frogs

They don't even care if you stay two years. I know many people who left before the 2 years and they don't care, or notice. Once you're in first class, the PDP people don't care about you (actual words from the PDP people), you're a normal new hire.

Minnrest

It’s second week of October 2022, are class start dates still delayed for PDP folks who hit their 1500 hours?

roka2010

There's no "not taking stipend option". If you don't want the contract then I think your best option would be just waiting until you reach ATP minimums and apply around. I don't think that's a good option when so many airlines are offering a CJO through cadet program. You get a CJO in the early stage of your training and some security and stability of knowing where you'll go when you reach ATP.

Yes, you do have to pay back pro-rated if you leave before two year mark is up. It is clearly stated in the contract.

roka2010

You're a normal new hire once you gradate from PDP but I think the right thing to do is fulfill two years and if you leave before that, pay back the pro-rated amount because that is what you signed your name on. At this point, I don't mind sticking around at AAG because Horizon and Alaska are both great airlines. I don't really have issue on Alaska's lack of scope either. As long as I get paid on time, I'll be happy.

Minnrest

Thanks very much for the info. That’s good insight. Would love to know what the delays for a class date are looking like, if anyone here has current datapoint.

Cglyn

I’ve heard the nearest class date is set for sometime in February

Flyawaywayback

March for folks that hit 1500 the last few months. And they’ve been told that’s ‘tentative’

many are leaving for earlier class dates, plus not spending 7 months+ on reserve in anchorage flying 30 hrs a month is enough incentive to go elsewhere and pay back the stipend in the current environment.

Cglyn

You have a point it’ll take a bit of time to get running here but it’s a ‘pick your poison’ situation. Most regionals are asking pilots to apply 6 months out so feb or march isn’t abnormal in this environment. Applying to skywest now will be at least a 4 month wait. Then 1.5 months with all of the breaks. Then another 2-3 months after loe waiting to start oe. Not to mention the lesser contract. Other options are envoy which is t ideal getting to American and endeavor with low pay rates and terrible moral. Pdp cadets should choose the airline with the easiest commute and best QOL. Because the industry is a dumpster fire and I don’t think any airline will get you somewhere faster than another. My two cents

Minnrest

FAPA.aero sent a hiring update email today (18 Oct 2022) which contained this quote. Source unknown, but sounds accurate based on replies in this thread.

"Horizon Air ratified a new pilot contact that provides numerous benefits including industry-leading pay rates for Horizon pilots throughout all steps of the seniority list. Horizon is not currently hiring direct First Officers but those interested in joining the team can look into Horizon’s Pilot Development Program and Ascend Pilot Academy. Both programs provide stipends (up to $26,000) and mentorship to flight student during their time-building journeys. In exchange for the support, members of this program agree to fly for Horizon upon completing ATP minimums. Both the Ascend Pilot Academy and the Pilot Development Program aim to break down financial barriers and empower the next generation of aviators."

I would interpret that as demand for FO's is decreasing so Horizon is only selecting FO's from their PDP or Ascend programs - and even that sounds very slow.

Ravenwing

Horizon hasn’t hired anyone from outside their pilot development program since April when they decided to park all their Q400s, retrain their Q400 pilots on the E175, and effectively shrink their airline by 40-45% rather than compete for new pilots. Employment offers were rescinded and cadets were told that only two a month would be accepted because most of Horizon’s training would be busy retraining their current pilots. Horizon may have an updated contract but they haven’t hired pilots externally since April. That bulletin is more a confirmation than a change. I suspect the captain shortage will reach Horizon last. The Horizon pilot group answers an occasional question on here but is not very active.