Our last COO said in a conference call that we really need to look at where a potential pilot lives. For instance, if a candidate lives in Chicago he surmised that the candidate might not stay at JB and would try to get on at United, Southwest or American.

JB isn't having a difficult time hiring. Our problem is retention. We've had a domicile CP call a current JB pilot who had his Blue Dart hired. That Blue Dart then left the company for greener pastures. The CP was a bit upset with the current JB pilot for giving this guy a blue dart. Pilot told CP that he stands by his recommendation and that the CP needs to look at why the company couldn't keep such a good guy.

I understand both sides here. JB doesn't want to spend money training someone who will just leave within 2 years. The flip side is that we have a stagnation issue on our seniority list. Seniority advancement is heavily dependent on growth here at JB for the next 9 years, or so. At other majors it is mostly due to retirements. It is a business decision for each individual pilot and I get that.

With all that in mind, I really do think that JB is looking for pilots who are from the east coast, especially the northeast. I've flown with many young pilots here who want to stay because they don't have to commute. I think the only other airline with a BOS domicile is American and I understand that it is very senior. If JB can find a pilot from the BOS area it is more likely that he/she would stay as compared to a pilot from Los Angeles and such.

As for flight experience...jet time, glass time, or C402 driver from Cape Air.