Jet Blue Pilot Pool
 

I'm in the last group of dudes who interviewed with JB, and were hired. Anyone have any idea how many are in the pool? I am planning to apply to push my military retirement date back from Sep to next spring. Wondering if anyone has any idea when training might start up again, how many might be in each class, and approximately how long it would take to get to the bottom of the pool? Thanks..BB

I wouldn't be too hasty to make that request. I wouldn't be terribly suprised if they ran a class in october. Then again, it may be april... But dont get yourself in a position where you'd have to turn down a class....

Hi Bill ... I'm in the pool too. I retired from USAF in Feb of this year -- the timing looked pretty good 8 months ago, but not so much now.

I don't think the pool is very big, though. I interviewed Mar 26, and I think it wasn't long after that when they told folks with interview dates not to come for their scheduled interviews.

Hey guys first of all thank you for your service to our country! I've been at Blue since February & coming from a regional airline background I'm loving life here. I must interject though and ask, why the hurry to leave the service? This industry is a total clusterf*ck...I'd give anything for some true stability in this industry. If you don't mind me asking were you planning on staying in the reserves, etc after leaving as a backup to the screwed up airline business? Just thought I'd throw that out there and again thank you for keeping up safe.

As of current summer flying projections we are over man by 300 guys.there probably wont be a class for a while unless there are some major developments like some company going under and oil falling.

cgt pilot, have you send you JBPA card yet? If you haven't please do us all a favor and send it in now.

thanks in advance

BB,
I have to agree with cgtpilot. Stay in. I'm here too. Have heard the same over-manned talk. Don't see the economy bouncing back anytime soon. I'm still in the reserves and looking to get probably mobilized for next year -- better money (I'm year 2) as well, plus sit back and wait while the industry recovers. Plus, if you're hired and awaiting a class, they shouldn't have any issue with a mil extension either. Good luck.

...and I sent my card in 4 months ago...

First, welcome to JetBlue. I have only been at JetBlue for four months on the A320. I am ex-military, too. I recommend contacting the People Department/Pilot Hiring if you have questions. You may have already done that, but they were very informative and quick to respond to my issues when I transitioned. Its a good pilot recruitment team here. Its also a strong pilot group. You'll like the personalities on the flight deck.

I separated (not retired) from the USMC. I had similar challenges when I left 5 months ago. My airline job sit was not settled when I separated. I have a reserve flying job so I didn't change my timeline. I would have picked time up at the reserve job if I needed it. If you are only separating, its a fairly small commitment to the military to keep "weekend warrior" affiliation and it certainly has its immediate benefits in this chaotic industry.

As for the fall, I have not heard/read about a date for new-hire class resumption. Unfortunately, I imagine the company will evaluate the summer market conditions and competition before assigning new training dates. There are B6 guys on this board, though, who are much more in the know than me. Good luck.

Guys,

For those of you not from a mil background, it's not as easy as "just stay in". Deployments, PCS, schools, etc are all reasons to get out regardless of what your future holds. I think most will say at least get a guard/reserve job, but by all means GET OUT!!!

(stepping off the soap box) That does suck with the hiring for now though. Hopefully things will improve. From what I hear SWA will be hiring again before the end of the year, so if you don't have your type rating...

Cheers,

GNH

Obviously everyone has the right to their own opinion. Most everyone on this thread is mil or former mil. If its a matter of only another 6 months, again, I would stay in. Reserves or Guard is not an option for this guy as he is RETIRING. If the people dept has no problem with it, extend while you can unless you have another job you can do in the meanwhile waiting for JBLU-- plenty of short term contractor jobs for guys with your experience level out there. Help tide you over with your retirement check as well.

Good luck to you. Hopefully you make the right decision for you and your family.

Bill, talk to the people department and tell them that you're considering extending until next spring.
Personally, I'd opt to extend until next spring. If JBLU's overmanned by 300, they're not likely to have newhires any time soon.

Don't be hasty though - how long do you have to change your retirement date?