Experienced First Officer – Horizon Air

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Website Talent Ali

Career Opportunity: Experienced First Officer – Horizon Air

Clean Professional Job Summary

Horizon Air, the regional subsidiary of the Alaska Air Group, is seeking an Experienced First Officer to join its elite pilot corps. This role is designed for pilots with significant prior Part 121, Part 135, or military experience who are looking to advance their careers toward a mainline position with Alaska Airlines. As a First Officer, you will serve as Second in Command on a fleet of modern regional aircraft (primarily the Embraer 175), operating throughout a challenging and scenic Western U.S. network. This is a union-represented position (IBT) that offers a clear professional pathway, competitive hourly rates, and a “longevity match” for pilots transitioning from other commercial carriers.

Key Responsibilities

  • Flight Operations: Act as Second in Command (SIC) for the safe transport of passengers, mail, and freight. Assist the Captain in all phases of flight, including pre-flight planning, weight and balance verification, and post-flight duties.

  • Regulatory Compliance: Adhere strictly to Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), Company Flight Procedures (CFP), and the Flight Operations Manual (FOM).

  • Crew Resource Management (CRM): Practice effective cockpit communication and teamwork with fellow pilots, flight attendants, and ground operations departments.

  • Operational Coordination: Oversee fueling, loading, and passenger handling tasks to ensure on-time performance without compromising safety.

  • Brand Representation: Maintain the highest standards of professional grooming and demeanor, acting as a primary representative of the Alaska Air Group.

Required Qualifications & Skills

  • Flight Time Requirements: * Minimum 1,465 hours total flight time (or R-ATP qualified).

    • 200 hours of prior qualifying time (Part 121 SIC/PIC, Part 135 PIC, or Military PIC) per FAR § 121.436.

    • 500 hours cross-country; 100 hours night; 75 hours instrument; 25 hours multi-engine.

  • Certification: FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with multi-engine and instrument ratings.

  • Medical: Current FAA First-Class Medical Certificate.

  • Credentials: Valid Passport (unrestricted travel), valid Driver’s License, and FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit.

  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent (Four-year degree preferred).

  • Logistics: Minimum age of 21 and authorization to work in the U.S.

About the Company

Horizon Air is a premier regional airline known for its technical skill and close-knit culture. Headquartered in SeaTac, WA, Horizon serves over 45 cities across the United States and Canada. As a key partner in the Alaska Airlines network, Horizon pilots are integral to the “feeder” system that sustains one of the most profitable and awarded airline groups in North America. The company is deeply rooted in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, providing vital connectivity to remote regions and major hubs alike.

Market & Industry Context

The regional airline industry is currently in a state of rapid evolution, with significant demand for experienced pilots to staff expanding fleets.

Pilot Workforce Demographics

[Table: U.S. Commercial Pilot Demographic Snapshot (2024-2025)] | Group | Industry Representation | | :— | :— | | White | 86.4% | | Hispanic or Latino | 7.1% | | Black or African American | 3.5% | | Asian | 2.6% | | Female | 5.4% |

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics and FAA Civil Airmen Statistics.

To address these disparities and the overall pilot shortage, Horizon Air and Alaska Airlines have invested heavily in the Ascend Pilot Academy and other diversity-focused recruitment initiatives. This role is a “Market-Leading” opportunity because of the Longevity Match, which allows experienced pilots to transfer their years of service from another 121 carrier directly into Horizon’s pay scale—a rarity in a seniority-based industry.

Career Growth & Progression Path

  • Mainline Pathway: Horizon offers a contractual “Pilot Development Program” that provides a prioritized path to Alaska Airlines.

  • Upgrade to Captain: Pilots with the required 1,000 hours of 121 time can upgrade to Captain quickly, significantly increasing their earning potential.

  • Instructor/Check Airman: Experienced First Officers can move into training roles, mentoring new hires in the simulator and during Initial Operating Experience (IOE).

  • Leadership Roles: Opportunities exist to move into the Chief Pilot’s office or Safety and Compliance departments.

Interview Preparation Insights

  • Logbook Accuracy: All prior qualifying time will be verified line-by-line by the System Chief Pilot. Ensure your logbooks are “check-ride ready” with no arithmetic errors.

