Good evening, everyone. Long-time lurker, first time poster.
I hope my comments below don't come across as negative. Simply trying to better understand people's viewpoints on JB's program.
A common theme from opponents on this thread is simply because they've endured years of low pay and undesirable conditions, therefore, all aspiring pilots have to as well in order to be respected. Isn’t accepting that trend simply perpetuating the negative facets of the industry that experienced pilots on these forums complain about so openly?
I’m also unsure why some accept the idea that the regionals are a stepping stone. If you’re comfortable with a FO operating a SkyWest CRJ at 1,500 hours then there’s no reason the same shouldn’t apply to an E190 with a JetBlue logo on the tail. Regardless of airline, there are human lives at stake and the standard should be the same.
With that said, I do agree that if there are more experienced and qualified candidates readily waiting, those spots should always be given ahead of anyone going through an ab-initio program. I do not want a shortcut, but the current path towards a decent career in the airlines is so hard to stomach something has to change. Maybe life and pay in the regionals isn't as bad as they say, but I've browsed these forums long enough to know that it seems to be the consensus.
What I believe will inevitability happen, similar to what CTC and CAE already do in Europe, is that more airlines will employ similar ab-initio programs and begin covering part of the cost (unlike what JB are doing), reducing the burden for students while ensuring airlines have their rosters met. Maybe not in the next five years, but perhaps in 10-20 years.
Outside of this program, the current (and traditional) path for me is to continue training at my local flight school (where I've gone through three instructors), pay $50,000 more (added to my degree's debt), and accumulate 1,500 hours buzzing around the pattern in a 172. All the while being paid an hourly wage as a CFI, receive no training in CRM or airline operations, and then get hired by a Regional where I'll make $20,000-$40,000 less than the job I currently have and received out of college. Do this for 10 years until I'm lucky enough to get hired by a Major.
I understand experience and safety is paramount in aviation, but there has to be a better way to train and incentivize aspiring pilots.
Thanks.