Horizon

[JustinS]

I interviewed at both Skywest and Horizon and was offered a position at both. I went with Horizon for the whole "people want to live in the NW!" reason. Maybe that burns other people in the end, but I have to do what I think is best for me. I was told 6-9 months to get the base I want at SKW vs. a very good possibility immediately at QX, not to mention that the other likely possibilities are within driving distance, and since I have a young child, being home as much as possible and avoiding a commute is the number one priority. Maybe the short and numerous legs will be a drag, but I won't have anything else to compare it to except my time flying 135 freight, and I would have been thrilled to have a 12 hour overnight then. Besides, I've got good friends and family near BLI, YVR and YYJ, so an overnight there would be fine with me. It's not about the money for me, as I'm taking a pay cut to go to either place. It's about being there for my family and flying MUCH better and safer equipment for a better company (than my previous gig). 9 months is a LONG time to a very young kid who misses their Dad. Home is where I want to be as much as possible, so QX it is.

I start training very soon, so I still don't really know what I'm getting myself into, but it does sort of seem that Horizon has been living on their prior reputation of being an excellent place to work. I hope there's still some truth to that. I had always held Horizon in very high regard, so it was sort of discouraging to read all of the recent negativity about them, but it is what it is.

As for the equipment, the Dash has always been an airplane that I wanted to fly since I was a kid, so there's that.

Bases were the ultimate motivating factor for me going to SkyWest. I almost went to Horizon. I was extremely interested in flying at Horizon living up in the PNW, and flying a sweet turbo prop. Some guys here on JC helped me out a ton with information on Horizon (I am very grateful for that!), and I was getting ready to throw in my app and go interview, but at the last moment I went with SkyWest. The wife liked the base flexibility more with SkyWest, and I am living in a much more affordable base than would be if I ended up at Horizon. It was an extremely tough choice to be honest with you. I know Horizon, and SkyWest both have their hosts of "issues," but all the people at both airlines seem great, and they both seem like great places to work. I don't think you'll go wrong with either choice. If I lived up in Washington Horizon probably would have been a no brainer for me at the time I was applying for airlines, but any airline I went with at the time would require a move out west. I moved to a more affordable western domicile for the time being until I can afford moving out to the west coast entirely.

Like you said, it's all what you have to do that's best for you and your family. Ultimately that's what really matters in life. If you're not happy with your home situation when you have a family to take care of, flying isn't going to be the cure all for your problems that's for sure.

 

[pete2800]

You're going to have fun at Horizon, esp if you fly with me (it's a requirement)...I can't speak for the other captains (@pdxcfi @pete2800 ), but they seem like good guys to fly with

Liar! I'm a total ass to fly with!

 

[WS]

There's more truth to that, than you know. The people are what make Horizon, and we still have the "Heart of Horizon" in the crews on the planes.

You're going to have fun at Horizon, esp if you fly with me (it's a requirement)...I can't speak for the other captains (@pdxcfi @pete2800 ), but they seem like good guys to fly with

Don't get too down on yourself in training...it's a ton of information to absorb (and yes I know all airlines are like that, trust me on this, Horizon training has more info than you can imagine). The instructors will do anything to help you pass, so go in with a clear mind and positive attitude, and you'll do just fine. Training here is top notch, they keep passing me, so they have to be very good.

QX has it's fair share of "issues", but compared to what I hear from friends at other airlines, we've got it pretty damn good.

The Q400 is like a truck...but boy is it fun to fly, on a visual approach...into say, EAT or the Bay Visual into SeaTac on a summer evening

Thanks for the info. I'm fully expecting to be inundated with an insane amount of knowledge, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes to learn it, so I'm sure I'll be alright.
I'm actually really excited to fly the Q400, I've always been interested in flying turboprops and was a bit saddened when SKW got rid of the Bro.

 

[WS]

Bases were the ultimate motivating factor for me going to SkyWest. I almost went to Horizon. I was extremely interested in flying at Horizon living up in the PNW, and flying a sweet turbo prop. Some guys here on JC helped me out a ton with information on Horizon (I am very grateful for that!), and I was getting ready to throw in my app and go interview, but at the last moment I went with SkyWest. The wife liked the base flexibility more with SkyWest, and I am living in a much more affordable base than would be if I ended up at Horizon. It was an extremely tough choice to be honest with you. I know Horizon, and SkyWest both have their hosts of "issues," but all the people at both airlines seem great, and they both seem like great places to work. I don't think you'll go wrong with either choice. If I lived up in Washington Horizon probably would have been a no brainer for me at the time I was applying for airlines, but any airline I went with at the time would require a move out west. I moved to a more affordable western domicile for the time being until I can afford moving out to the west coast entirely.

Like you said, it's all what you have to do that's best for you and your family. Ultimately that's what really matters in life. If you're not happy with your home situation when you have a family to take care of, flying isn't going to be the cure all for your problems that's for sure.

