Originally Posted by
Bennies
So very sorry to hear XJT will be closing. Former G51xx 2005-2015.
XJT was top notch and I cut my 121 teeth at that place. Awesome group of pilots, pre united merger best regional product, and to this day best training center in the regionals, and beats out many majors.
Few things I will always remember: "that's a red card", three cups, operation green light, the unicorn, angry german kid (thanks to the poster earlier), Jimmy Nides and his box of rusty razors, denver gate agent rumors, branded flying (so thankful for that), delta flying, charter flying (awesome flying there too), "by the power vested in my by the FAA....." guy, being " boyded", finding Demo in the armrest (guy was a legend), the crackpipe, the rumor riddle guy on the crackpipe, "have an ACEY day", the call sign Jetlink, chief pilots with binoculars enforcing those shoulder harnesses, mexico scooter stories, and I'm sure there is so much more.
In all seriousness, the best thing about that place was the people. After 2006 it was a constant rollercoaster there but the humor of fellow pilots made it bearable. I feel like the 10 years there presented me with many opportunities i would have most likely not been afforded at other carriers.
I wish nothing but the best for you all that are affected. I hope things turn around in this industry and country soon.
Those are the good memories I have from xjt! Greatest airline training I have had hands down. Definitely a very dedicated training department. Miss those great overnights in Mexico, flying the short jet all over Texas was fun, all the interesting characters as you mentioned above, FOs being arrested for stalking, chief pilots sending emails about pilots who left to tran states for DEC positions to make you think twice about making the lateral move.
Still remember hoping in those 15mins after block in crew trackers would not make their appearance on the jetway on day 4.
Those BRO overnights had the great taco place behind the hotel, good times over there!
Damn shame, but knew sooner or later it would get the axe. I can only hope at some point everyone can find employment quickly, especially those with families who have built their life around xjt.