  • Technical Evaluation: Expect a rigorous technical interview covering Part 121 regulations, high-altitude aerodynamics, and IFR procedures.

  • TMAAT Questions: Be prepared for “Tell Me About A Time” questions focusing on CRM, dealing with a difficult Captain, or managing a mechanical diversion.

  • Values Alignment: Horizon highly values the “Caring and Kind” mindset. Be prepared to discuss how you have gone above and beyond for a guest or a teammate in the past.

Salary & Compensation Insight

  • First-Year Rate: $92.72 per hour.

  • Monthly Guarantee: 75 credit hours (Minimum monthly salary of ~$6,954).

  • Longevity Match: No-cap, year-for-year longevity pay for pilots with prior Part 121 experience.

  • Perks: Free standby travel on Alaska, Hawaiian, and Horizon Air; generous 401(k) match; and quarterly/annual bonus potential.

Work Environment & Location Insights

Horizon pilots are based in key Western hubs, including Seattle (SEA), Portland (PDX), Spokane (GEG), Boise (BOI), Anchorage (ANC), and Everett (PAE). Flying in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska involves managing complex weather patterns, mountain flying, and high-latitude operations. Pilots must be comfortable with a varied schedule that includes multiple nights away from home and working holidays/weekends.

Short Compliance & Equal Opportunity Note

Horizon Air is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We comply with all federal and state non-discrimination laws, ensuring equal opportunity regardless of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability status. All pilots must undergo a DOT-regulated drug test and a comprehensive FBI fingerprint background check for SIDA badge issuance.

Category Details & Specifications
Employer Horizon Air (Regional carrier for Alaska Airlines)
Location Multi-Base: Anchorage, Seattle, Portland, Spokane, Boise, Medford, Everett
Position Type Full-Time, Union Represented
FLSA Status Exempt
Application Deadline April 1, 2026 (7:00 PM PT)

Compensation & Financial Structure

Component Rate / Guarantee
First Year Pay Rate $92.72 per credit hour
Monthly Guarantee 75 credit hours (Jet)
Reserve Guarantee 73 credit hours
Longevity Credit Year-for-year match for prior Part 121 experience (unlocked via Captain bid)
Retirement Generous 401(k) contribution/match program
Travel Perks Free stand-by on Alaska, Hawaiian, and Horizon Air

Flight Time & Certification Requirements

Requirement Type Minimum Threshold
Total Flight Time 1,465 hours (or R-ATP qualified)
Prior Qualifying Time 200 hours (Part 121, 135, or Military turbine PIC/SIC)
Cross-Country 500 hours (200 if R-ATP/Military)
Night Flight 100 hours
PIC Time 250 total hours (inc. 100 XC / 25 Night)
Instrument Time 75 hours (Actual or Simulated)
Multi-Engine 25 hours (100 hours preferred)
Certifications FAA Commercial Pilot (Multi-Engine & Instrument)
Medical Current First-Class FAA Medical Certificate

Operational Responsibilities

  • Second in Command (SIC): Assist in the safe transport of passengers, mail, and freight.

  • Compliance: Adhere strictly to FAA regulations, FOM, FARs, and CRFs.

  • Coordination: Manage flight fueling, loading, and passenger handling tasks with ground teams.

  • Professionalism: Maintain high grooming standards and serve as a key company representative.

  • CRM: Practice effective Cockpit Resource Management with the flight deck and operational departments.

Work Environment & Logistics

  • Schedule: Multiple days away from home; includes weekends and holidays.

  • Regulatory: Must pass DOT drug testing (marijuana, cocaine, opioids, PCP, amphetamines).

  • Security: Must obtain and maintain an Airport SIDA badge.

  • Travel Docs: Valid passport allowing unrestricted travel to/from the U.S.

  • Age: Minimum 21 years old.

Comparison: Regional vs. Mainline Pilot Roles

Metric Horizon Air (Regional) Alaska Airlines (Mainline)
Hourly Rate (Yr 1) $92.72 Typically $100+ (Seniority dependent)
Career Path Defined path to Alaska Airlines End-of-line destination carrier
Aircraft Type Regional Jets / Turboprops Narrow-body Mainline Jets
Total Time Req. 1,465 hours High-time competitive (often 2500+)

To apply for this job please visit careers.alaskaair.com.