The tough part in the beginning is that it seems that no matter where you go, there's a certain amount of "roll the dice and see what you get!" Then you're stuck with the outcome. Trying to make all of these choices without having lived it and knowing how it all works is difficult as well, which is why this board has been so helpful in figuring it all out.

 

[JDean3204]

Any news with Horizon lately? I monitor both forums everyday and Horizon is the only regional that chatter isn't a constant. Seems pretty quiet since the news of E-Jets broke. I just finished my multi add on and now have 1500 hours so I have applied to both Horizon and SkyWest. SkyWest will be in Portland May 28th, they said they would interview me on the spot during that event. I received a call back from Horizon but was flying when they called me, have not had any luck getting back with them but have left a voicemail...

Many are telling me to stay away from Horizon, because of the "short" routes and lower pay. Honestly the short routes appeal to me more, I have the rest of my career to fly 3-4 hour legs at FL340. So a good amount of time in the Q with quick legs sounds like a great experience. Right now the only pro of me choosing SkyWest is the bonus for 135 experience and the first year pay. If those were equal, Horizon would be a no brainer for me.

 

[Hacker15e]

The pay is actually pretty decent looking outside-in. Just had breakfast with a buddy who interviewed there with me last year and just got off probation a month ago. He is enjoying it, but is guarded.

I don't think it is the day-to-day work that is the issue; it is the long-term prospects at the company, given how it is seen and used by AAG. For someone who will likely stay at a regional several years, upgrade, and fly off their 1,000 TPIC, there are red flags.

 

[thevideographer]

The pay is actually pretty decent looking outside-in.

$700 first year paychecks 2x a month. Never break min guarantee. Can't even pick up trips on your days off until you get a line in a year.

On the plus side though, upgrades are officially 2 years now.

 

[WAtreefifekaybeck]

Any news with Horizon lately? I monitor both forums everyday and Horizon is the only regional that chatter isn't a constant. Seems pretty quiet since the news of E-Jets broke. I just finished my multi add on and now have 1500 hours so I have applied to both Horizon and SkyWest. SkyWest will be in Portland May 28th, they said they would interview me on the spot during that event. I received a call back from Horizon but was flying when they called me, have not had any luck getting back with them but have left a voicemail...

Many are telling me to stay away from Horizon, because of the "short" routes and lower pay. Honestly the short routes appeal to me more, I have the rest of my career to fly 3-4 hour legs at FL340. So a good amount of time in the Q with quick legs sounds like a great experience. Right now the only pro of me choosing SkyWest is the bonus for 135 experience and the first year pay. If those were equal, Horizon would be a no brainer for me.

I have heard the same thing from others about staying away from Horizontal right now. I am approaching the magic number and wanting to stay in the PNW, Horizon would be the natural choice. But now, I keep looking back at skywest or compass. Its tough making these decisions without all the information. I guess you need to just ignore the rumor mill and go with what makes sense at the time you are ready to apply.

 

[Autothrust Blue]

The pay is actually pretty decent looking outside-in. Just had breakfast with a buddy who interviewed there with me last year and just got off probation a month ago. He is enjoying it, but is guarded.

I don't think it is the day-to-day work that is the issue; it is the long-term prospects at the company, given how it is seen and used by AAG. For someone who will likely stay at a regional several years, upgrade, and fly off their 1,000 TPIC, there are red flags.

Having gone somewhere (two places, actually) that are comparably "slow" (LOL) on the upgrade, I can assure you that when the music stops - which, it does - I would much rather be a (reasonably) well-taken-care-of first officer.

But like Justin said, you do what you think is best and hope you're right...

 

[Cherokee_Cruiser]

I will also add that our Portland schedules aren't half bad.

Noon show on day one, pdx-cec-pdx-acv-rdd.

Next afternoon rdd-pdx-cec

Day three is cec-pdx-oth-pdx-RDD

Day four is rdd-acv-pdx-acv-pdx and done by 1pm

Oh man I have so much to learn about Alaska/Horizon. It is sad I don't know any of those airport codes except PDX. No clue on CEC without looking it up, ACV I assume is Arcata, CA, OTH sounds like on the other hand airport, RDD sounds like Reading, California... er is that Pennsylvania.

*sinks back into computer seat, embarrassed*

 

[SurferLucas]

The company is taking a hard line on the 4 year "seat lock" for the Q400. Upgrade is down to 2 years, and will probably remain that way as the 175's are brought online. If you really want the jet, then apply after we start training people for it...take your chance you get it, or the Q4. I will say, if you're going to upgrade in 2 years on the Q4 regardless, best get used to it. It's a complicated aircraft and even after 4500hrs in the right seat (along with 500hrs left seat), it still makes me say "huh?" at times.

Another thing the company is throwing around is "You can get a guaranteed interview with Alaska!!!" (*)...so long as you let us have access to your training and employment records. I want anyone who is thinking about coming to QX to read this slowly, read it again, and then write it down to ensure maximum retention.

DO NOT FALL FOR THIS! DO NOT DO THIS! Period...this is beyond asinine.

