Experienced First Officer - Horizon Air
Horizon Air is seeking experienced aviation professionals to join its esteemed pilot team. As a Horizon Air pilot, the successful candidate will operate flights throughout the Western U.S., supported by a highly skilled and collaborative team renowned in the regional airline industry. The company offers attractive compensation, development opportunities, and a clear path to the mainline carrier, Alaska Airlines.
Role Summary
Horizon Air is hiring an experienced First Officer. This union-represented role is responsible for ensuring a safe and professional transport of guests while consistently maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and service.
Key Duties
- The First Officer serves as Second in Command for the transport of passengers, mail, freight, or other commercial purposes.
- The role involves responsibility for all aspects and conduct of flight, including pre-flight preparation (required paperwork and restrictions), safe flight execution, and all post-flight duties.
- The First Officer must comply strictly with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAA), Company Flight Procedures, and Company Policies on all scheduled flights and routes to ensure the utmost safety.
- Coordination of tasks such as flight fueling, loading, and passenger handling is required to transport passengers safely in accordance with company policies and procedures, FOM, FARs, and CRFs.
- Pilots function as team members within the flight deck utilizing Cockpit Resource Management and collaborate effectively with other operational departments.
- Maintaining a professional image, encompassing grooming standards and demeanor, is expected at all times as a key representative of the company to both internal and external customers.
Job-Specific Experience, Education & Skills
Required:
- Must possess 200 hours of FAA-approved Prior Qualifying Time to serve as pilot in command in part 121 operations (per FAR § 121.436(a)(3)). Proof of this flight time requirement is necessary and will be verified in pilot logbooks with the System Chief Pilot and/or the Director of Operations at the time of interview. Qualifying Prior Flight Time includes hours aligned with FARs which dictate requirements for 121 Captain including CFR 121.436 (a)(3) and (c), 91.1053 (a)(2)(i), and 135.243 (a)(1).
- 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 fluently 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.
Airport SIDA Badge Requirements
Employees working at an airport or maintenance hangar are required to obtain and maintain a SIDA badge provided by the airport authority. Failure to qualify for or maintain a SIDA badge will result in termination.
Job-Specific Leadership Expectations
Successful candidates embody Horizon Air's values, prioritizing safety, integrity, kindness, performance delivery, and remarkable service.
Compensation and Benefits
Horizon Air offers a competitive compensation package. Pilots with prior qualifying time may receive up to $25,000 in bonuses. An Experienced Hire Bonus of $25,000 is provided for those with 1,000+ hours of prior qualifying time, paid out in two installments.
Prior Part 121 Longevity Pay Credit: Hourly rates may be matched for pilots with prior part 121 experience, with no cap. Longevity pay is contingent upon the pilot maintaining a permanent bid preferencing all Captain positions as his/her highest priority bids.
First-year pay rate is $92.72 per flight hour. The monthly pay guarantee (jet) is 75 credit hours, and the reserve pay guarantee is 73 credit hours. This role pays per the collective bargaining agreement.
Total Rewards include:
- 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
Employment Details
FLSA Status: Exempt
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Apply by 7:00 PM Pacific Time on: 10/1/2025
Location: Potential bases include Portland, OR, Everett, WA, Spokane, WA, Medford, OR, Boise, ID, Anchorage, AK, and SeaTac, WA.
Horizon Air is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.