Thehobbit

What is the average first year pay for new hires for the prop vs the jet?

LetsAv8

Does anyone know how far out training classes for the jet are?
Thanks.

Thehobbit

I was told April/May a few weeks ago from the recruiter.

Flyguy255

Hourly pay is identical between the two. And you’ll likely be sitting on reserve collecting min guarantee, so it’ll be the same.

48.40/hour. 75 hours a month, $43,560

JLTD

I'll be checking earlier posts, but wanted to ask about the upgrade situation for an experienced pilot.

With 6600tt, >2000 121 PIC and about 2300 hours in the Q, perhaps Horizon would be interested in me. I've decided that charter is not the right fit and am looking to move back to 121.

Any and all info and commentary appreciated --


edit: (yes I know an early upgrade means sitting reserve, possibly for a looong time. I'm ok with that.)

DashAviator

Horizon would probably hire you if you want to come here (there may be better options for someone with your experience level). We've had a number of people come here with previous time in the Q, including one captain who left the company and came back at a later date.

Unless something has recently changed, Horizon doesn't have a program for street captains. I think you'd have to go through FO training first, followed (immediately) by captain training. This would probably take about six months. We're pretty short on Q400 captains right now, so you might not spend much time on reserve.

Where did you get your previous Q time? Colgan or somewhere outside the U.S.?

JLTD

Thanks Dash; not expecting street captain, have done that and it's quite a lot....would be totally fine with completing right seat training and then slide over to the left for more firehose. Nice to know that reserve time would be short.

You're spot-on, my Q time was at Colgan. Following the bankruptcy and looking at the street, thought about going for some overseas time in India with a buddy but ended up not going. Did some air ambulance and cargo, then got regional jet time and now in charter.

Any suggestions for the application, or maybe a special contact?

DashAviator

I just guessed on the "Colgan" thing. We actually have a couple of Q pilots who originally started flying the Q400 oversees, i.e., "Downunda" (Aussies).

It's been quite a while since I've applied for a job anywhere, so maybe someone else can chime in with better information. I was able to do a quick Google search to find a link to apply for a pilot job at Horizon. See careers.alaskaair.com and look for "First Officer - Horizon Air (met ATP / R-ATP mins)". I don't think the location listed below the posting matters much. The bonus for the Q400 starts at $17,500 and goes up to $50,000 for those with prior experience. The bonus is paid out in several installments, but might help with that "first year / poverty training pay" feeling.

Conoco-Phillips is also hiring Q pilots. Very demanding flying in northern Alaska. Pays well. I've heard that a couple of our FO's have jumped ship to work there.

Limeice

I’ve been hearing that Q FOs are getting 200-300 hours per year. I heard it depends on what base you are at. Can any current FOs confirm or deny this rumor. What base would be best to build time in the Q. Can anyone chime in on quality of life on the Q?

Flyguy255

300 hours your first year is easily doable. If you pick a more junior base you’ll get a line much quicker and start flying a lot more.

Medford is the most junior base and usually the quickest place to get a line. BOI GEG and PDX are relatively even. SEA is the most senior by far.

QOL is good on the Q if you live in base. We get 4.2 min guarantee a day which balances out how short some of the days can be flight time wise.