Dash 8-400 Direct Entry Captain (Toronto & Ottawa)

Pilot Assessments; Toronto, Ottawa; On-site; CAD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Industry-leading pay

Clear career progression

Safety‑focused culture

Job summary

Porter is expanding and seeks Dash 8-400 Captains to join our team at Canada’s leading regional carrier. You’ll fly from bases like Toronto City Airport (YTZ) and Ottawa (YOW) in scheduled operations, delivering safe, high‑quality service and charting a clear route to seniority and a narrow-body jet Captain path.

You’ll bring an ATPL, the required PIC hours, and CARs‑705 experience where possible. This role emphasizes safety culture, teamwork, and customer excellence across a growing pilot group

Qualifications

• ATPL license issued by Transport Canada.
• Total Time: minimum 2,500 hours.
• PIC Experience: 500 hours PIC on the Q400; or 1,500 hours PIC on a heavy turboprop >44,000 lb.
• Preferred: Time on type and CARs 705 operations.
• Education: Aviation college or university degree.
• Work Eligibility: Legal ability to work in Canada with an acceptable passport/visa.
• Candidates not meeting every minimum may be considered based on overall experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the flight operation as Captain, ensuring safe, efficient, and SOP-compliant performance on every sector.
• Model Porter’s Flying Refined service by delivering a polished, passenger-focused experience.
• Champion the Safety Management System (SMS): identify hazards, report them, and promote proactive safety culture.
• Foster open, honest, and respectful communication with flight and ground teams.
• Exercise sound judgment, act proactively, and support constructive change through new ideas and methods.
• Inspire teamwork, build consensus, and take a people-leadership role to achieve operational and service goals.

Skills

ATPL license

PIC experience

Q400 experience

Education

Aviation college or university degree

Job description

The Opportunity

Porter is expanding and expects to welcome more than 1,200 new pilots over the next four years. As a Dash 8-400 Captain, you’ll benefit from industry-leading pay on type, rapid seniority progression, and a clear route to a narrow-body jet Captain seat in Canada—all while upholding the highest standards of safety and service.

Where You’ll Fly

• Primary Bases: Toronto City Airport (YTZ) and Ottawa International (YOW)
• Operation: Scheduled 705 airline operations across Porter’s network
• Fleet: De Havilland Dash 8-400 turboprop

What You’ll Do

• Lead the flight operation as Captain, ensuring safe, efficient, and SOP-compliant performance on every sector.
• Model Porter’s Flying Refined service by delivering a polished, passenger-focused experience.
• Champion the Safety Management System (SMS): identify and report hazards, comply with the Company Safety Policy, and promote a proactive safety culture.
• Foster open, honest, and respectful communication with flight and ground teams.
• Exercise sound judgment, act proactively, and support constructive change through new ideas and methods.
• Inspire teamwork, build consensus, and take a people-leadership role to achieve operational and service goals.

What You Bring

• License: Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) issued by Transport Canada.
• Total Time: Minimum 2,500 hours.
• PIC Experience (one of):
  • 500 hours Pilot-in-Command on the Q400; or
  • 1,500 hours Pilot-in-Command on a heavy turboprop with MGTOW > 44,000 lb.
• Preferred: Time on type and experience in CARs 705 operations.
• Education (asset): Aviation college or university degree.
• Work Eligibility: Legal ability to work in Canada proven by either a current, valid Canadian passport, or a current, valid international passport with a valid U.S. Crewmember Visa (C‑1/D).
• Candidates who do not meet every minimum may be considered based on overall experience and other factors.

Why Fly with Porter

• Industry-leading pay for Dash 8-400 Captains.
• Accelerated seniority growth as the pilot group expands rapidly.
• Fast pathway to a narrow-body jet Captain role in Canada.
• Culture of professionalism, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Ready to Apply?

Opportunities are available at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) and Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW). If you’re a safety-focused leader who thrives in a collaborative, service-driven environment, we want to hear from you.

Only candidates who meet licensing and work eligibility criteria can be considered.