Big Windy

I've reached out to a recruiter for some of these questions, (will update when I hear back) but wanted to set up a dedicated thread to discuss anything and everything related to Horizon's new Rotor Transition Program. If anyone has been through the interview process, please report on the experience or post additional questions below so other rotor heads can learn from your experience.

According to Horizon's website, it states they will pay up to 25k for flight training through one of their partner schools:

Hillsboro Aero Academy (Hillsboro, Oregon)

and

Galvin Flying (Seattle)

What if I only need to finish time building and don't expect to use the full 25k? Will I get the excess?

Is the money paid directly to the school as I complete the program, or is it a loan that is later forgiven based on a contract? (meaning, I would have to pay interest on it)

Are there any housing options provided by the school/company or are reduced rates available?

New hire bonus - "Once your rotor training is complete, earn up to $15,000 with a new hire bonus."

I've heard 10k for the jet and 15k for the Q. Can anyone confirm that?

I wish they would've offered a 'choose your own flight school' option, but am still excited about this opportunity and can't wait to learn more.

nwheloguy

I have interviewed and been accepted. They are still working out the fine details with the schools.
I believe the money is paid directly to the school.
I don't believe you'll get any of the leftover funds if you use less than 25K, I don't anticipate using all of it either.
There is a $15,000 signing bonus once you become a first officer some paid after training and some I believe after 18 months/1 year of employment.
Looking for a two-year commitment.
Hillsboro has rooms to rent (Weekly). I think you'd be on your own in Seattle at Galvin.

Flightsoffusion

As a relatively high time helo driver (8500) do you think they will reimburse me for already having an unrestricted Multi-ATP?
Think I already know the answer..

snackysmores

Big Windy

Nice, congrats! How was the interview? Did you interview face-to-face? Any gotcha questions that you remember or did you use a particular website to study for the interview? Also, how far out did they give you for a class date?

nwheloguy

It was a face-to-face interview. There are no question specific to flying, all General HR questions nothing that I would consider a "got you" a question. I have a airline interview account and that helped a little bit. I will probably get my Class date soon after completing the transition. They expect the transition to take 20 weeks for somebody with no airplane time.

hydrostream

Based on an average of 4 hours per day. You could probably get it done in less if you time it right, but if you're not done by winter that's a big problem up here.

Shimmyshimmy03

Did the RTP interview yesterday. Showed up at 8:45am with 6 other guys, all but one were prior military. The VP of Operations intro'ed himself and spoke for about 15 minutes, fielded questions, then the RTP brief happened. 25K is being offered, but they also mentioned that you pay out of pocket for the cost, and Horizon matches it(?) There wasnt a lot of information provided on that end of the spectrum. Kind of sketchy in my opinion, but I'm gonna get more info as communication opens up. Kind of a bummer since other companies are offering 25K without the candidate contributing a single dime.

Then they took us to a separate room and called us in for an HR interview. The chief pilot took a brief look at logbooks and all necessary documents. Like other posts have said, its all "Tell me about a time when" stuff. Then when they finished, they took you back to the waiting room and decided. About 15 minutes later, they gave me a pre-employment acceptance packet, which consisted of a First Officer contingent offer, valid for 1 year, and two papers stating benefits. The exact same info you can find on their website. They sent me to their Operations facility for fingerprinting, drug test and employee badge photo. All in all, was in and out the door in 2 hours.

They have 3 flight schools so far, one in Portland and two in Seattle. From what it sounds like, they coordinate an introduction with the Flight school, the flight school evaluates the necessary requirements and hours needed, and the school schedules you at the rate you can complete it at. It would seem from the contingent letter though, 1 year max.

SSuit

Does anybody who was accepted have an update on the cost out of pocket required for someone who already has commercial single engine and instrument single engine? Anyone accepted with a Navy Helicopter background? Was the 20k paid out after completion of new hire training or was it paid to the school?

hydrostream

You’ll have to do the math yourself on how much your tickets save you since we don’t know how much time building you’ll have to do. The requirements are straight out of part 61. Horizon gives you up to $25,000.

If the program hasn’t changed they give you money in $5,000 increments monthly. You match it monthly with your own $5,000. So you can expect your out of pocket cost to be half what they give you. Once you’re done training and time building you’re done getting money.

They will not put the money into your flying account until they see that you have paid for the month. Also if things haven’t changed will get part of the new hire bonus upon completion of IOE and the rest after 18 months.

It’s a good program. I did mine through Galvin. Pricey but much better experience than other flight schools I have attended. Once at the airline Horizon’s training department was excellent.