@Cherokee_Cruiser :

 

[ASpilot2be]

Oh man I have so much to learn about Alaska/Horizon. It is sad I don't know any of those airport codes except PDX. No clue on CEC without looking it up, ACV I assume is Arcata, CA, OTH sounds like on the other hand airport, RDD sounds like Reading, California... er is that Pennsylvania.

*sinks back into computer seat, embarrassed*

No need to be embarrassed. They are small, out of the way places. CEC is crescent city, OTH is north bend, ACV is arcata, RDD is redding California.

 

[JDean3204]

No need to be embarrassed. They are small, out of the way places. CEC is crescent city, OTH is north bend, ACV is arcata, RDD is redding California.

Oh how I miss OTH... how do you like flying down here so far?

 

[ASpilot2be]

Oh how I miss OTH... how do you like flying down here so far?

It's amazing. I love it

 

[RMCBear08]

Another thing the company is throwing around is "You can get a guaranteed interview with Alaska!!!" (*)...so long as you let us have access to your training and employment records. I want anyone who is thinking about coming to QX to read this slowly, read it again, and then write it down to ensure maximum retention.

DO NOT FALL FOR THIS! DO NOT DO THIS! Period...this is beyond asinine

Basically go elsewhere and you'll just have to do PRIA, nothing extra.

 

[alaskadrifter]

The company is taking a hard line on the 4 year "seat lock" for the Q400. Upgrade is down to 2 years, and will probably remain that way as the 175's are brought online. If you really want the jet, then apply after we start training people for it...take your chance you get it, or the Q4. I will say, if you're going to upgrade in 2 years on the Q4 regardless, best get used to it. It's a complicated aircraft and even after 4500hrs in the right seat (along with 500hrs left seat), it still makes me say "huh?" at times.

Another thing the company is throwing around is "You can get a guaranteed interview with Alaska!!!" (*)...so long as you let us have access to your training and employment records. I want anyone who is thinking about coming to QX to read this slowly, read it again, and then write it down to ensure maximum retention.

DO NOT FALL FOR THIS! DO NOT DO THIS! Period...this is beyond asinine.

@Cherokee_Cruiser :

What do "training records" include?

 

[SurferLucas]

What do "training records" include?

Training = PRIA

Employment = Everything that Horizon collects on you.

There's been rumour that they've been giving AS this information (hi, lawsuit), and they're trying to get this to cover their asses.

 

[AZflyboy]

Hey guys, I have been doing my research and I seriously am so back and forth right now with this company based off of what info I have and what my heads telling me. I would love if I would be able to get in contact with some QXE guys/gals for some questions regarding working here right now. I will keep it short, between APC and here, I have some buddies at compass telling me its amazing and beautiful over there being at LAX and SEA (which I would be happy anywhere on the west coast) but then I still hear from people that QXE is still beautiful and worth coming to if im from the PNW and I am actually from PDX and would prefer, but SEA would be my second home anyways regardless. Anyways guys, I just really want to fly and stay in the PNW if I can and I don't much care for the LDS 3rd party airline everyone keeps shoving down my throat. q400 or Ejet, either one I would love to fly, the talk between QXE/CPZ is interesting, which is why I would love to hear your thoughts.

 

[SurferLucas]

Hey guys, I have been doing my research and I seriously am so back and forth right now with this company based off of what info I have and what my heads telling me. I would love if I would be able to get in contact with some QXE guys/gals for some questions regarding working here right now. I will keep it short, between APC and here, I have some buddies at compass telling me its amazing and beautiful over there being at LAX and SEA (which I would be happy anywhere on the west coast) but then I still hear from people that QXE is still beautiful and worth coming to if im from the PNW and I am actually from PDX and would prefer, but SEA would be my second home anyways regardless. Anyways guys, I just really want to fly and stay in the PNW if I can and I don't much care for the LDS 3rd party airline everyone keeps shoving down my throat. q400 or Ejet, either one I would love to fly, the talk between QXE/CPZ is interesting, which is why I would love to hear your thoughts.

If you want to be in PDX, and the Q400 vs the 175 isn't an issue for you...then throw your stuff into QX. Compass might get you SEA, but the only way you'll get PDX is through Horizon.

It's still a fun airline, with great people...and top notch crews. (Ask me how I know )

 

[AZflyboy]

If you want to be in PDX, and the Q400 vs the 175 isn't an issue for you...then throw your stuff into QX. Compass might get you SEA, but the only way you'll get PDX is through Horizon.

It's still a fun airline, with great people...and top notch crews. (Ask me how I know )

See, I seriously love hearing stuff like this. Correct me if I am wrong, but I seriously have felt that most people complaining about this airline either aren't from the PNW/west coast (commuting) or they just really have had a bad experience here, which is why I have been so back and fourth between CPZ/QXE. I have seriously loved this airline and the planes you guys have flown since I was little and add the crews/employees sound awesome makes me want to work here all that much more. Thank you. Really.