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Alaska Airlines' Ascend Pilot Academy Offers Cadet Pipeline via Hillsboro Aero Academy in 2026

April 4, 2026

Washington, USA – Alaska Airlines is actively recruiting for its Ascend Pilot Academy (APA), a cadet development program offering an ab-initio pathway to a first officer position at its regional subsidiary Horizon Air, with flight training delivered by Portland-based Hillsboro Aero Academy (HAA).

  • The Ascend Pilot Academy targets aspiring aviators with little to no flight training experience. Cadets self-fund their Private Pilot Licence (PPL) — either at HAA or a flight school of their choice — before progressing through instrument rating, commercial licence, multi-engine rating, and CFI training at HAA under a secured loan structure.
  • Horizon Air provides US$27,000 in funding toward the Commercial Single-Engine Licence, while Hillsboro Aero Academy funds the Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII) rating.
  • Upon passing the PPL evaluation and advancing in the program, cadets sign a three-year employment commitment with Horizon Air post-ATP minimums. Once employed at Horizon Air, cadets become eligible to apply for Alaska Airlines' Pathways program for transition to a First Officer role at the mainline carrier.
  • Applicants must hold a First Class Medical, be at least 18 years of age, hold a valid passport with unrestricted U.S. travel rights, and be authorised to work in the United States. Experience beyond a Private Pilot's Licence is not permitted at entry.
  • Benefits include stand-by travel privileges across Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Horizon Air, along with medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401k contribution/match program, and quarterly and annual bonus plans.

Source: Alaska Airlines

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