Aviationfly receives a lot of inquiries as to how to become a Pilot with Alaska Airlines or how Alaska Airlines hires a Pilot. So to assist those who aspire to work with Alaska Airlines, we have gathered the following information to give you an overview. This guide contains information you would need as you prepare on becoming a Pilot with Alaska Airlines.
Alaska Airlines has various types of aircraft which include Boeing B737s, Airbus A320s, Bombardier Q400s, and Embraer 175s. Alaska has a total of 287 aircraft. In December 2020, Alaska Airlines ordered 23 Boeing B737 MAXs, and during the 2nd quarter of 2021, the airline ordered an additional 13 of the same kind and 17 Embraer 175s.
Number of Pilots at Alaska Airlines: If we assume 6 crew (12 pilots) per aircraft to run efficient airline operations that would mean that Alaska Airlines has approximately 3,444 pilots.
The information provided below is based on the official website of Alaska Airlines and other credible resources. We have provided you with the information as accurately as possible. However, we highly encourage you to always check the Alaska Airlines website directly to keep updated on their hiring statutes, opening of pathway or cadet pilot programs, and additional requirements, if any, so you stay in the loop.
There are two ways to become an Alaska Airlines Pilot; one is a direct application to Alaska Airlines (this is mostly done by experienced pilots) and another is through the Alaska Airlines pathway program.
Apply as a licensed pilot directly to Alaska Airlines
Assuming that you already hold a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) or an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), to become First Officer with Alaska Airlines, you would need to have:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Two-or four-year degree from an accredited college preferred
- Valid passport allowing unrestricted travel to and from the U.S.
- Minimum age of 23 years
- Authorization to work in the U.S.
- Valid driver’s license
- Current First Class FAA Medical Certificate
- An FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate
- Correctable vision in both eyes to 20/20
- A minimum of 2,000 hours of total flight time in a fixed wing aircraft or 1,200 hours of total flight time in a high performance military aircraft
- 50% of rotor-wing flight time up to 1,000 hours may be counted toward total flight time
- Minimum of 50 hours of flight time within the last 12 months
- 1,000 hours multi-engine turbine Pilot-in-Command (PIC) in a fixed wing aircraft
- Professional demeanor and appearance
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and Internet email functions
- Must be comfortable with a domicile in Seattle, WA; Los Angeles, CA; Anchorage, AK; Portland, OR; San Francisco, CA
Data were obtained from the official Alaska Airlines Pilot Careers page. You can find the latest Alaska Airlines First Officer Hiring Requirements here.
Join Alaska Airlines Pilot Pathway Program (Cadet Program)
Alaska Airlines has a pilot pathway program known as the “Ascend Program” with Horizon Air – a regional airline. It is committed to hiring 30 to 50% of its pilots from Horizon Air.
Detailed information about the Ascend Pilot Development Program (PDP) can be found on this dedicated Alaska Airlines Ascend Pilot Development Program website.
The starting point of the Ascent PDP is through one of 24 partner Universities or affiliated Pilot Development Program Schools which includes well-known pilot training groups such as ATP and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, among others.
When enrolling with a partner training organisation the individual then applies to the Horizon Air Pilot Development Program and interviews for the program.
Following the acceptance into the program, enrollees might receive a stipend of US$12,500 at certain stages of their training. Following the building of hours as a Certified Flight Instructor you would then join Horizon Air as a First Officer once you meet the following minimum requirements:
- A minimum of 1,500 hours of total flight time or R-ATP qualified.
- 500 hours of cross country flight time or 200 if R-ATP or military qualified.
- 100 hours of night flight time.
- 250 total hours of flight time as pilot in command including 100 hours of cross country flight time and 25 hours of night flight time.
- 75 hours of instrument flight time in actual or simulated instrument conditions.
- 25 hours of multi-engine flight time; prefer 100 hours.
- FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with multi-engine and instrument ratings.
- Must possess a current First-Class FAA Medical Certificate.
- FCC permit restricted radiotelephone operator.
- Must have and be able to maintain a valid passport allowing unrestricted travel, without a TRP, to and from the U.S.
- Must possess a valid Driver’s License and authorized to work in the U.S.
- High School diploma or equivalent; prefer a four-year degree from an accredited university.
- Minimum age of 21 years old.
- Must be willing to accept a base assignment in Seattle, WA, Portland, OR, Spokane, WA, Boise, ID, or Medford, OR based on company need.
Once a pilot flies with Horizon Air they can subsequently apply for the Alaska Airlines First Officer position upon meeting the minimum requirements as stated in Option A.
You can find the latest Horizon Air First Officer Hiring Requirements here.
Alaska Airlines Pilot Salary
Alaska Airlines Pilots earn between USD$ 65,000- 342,000 with Alaska Airlines First Officers starting with a salary of around US$65,000 per year and the average salary being USD$170,000.
The Annual salary figure varies in the above range starting from a new first officer to a senior captain. Information was sourced from Glassdoor.
Disclaimer
The information provided is based on the official website of Alaska Airlines and other credible resources. We have provided you with the information as accurately as possible. However, we highly encourage you to always check the Alaska Airlines website directly to keep updated on their hiring statutes, opening of pathway or cadet pilot programs, and additional requirements, if any.
Last Update: July 2021
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