Q400 First Officer (Dash 8‐400) — Calgary YYC | WestJet Encore | 2026 Intake

Pilot Assessments; Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PICUS Program

Career development

Job summary

WestJet Encore seeks a highly skilled pilot based in Calgary to operate the Q400 across the regional network, upholding safety and professionalism. You will support the Captain, coordinate with cabin crew, and act as a brand ambassador for WestJet’s caring and service standards.

The role requires CPL, Instrument Rating, 750+ hours total time, and TC medical clearance, with potential for ATPL and additional PIC hours through PICUS credits as you progress.

Qualifications

• Minimum 750 hours total flight time.
• Minimum 100 hours PIC (fixed-wing).
• Transport Canada CPL.
• Valid Group 1 Instrument Rating.
• Valid Class 1 Medical Certificate.
• IATRA or SAMRA and SARON, valid through PPC.
• Legally entitled to work in Canada.
• Current passport; if not Canadian, PR card and travel documents permitting unrestricted travel.
• RAIC prior to Initial Ground School.
• Clear police background and criminal record check.
• Pre-employment alcohol and drug screening.
• Proficiency in English (oral and written).
• Ability to provide required documentation during recruitment: TC Aviation Booklet, logbooks, TC licensing record, and verification letter.

Responsibilities

• Execute safe, efficient passenger flights in accordance with SOPs, policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrate leadership on the flight deck; communicate clearly and collaborate within a dynamic, multi-crew environment.
• Lead by example with honesty, integrity, and sound judgment in all operational decisions.
• Adapt to changing operational demands while maintaining a calm, professional presence for guests and crew.
• Represent WestJet’s values and service standards as a visible brand ambassador.

Skills

Leadership on flight deck

Clear communication

Team collaboration

English proficiency

Education

Transport Canada CPL

Group 1 Instrument Rating

Class 1 Medical Certificate

IATRA or SAMRA & SARON

Tools

Logbooks

Job description

The Opportunity

Based in Calgary, you’ll operate the Q400 across WestJet Encore’s regional network, uphold the highest safety standards, and contribute to a collaborative, high‑performance flight deck culture. You’ll support the Captain, coordinate with cabin crew, and act as a brand ambassador for WestJet’s commitment to caring, integrity, and professionalism.

What You’ll Do

• Execute safe, efficient passenger flights in accordance with SOPs, company policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrate leadership on the flight deck; communicate clearly and collaborate within a dynamic, multi‑crew environment.
• Lead by example with honesty, integrity, and sound judgment in all operational decisions.
• Adapt to changing operational demands while maintaining a calm, professional presence for guests and crew.
• Represent WestJet’s values and service standards as a visible brand ambassador.

What You Bring (Minimum Qualifications)

• Minimum 750 hours total flight time.
• Minimum 100 hours fixed‑wing pilot‑in‑command (PIC) time.
• Transport Canada CPL.
• Valid Transport Canada Group 1 Instrument Rating.
• Valid Transport Canada Class 1 Medical Certificate.
• Completed IATRA or both SAMRA and SARON, with validity extending through to the PPC.
• Legally entitled to work in Canada.
• Current valid passport; if not a Canadian passport holder, a Canadian Permanent Resident Card, plus any visas or travel documents permitting unrestricted travel.
• Ability to obtain a RAIC prior to Initial Ground School.
• Clear police background and criminal record check.
• Pre‑employment alcohol and drug screening.
• Proficiency in English (oral and written).
• Ability to provide required documentation during recruitment: Transport Canada Aviation Booklet, logbooks, Transport Canada licensing record, and a Transport Canada licensing verification letter.

Preferred: Transport Canada ATPL; more than 1,000 hours total time; multi‑engine and multi‑crew experience; prior WestJetter experience; graduation from a WestJet partner school.

Growth & Benefits

• PICUS Program: For First Officers holding a CPL, accrue up to 200 hours in an Encore aircraft for a maximum credit of 100 hours PICUS toward ATPL requirements (per CAR 421.11).
• Career Development: Ongoing growth supported by regular career conversations with leaders and self‑serve resources via the People Portal.