Learn More About the Horizon Air Pilot Development Program
The Horizon/Alaska Airlines Pilot Development Program gives you a great start for a career at Horizon Air as a commercial pilot. After successful completion of Private Pilot training, interested applicants are interviewed by Horizon Airlines for consideration of acceptance into their Pilot Development Program. Successful applicants complete training at Safety in Motion Flight Center and either gain experience working as a Certified Flight Instructor, fly with a Part 135 program partner or build required flight time in some other fashion. Upon successful completion of training and meeting the ATP or R-ATP minimums, applicants will begin training at Horizon Air as first officers.
On August 17th, the Talent Acquisition Outreach Partner for the Horizon Air Pilot Development Program will be visiting our location in Olympia. Contact Us Today to Learn More!
“When you're a student pilot, finding the right support and guidance for launching your career as a pilot can be challenging. Horizon Air is here to help. Pilots who are enrolled in our pilot development program will receive a $12,500 stipend, have opportunities to develop skills through mentoring from a professional pilot, and be included in special events. After completing the program and meeting all qualifications, you’ll be assigned a class date with Horizon Air and on the fastest path to mainline flying at Alaska Airlines.” -Horizon Air Pilot Development Program
Need More Information? Keep reading, or head over to our Affiliations page to learn about the other college programs we work with.
The Application Process for the Horizon Air Pilot Development Program
Candidates may apply six weeks before school visits through the Horizon Air job portal at no cost. Applicants will be contacted for an interview once eligibility is verified.
Eligibility Requirements:
Private Pilot Certificate (which can be attained at Safety in Motion Flight School)
1st Class Medical
High School diploma or equivalent
FCC Restricted Radiotelephone permit
21 Years of age
Authorized to work in the US
Have and maintain a valid passport allowing unrestricted travel to and from the US and Canada
Flight Training
Once accepted into Development Program, candidates complete training with Safety In Motion. This intensive training program requires regular flight training participation. Upon completion of the Instrument Rating, candidates are provided $5,000, and after completion of the Commercial Pilot certification, candidates are provided an additional $7,500 to be applied to training costs, all in exchange for a two-year commitment flying for Horizon Air. $12,500 total toward your training will help quite a bit! Want to learn more about flight training costs? Check out our Cost Calculator!
Horizon Air Transition
Upon meeting ATP or R-ATP minimums, candidates are given a class date at Horizon Air. New hire bonuses are provided upon successful completion of ground school and may be applied towards flight training costs. New hire training consists of twelve weeks ground, simulator and flight training culminating in ATP exam to fly the Q400 or E175 aircraft as a professional pilot.
Alaska Pathways Program
If you have your sights set on flying for Alaska, the Pilot Pathways Program makes it a no-hassle proposition. Alaska Airlines targets to hire 30-50% of its new hires from Horizon Air.
How it Works:
Be hired as a first officer for Horizon Air.
Fly with Horizon, working toward Alaska minimums. After a successful Pathways interview, Alaska will perform quarterly reviews of your performance.
Once you meet minimums and perform to Alaska’s standards, you’ll be offered a seat with Alaska automatically (in seniority order), and slotted for training.
To Apply click HERE.
Need more information? Contact Us!
