Originally Posted by
ackattacker
I don't think you understand what positive space means. I know they get bumped, hence the "glorified non-rev" remark. Does wonders for ones self-esteem as a professional pilot to get left behind in Ogdensburg, NY because they had to squeeze on a runner.
I have very mixed feelings about the JetBlue gateway program. Suffice it to say it's a good thing for management of both companies. In today's hiring environment, there are certainly other options for aspiring pilots.
Positive space would be closest analogy to how the FO's work. They're scheduled a seat on the flight, if a paying passenger shows up they get bumped, if a non-rev shows up they don't.
I was simply addressing your comment about not hiring too many of them as it would "take away seats from passengers" which is not the case.
There's lots of paths people can take, but the jetBlue gateway gets pilots into a major a lot faster than most regionals sitting with 6+ year upgrades.