Horizon Air Cadet Pilot Program 2026
Pathway from partner flight schools to Horizon Air FO with flow to Alaska Airlines mainline.
| Programme | Horizon Air Pilot Development Program |
|---|---|
| Cost | Tuition reimbursement up to $30,000 |
| Duration | 3-5 years to Alaska mainline |
| Sponsored | No — self-funded (financing usually available) |
| Country / Region | United States · North America |
| Hiring status | Active |
| Fleet after graduation | ERJ-175 |
Program Overview
Program Name
Horizon Air Pilot Development Program
Description
Pathway from partner flight schools to Horizon Air FO with flow to Alaska Airlines mainline.
Fleet You Will Fly
Bases After Graduation
Entry Requirements
Certificates
Commercial or ATP
Total Flight Time
1,500 hours (R-ATP eligible)
Medical
FAA Class 1
How to Apply: Horizon Air Cadet Process
The Horizon Air selection pipeline mirrors the direct-entry pilot process but is more selective at the aptitude and behavioural stages. Here is the full step-by-step from application to first day of training.
- 1
Online Application
1 weekApply through Alaska Air Group pilot portal.
- 2
Interview
1 dayPanel interview in Seattle.
- 3
Training
6-8 weeksE-175 type rating.
Assessment Stages: What They Test
1. Online Application & Screening
Initial review of qualifications, flight hours, certificates, and background.
How to prepare
- ·Ensure logbook is accurate and up to date
- ·Have all certificates scanned and ready
- ·Tailor your CV to airline operations
2. Aptitude & Psychometric Testing
Computer-based tests measuring cognitive ability, multi-tasking, spatial awareness, and personality traits.
How to prepare
- ·Practice with COMPASS or PILAPT test preparation
- ·Work on mental math speed
- ·Get adequate sleep before test day
3. Simulator Assessment
Fixed-base or full-motion simulator session evaluating hand-flying, instrument skills, and multi-crew coordination.
How to prepare
- ·Practice raw-data instrument approaches
- ·Brief out loud as you would with a real crew
- ·Manage workload verbally
Career Progression Timeline
Start cadet training
Begin ground school and initial flight training.
Complete training
Earn commercial license/type rating and join as First Officer.
Senior First Officer
Build experience, potentially start command training.
Captain upgrade
Command seat with significant salary increase.
Senior Captain / Management
Training captain, fleet manager, or management pilot roles.
Is It Worth It? ROI Analysis
Training Investment
Tuition reimbursement up to $30,000
Est. Year 1 Salary
$70,000
Payback Period
~1 year
A career airline pilot typically earns $3M - $10M+ over a 30-year career, depending on the airline and rank achieved. Even with a significant upfront investment, the lifetime ROI is substantial.
Bottom line: The investment is significant but the guaranteed pathway to a major airline makes this one of the best career investments available.
Application Tips
Alaska Air Group wholly-owned with flow-through to Alaska Airlines mainline
Pacific Northwest bases with great quality of life
Rapid captain upgrade
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Horizon Air cadet program cost?
How long is the Horizon Air cadet training?
Is the Horizon Air cadet program sponsored?
What are the entry requirements for Horizon Air cadet program?
What salary will I earn after the Horizon Air cadet program?
Is the Horizon Air cadet program worth it?
What is the acceptance rate for the Horizon Air cadet program?
For Cadet Candidates
All-5 Exam Bundle — 60-Day Cadet Prep
The Horizon Air cadet assessment tests Math, Physics, English fluency, and aviation theory. The All-5 Bundle covers every track: FAA Part 107, PPL theory, Instrument, EASA ATPL, and DGAC TAE 2.0 ICAO English. One payment, 60 days of access, all 5 question banks.
$39 once, no subscription. 60 days · all 5 exam tracks · 4,000+ questions · AI tutor.
Ace the Horizon Air Assessment
Airline Interview Prep Kit
87% of applicants fail the interview stage. Prepare with 200+ airline-specific questions, HR scenarios, group exercises, and sim assessment guides.
$7.49 first month, then $14.99/mo. Cancel anytime. 3,500+ questions included.
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