Major US Airline Opens Cadet Pilot Program Intake for 2026 – Training Conducted at Hillsboro Aero Academy

Oregon, USA – Alaska Airlines is actively recruiting for its Ascend Pilot Academy (APA) training program based in Redmond, Oregon, offering a structured development pathway for aspiring pilots with little to no flight experience to progress toward an airline flight deck career, including potential transition into Alaska Airlines’ Pathways First Officer program.

• APA cadets begin their flight training at Hillsboro Aero Academy (HAA) and are responsible for self‑funding their Private Pilot License (PPL) training; once they pass the PPL evaluation, the program supports progression toward Instrument Rating, Commercial License, Multi‑Engine Rating, and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI).

• Financial support:

  • $27,000 funding from Horizon Air toward students’ Commercial Single‑Engine License.

  • HAA funding for cadets to become Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII).

  • Secured loan options are also available to assist with portion of training costs beyond PPL.

• Accepted cadets must sign an agreement to work for Horizon Air for a minimum of 3 years after achieving their ATP minimums; upon beginning employment at Horizon Air, cadets can apply to Alaska Airlines’ Pathways program to pursue a First Officer role.

Key Duties — Upon Acceptance Of The APA, Students Agree To

• Continue to obtain remaining license/ratings at HAA

• Maintain in good standing with HAA

• Maintain regular and consistent communication with Horizon Air on curriculum progress

• Attend program‑specific meetings, as scheduled

• Commit to work for Horizon Air for 3 years post program completion and sign an agreement confirming this requirement

Program Specific Skills, Experience & Education — Interested students must meet the following requirements to apply for this posting:

• Ability to self‑fund their Private Pilot License training

• Ability to obtain a valid passport allowing unrestricted travel to and from the U.S. without a TRP (temporary resident permit)

• Maintain a valid driver’s license

• Hold a First Class Medical

• Ability to work a variety of schedules to include nights, weekends, and holidays

• Ability to communicate in English

• Little to no flight training experience (experience not exceeding a Private Pilot’s License)

• High school diploma or equivalent

• Minimum age of 18

• Authorization to work in the U.S.

Entry into the program requires that the student agrees to a release of records allowing Horizon Air and Alaska Airlines full access to:

• Training Records

• Disciplinary Records

• Attendance Records

• Any other records that contain necessary and relevant information for the APA program

Source: Alaska Airlines Photo Credit: Alaska Airlines