Hillsboro Aero Academy (HAA) and Horizon Air have signed an agreement to establish a pilot development programme, which will provide a tuition stipend to students pursuing an aviation career.
This programme is designed to help recruit new students into the programme at HAA and provide existing students with an opportunity to fly as a first officer/pilot with Horizon Air following the completion of their programme.
The new recruitment programme is intended to help increase the steady supply of well-trained pilots entering the industry. “With the looming pilot shortage, Horizon is excited to partner with high quality aviation programmes like Hillsboro Aero Academy to enhance our recruiting efforts and ensure the next generation of pilots look to Horizon as a place they can build their career in aviation,” said LaMar Haugaard, Horizon Air director of pilot development and recruiting.
Under the programme, Horizon Air will award a stipend up to $7,500 for eligible HAA students who have completed their private pilot certification and are working toward completing their Commercial Pilot Certificate. Students who accept the stipend will receive a conditional job offer at Horizon Air.
In addition to the Horizon Air stipend, HAA has allocated $143,000 towards funding individual advanced certifications, enabling students to train for specialised skills.
“This trend signals a robust and growing sector for aspiring pilots and exceptional career opportunities well into the future,” stated HAA CEO and President Jon Hay. “We believe our collaboration with Horizon Air provides aspiring pilots with an outstanding opportunity to complete their full certifications and an unparalleled opportunity to kick-start their career with quality training, and employment with a regional hallmark carrier.”