Program Details
Ascend Pilot Academy (APA) is a pilot development program that aims to support aspiring aviators who are just beginning or have not yet started their flight training journey. The program offers a pathway to becoming a pilot with Horizon Air.
APA cadets attend Hillsboro Aero Academy (HAA) for flight training. The Ascend Pilot Academy program includes secured loan opportunities for students to obtain their private pilot license, instrument rating, commercial license, multi-engine rating, and certified flight instructor (CFI). Horizon Air will provide funds in the amount of $27,000 for students to receive their Commercial Single-Engine Land License. Additionally, HAA will provide funds for students to become a Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII).
If accepted into the program, the individual signs an agreement to work for Horizon Air for a minimum of 3 years after meeting their ATP minimums. Once employment at Horizon Air begins, the opportunity to apply to the Pathways program to be a First Officer at Alaska Airlines is also available.
Interested students must meet the following requirements to apply to this posting:
Ability to obtain a valid passport allowing unrestricted travel to and from the U.S. without a TRP (temporary resident permit)
Possess a valid driver’s license
Hold a First Class Medical
Ability to work a variety of schedules to include nights, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to communicate in English
Little to no flight training experience, experience not exceeding a Private Pilot’s License
High school diploma or equivalent
Minimum age of 18
Authorization to work in the U.S.
Entry into the program requires that the student agrees to a release of records allowing Horizon Air and Alaska Airlines full access to the following:
Upon acceptance to the APA, students agree to:
Continue to obtain remaining license/ratings at HAA
Maintain in good standing with HAA
Maintain good communication with Horizon Air on curriculum progress
Attend program specific meetings as scheduled
Commit to work for Horizon Air for 3 years post program completion and sign an agreement confirming this requirement
Company Alaska Airlines
Job-Specific Leadership Expectations
Embody our values to own safety, do the right thing, be caring and kind, and deliver performance.
Total Rewards
Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air pay and benefits can vary by company, location, number of regularly scheduled hours worked, length of employment, and employment status.
This role pays per collective bargaining agreement.
Free stand-by travel privileges on Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines & Horizon Air (flight processing fee may apply depending on the company being hired into and airline being booked)
Comprehensive well-being programs including medical, dental and vision benefits
Generous 401k contribution/match program
Quarterly and annual bonus plans
Generous holiday and paid time off
For more information about Alaska/Hawaiian/Horizon Total Rewards please visit our career site and view benefits.
FLSA Status Non-Exempt
Regular/Temporary Regular
Employment Type Full-Time
Apply by 7:00 PM Pacific Time on 10/7/2025
Location Seattle - Airport (Pilot & FA)
Regulatory Information Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement It is the policy of Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment and to ensure equal opportunity in all terms, conditions, and benefits of employment or potential employment.
We also prohibit discrimination and harassment against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected categories.
We have established an EEO Compliance Program under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 503”) and the Vietnam Era Veteran’s Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (“VEVRAA”). All applicants and employees are treated without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. In addition, we have established an audit and reporting system to allow for effective measurement of its equal employment opportunity activities.
To implement this policy, we will:
(1) Recruit, hire, train and promote qualified persons in all job titles, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information and any other legally protected categories;
(2) Ensure that employment decisions are based only on valid job requirements; and
(3) Ensure that all personnel actions and employment activities such as compensation, benefits, promotions, layoffs, return from layoff, Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air sponsored programs, and tuition assistance will be administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected categories.
Employees and applicants for employment will not be subjected to harassment, intimidation, threats, coercion or discrimination because they have engaged or may engage in (1) filing a complaint, (2) opposing any act or practice made unlawful by, or exercising any other right protected by, any Federal, State or local law requiring equal opportunity, including Section 503 and the equal opportunity provisions of VEVRAA, or (3) assisting or participating in any investigation, compliance evaluation, hearing, or any other activity related to the administration of any Federal, State or local law requiring equal opportunity, including Section 503 and the equal opportunity provisions of VEVRAA.
Government Contractor & Department of Transportation (DOT) Regulations Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines & Horizon Air are regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT – regulations, 49 CFR part 40) and all applicants are advised that post-offer and/or pre-employment drug testing will be conducted to determine the presence of marijuana, cocaine, opioids, phencyclidine (PCP) and amphetamines or a metabolite of these drugs prior to any offer or employment or transfer into a safety-sensitive position. Failure to submit to testing or positive indications of drug use will render the applicant ineligible for employment with Alaska Airlines/Hawaiian Airlines/Horizon Air and any employment offer will be withdrawn.
Requisition Type Career Pathways
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Job Locations USA-WA-Seatac USA-OR-Redmond
Requisition ID 2025-16948
Employment Type Full-Time
Category Pilots
