It seems to change every year but the last requirement was 6 months as a captain. No minimum hours.

 

Going to horizon is probably the worst way to get to Alaska mainline. I know guys right now who want to upgrade and are eligible to upgrade right now and CANT because training priority is going to the Q transition pilots. No upgrade = no pathways. That’s just some of the insanity that goes on here. Horizon is finally just now getting on board with hiring DECs and high time FOs while offering sub par bonuses that lag behind other carriers all the while refusing to do anything to retain current captains. If you’re an anchorage local then Horizon is great for you but realize that you will be on reserve indefinitely and almost never get used. I myself got called a grand total of 1 time for a day trip in 5 months of short call reserve up there. I know a guy who sat around in the crash pad without a call for 90+ days then the company had to build him a line to keep him current. But even if you are an anchorage local and reserve issues aside this is the worst time to ever be a new hire at this company. There is virtually no hiring save for 2 pdp students per class. You will see virtually nobody come in beneath you and your seniority stagnate as senior to you Q pilots continue to come over. Company wants you to think everything is alright because we got like 2 new airplanes on property when we used to be a 60+ fleet airline.

 

It's really interesting hearing such wide range of experiences with Horizon currently. From what has been said on this thread, talking to a couple current FO's and then some local pilots in the area. Really seems peoples experiences with Horizon are very individual and based on a variety of factors.

 

It really is. I think when you read things on here, if it’s not a numbers or statistical answer you’re seeking, you’re going to get a slew of personal and anecdotal experience. Some are optimistic and others are pessimistic. Some haven’t had a situation in life where things have been less than ideal so when they are, it’s hard to find a silver lining. Then there are those that realize they are getting paid twice as much as the average person to push buttons and turn knobs, so they’re forever optimistic. It’s a good wolf/bad wolf kind of thing. I personally blame the helicopter guys coming over. They’re so used to making crap pay that they’re just happy to be here and not have to worry about the rotor shooting off. I’m one of those.

 

This is every mainline pilots dream.

 

With that said, for someone coming on property, how long to hold even reserve at SEA or PAE these days?

thanks!

 

Most junior FO at SEA was hired June of 2022 and they got there in March. 10 people just bid out of SEA this past month. So it’s looking like about 8 months before you would be at SEA but maybe quicker. PAE, we’ll that’s a different story. Bit more senior. I’m bidding for SEA every month. I’m currently MFR based.

 

Thanks!

out of curiosity, what is GEG?

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spokan...nited%20States.

 

touche, I’ll be more specific, what seniority (hire date) at Horizon Air does it currently take to hold reserve and/or a line at the formerly known as Geiger Field, now known at Spokane Intl Airport, for those flying the Embraer E175?