JB interview

[skirt]

Congrats to all who have made it into phase two! The next class will be in January (two classes per month from then on), so I hope you all get a great early Christmas present in the form of a call from Dean.

I'm told the usual wait is 6-8 weeks, but alot of it has to do with your PRIA paperwork. If you have worked for only one airline, and they still exist and the records guy is on top of the ball, then it may be quick. If you have worked for 10 different employers, some of them no longer in existence and/or an employer who drags its feet in the records area....it could take a while. By law, employers have 60 days to cough up the records, some do it in a matter of days and others take the full 60. You can't send the forms in for your past employer, but you can politely inquire if the records guy could expediously send back the PRIA paperwork to JetBlue. However, since there are no classes until January, there is not as much of a rush, except for your own peace of mind....breathe deep....be one with the universe....patience....

As for Sunday....party's on!

Skirt

 

[Skygod]

PRIA

Agreed. A small part of the background check is in your control. But most is in the hands of the Gods. I was also was lucky enough to have a one-week phase II with a job offer based on not hearing anything "real bad" from the FAA or driving records in the future.

I have -- no, let me change that, HAD -- been working for the same airline for 10 years, and I gave the PRIA lady a heads-up. She had my file out and ready to go! Thus I was current for security and whatnot, and you get 10 years PRIA in one fax. I also spent the time prior to the interview researching old moved no-longer-in-business employees and had them write Dean.

However, since the next class is not till Jan, there is no need for jetBlue to rush, and I would try to relax and enjoy Halloween and Thanksgiving.

The quick call was like my kiss-the-concrete landings. A little thanks to me, a lot thanks to dumb luck.

 

[RShebib]

Since I've been in the military my entire flying career, I've heard that the background check takes a little less time (one employer, Top Secret security clearance, etc)......has anyone else heard this as well? Guess it really doesn't matter in the big scheme of things.....getting past phase 2 is all that matters......hope to see all you phase 2 brothers in Miami sometime after the new years!!!

 

[airbaker]

I'll add my two cents...

I interviewed with a majority on this forum that are now in class or scheduled to go on 10/20. Definately get your ducks in a row from former employers. I made the mistake of not front-loading any of them before my interview and now I'm left still standing at the dance. I was unlucky enough to have several employers on my PRIA check; a few of them were knuckleheads. One regional I used to work for wasn't going to send it in until I had sent a "release from liability form" back to them. Only problem is that they didn't have any current contact info for me and were just waiting for me to call them so that they could tell me I needed to sign the form.

It's a very frustrating and long process for some (especially since I missed out on the stock-split!!). But for what it's worth, get busy contacting your people to insure the check goes smoothly...even though telling you this tip will cost me seniority in the Jan or Feb class (I'm relatively young) !!

Hopefully the PHC will meet again soon, and I'll get the opportunity to meet you all in Miami.

 

[jaxgus]

Military Flying

Since I've been in the military my entire flying career, I've heard that the background check takes a little less time (one employer, Top Secret security clearance, etc)......has anyone else heard this as well? Guess it really doesn't matter in the big scheme of things.....getting past phase 2 is all that matters......hope to see all you phase 2 brothers in Miami sometime after the new years!!!

Congratulations to all those new Phase II folks. I know the feeling is wonderful.

With respect to the military speeding up the background checks, the check still has to run through the process. The fact you have a TS doesn't help our background check process, it is just personal reassurance there are not skeletons in your closet.

When the folks who compile your background checks receive your file, expect to get a call requesting your DD214. The best thing you can do is to fax it to them immediately. This provides the paper trail documenting your military career. Additionally, if you are in the Guard / Reserves, the background check folks will contact your unit to verify your status. In my case, it still took 6+ weeks to get the wonderful phone call from Dean.

Remember, there are a lot of folks getting background checks and only 24 hours in the day to compile your live's history. Trust me, you'll get the call soon enough as to the day you join the Blue Team officially. Congrats and I look forward to meeting all of you on the line.

jaxgus

 

[banger]

west coasters

Congrats to all making it to phase-II
Any of you guys West Coasters? We open the LGB base this Nov. I think we are starting off with about 34 crews but I did hear we will grow it pretty quickly to 75. Maybe some folks in training have new info on this. I've visited the set up and the new crew lounge looks pretty cool. Although parking lots are across the street rumor has it we will need to park in the satallite off airport lot 2 blocks down.
Anyway looking forward to greeting you all in JFK for your "day in the life" training and pizza party!!
Adios - Banger

 

[skirt]

Here's to hoping LGB expands quickly!!!!! I'm still in class, and there has been no word of an expansion yet beyond the original bid. It makes sense that the first batch of guys/gals would need to get settled, before any future bids out there are announced. I'm spring loaded to jump for the first LGB bid that opens up, since I live near OAK. The junior LGB F/O is just a few months senior, so hopefully it will not be too long.

Funny how OAK is the junior base at SWA, but LGB is not the junior base at JB. I suspect as word gets out about the opening of a West Coast base at JB, more and more pilots will apply. I know many pilots have not applied because they didn't want to commute all the way to JFK, now they are wishing that they had jumped sooner. However, the commute to JFK isn't going to be that bad if coming from OAK or LGB, since there are so many non-stops.

Skirt

 

[Heavy Set]

If you move to Long Beach you better be prepared for:

1. Major traffic congestion

2. Super-expensive homes worth 1/10 the price

3. the equivalent of 2 packs of cigarrettes smoked per day inhaled into your system with the smog

4. A state controlled by a movie action star


Sounds great doesn't it? I'd stay on the East Coast.

 

[Michael Knight]

You must live in New Jersey. I'm jealous.

 

[Helmsmen]

I agree with some posters about preping your former employers about the upcoming background check but I am not sure I would worry about a company you flew for over 5 years ago. My understanding is that PRIA records can only be requested going back 5 years. Same goes for the FAA records as well. I don't believe that a company has any obligation to maintain your records over 5 years.

Good luck everyone;

Helmsmen