Dash 8-400 (Q400) First Officer — WestJet Encore

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✈️ Take the right seat on the Dash 8-400

At WestJet Encore, our First Officers create memorable journeys while upholding one of Canada’s most admired and respected corporate cultures. You’ll fly our state-of-the-art De Havilland Dash 8-400 (Q400) turboprops across an expansive network, champion safety, and serve as a brand ambassador for WestJet’s values—every flight, every guest, every day.

🧭 Role snapshot

• Employment: Permanent
• Aircraft: De Havilland Dash 8-400 (Q400)
• Type rating: Not required — training provided (NTR)
• Licence: TCCA with IATRA or both SAMRA & SARON (valid)
• Medical: Class 1
• ICAO ELP: Level 4 or higher
• Visa sponsorship: Not provided

🧰 What you’ll do

• Operate the Dash 8-400 safely and efficiently in accordance with company SOPs, regulations, and best practices.
• Deliver warm, professional service that creates a memorable travel experience for every guest.
• Support the Captain with all phases of flight planning, execution, and post-flight duties.
• Collaborate with cabin crew and operations teams to ensure on-time, guest-focused performance.
• Model WestJet’s values, contributing to a respectful, inclusive, and safety-first culture.

🌟 Minimum qualifications

• Total time: 750 hours
• Pilot-in-command (PIC) time: 100 hours
• Licence/exams: IATRA, or both SAMRA & SARON — exams must be valid
• Medical: Class 1
• Language: ICAO ELP Level 4+
• Passport/travel: Current valid passport and any documents required to travel unrestricted
• Security: Eligible for a RAIC (must be obtained prior to completing Initial Ground School); clear police background and criminal record check
• Screening: Ability to pass a pre-employment alcohol and drug test
• Accepted licences: TCCA

💡 Preferred experience

• 1000+ hours total time
• Experience in multi-engine and multi-crew operations

🎓 Training and progression

No Dash 8-400 type rating? No problem. WestJet Encore provides full type training for qualified, non-type-rated candidates.

• PICUS program: First Officers holding a CPL may accrue up to 200 hours in Encore aircraft for a maximum credit of 100 hours PICUS toward ATPL requirements, as per CAR 421.11.
• Structured ground school, simulator, and line training designed for safety, proficiency, and career growth.

🤝 Our culture

Join a team that pairs operational excellence with genuine care. As a WestJet Encore First Officer, you’ll be part of a collaborative, guest-obsessed culture where leadership is shared on the flight deck and respect for people and procedure guides every decision.

📨 How to apply

If this sounds like your next step, prepare the following and submit your application:

• Resume/CV and brief cover note
• Flight time summary (total and PIC)
• Copy of TCCA licence and Class 1 medical
• IATRA or SAMRA/SARON results (valid)
• Passport and any required travel documents

Note: Visa sponsorship is not provided for this role.

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