being programs covering medical, dental, and vision.
Generous 401k match program.
Quarterly and annual bonus plans.
Generous holiday and paid time off.
FLSA Status: Exempt
Employment Type: Regular
Application Deadline: Apply by 7:00 PM Pacific Time on 10/1/2025
Locations: Portland, OR - Pilots; Everett, WA; Spokane, WA; Medford, OR; Boise, ID; Anchorage, AK; SeaTac, WA.
Equal Employment Opportunity: Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are committed to equal opportunity in all employment aspects, prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories. An EEO Compliance Program is established under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and VEVRAA. All personnel actions are based solely on valid job requirements. The company prohibits harassment, intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination against employees or applicants for engaging in protected activities such as filing complaints, opposing unlawful acts, or participating in investigations related to equal opportunity laws.
Government Contractor & DOT Regulations: As a DOT-regulated entity (49 CFR part 40), post-offer and/or pre-employment drug testing is conducted for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, PCP, and amphetamines or their metabolites for safety-sensitive positions. Failure to test or a positive result renders the applicant ineligible for employment or transfer into a safety-sensitive role, and any offer will be withdrawn.
Requisition Type: Frontline
Requisition ID: 2025-14210
Category: Pilots