Jet Blue Requirements-1000hrs>20Klbs

[Focus]

Im just wondering why JetBlue has the requirement for 1000 hrs in aircraft over 20K lbs. They did not have this requirement last year and since I'm 250 hrs short it hurts. It seems to me that this could even hurt alot of the military guys. I could be wrong as I'm not sure how much alot of the fighters weight in at, but any info. is surely appreciated. I guess I'll just keep plugging along untill I get the time. Only problem is when I'm flying were lucky to get 40 hours in a month. There are many months you only get 25 to 30 hours of time. -400 almost always operates with a heavy crew. Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[SentryIP]

Focus,

Everything I've read during my job search says to apply even if you're short some hours. I would apply and just keep updating (I know the jetBlue web application doesn't allow updates just yet). The pilots that would be hurt by this requirement are the instructors in trainers (T-1, T-6, T-37, T-38). Most fighters weigh more than 20,000 bs. Best wishes. I hope you get a call soon.

 

[alex]

Tried That

I tried to put in an app. I'm about 200 hours short also. The new software will not let you submit the app without the minimums--keeps coming back with an error message.

Sentry IP is right--it kills those of us with a lot of trainer time.

alex

 

[EvilJim]

To all,

Back when I applied in July it was a requirement for 1000hrs in greater than 20K lbs aircraft, however, it does not say PIC. So all your time counts. I would think any military guy with at least one tour in fighters or heavies should have gotten 1000 hrs.

Good luck,

Evil

 

[side stick-n]

FYI,

The 1000 hrs over 20K requirement has been in place at least since I applied in October 2000. On the initial contact, I was asked to confirm that I had the required times. I know it seems far away, but keep plugging along and that time will come before you know it. I believe the requirement is there because upgrade time is still somewhat short as in less than 1 year. Good luck to all!!

 

[Focus]

Im not so sure about that Side Stick. A few of my buddies interviewed last year without the 1000 hrs. Total Time in A/C over 20K lbs. If it was a requirement then, as it is now, and they were still bringing guys in with out it, then I wish that the new ON-Line-App. wouldnt kick back our Applications with the error message as one of the guys above just said. The same thing happend to mine.

Sentry IP was right on when he said to apply even if your short. The only problem is that you get an error message with the new system.

I know there are alot of excellent candidates w/o this Req. Im hoping JetBlue will drop it and start looking at the quality of time instead. I understand the upgrade time is short and they may have a new direction of determining who is the most qualified, but surely a guy who has over a 1000 hrs. Heavy Time is not going to be a better pilot based on that appealing accomplishment then one who doesn't.

JetBlue in my opinion is a great place to make your career. I just think somebody should take another look at this requirement. Just my opinion!!

Obviously in the long run Im sure it all comes down to the bottom line and perhaps this is one way to circumnavigate the huge amount of resumes and apps. they would otherwise get.

I will definately keep building my time, I just hate to see all that senority I could be loosing out on. GO BLUE!!! I know Im ready for those small planes you guys fly. Just 877,000 lbs of humor. Dont take it wrong. Perhaps I could divide the weight. Na I wont even go there. Good Luck to All. -Focus

 

[flx757]

When jetBlue first began ops, the requirement was 1000 hrs in a/c > 40,000lbs....then it went down to 30,000, ....then about a year ago, to the current 20,000lbs. I would agree with most people on this thread, and apply even if you are short of this requirement. Let the company decide if you are competitive, don't eliminate yourself by not applying.

 

[pilotyip]

100K

two years ago it was 1000 hours plus of 100K turbin time, it might even have been PIC. Not many Tac Air guys applying at that time.

 

[ByeUSAir]

<1000 hours 20k ACFT

Hey Out there.
Just reading your post about being under the 1000 hours of 20K lbs Acft. Some have stated that the app is kicked back when you do not have enough hours. Sentry is right you must get your app in and if you are called you and the interviewer can discuss the hour issue. I was wondering if you tried to enter a least four digits in the app. Maybe the computer screens the app looking for four or more digits. So if you have 950 hours try 0950, +950, or 950.5. It is just a throught hope it works for you all.

Good Luck

 

[CCDiscoB]

Can afford to be picky

I'm commenting on Focus' statement that the >20,000 lb requirement will prohibit some quality guys from applying. That is probably true, but from what I've been reading, the guys that are applying have some serious quality time. I doubt there is much "quality" difference, as far as an airline is concerned, from right seat time in a heavy to instructor time. (In terms of hands-on flying) Heck, the AF hires brand new Lieutenants to become IPs. No different than a young Part 91 CFI.

BTW, one tour in fighters will not get you 1000 hrs. You have to fly trainers for that kind of time.

OK let me have it... PIC time vs. SIC. I guess what I'm saying is I'd trade some of my IP time to learn how the big iron handles.

 

[flydog]

Given that their upgrade times are running around one year I would say that their minimums may even be low.

 

[flyingtoilet]

Do most majors like to see this kind of weight of aircraft flown (over 20,000 lbs.) or is this the exception. For example, does a guy with let's say 1000 PIC in a Citation still have a shot at any major, let alone Jet Blue?

 

[trainerjet]

I can't recall any majors having this type of weight requirement as part of their minimums; though I think some may take into account the type of aircraft and operation into their scoring system when they rank applications. Numerous corporate pilots have been hired by major airlines. I believe having 1000hrs PIC in any turbine aircraft, including the Citation would be an asset.

 

[RWS]

I wonder who came up with 20,000lbs? I've got four type ratings and several thousand hours in turbine aircraft. I have well over 1000hr pic in one specific aircraft that has a max takeoff of 19,300lbs. It's all hydraulic, artifical feel, hits the buzzer at .87mach, I ground- steer with my left hand, and it has an overhead panel (so it's a "real airplane"- I think).

I've also got a 150 hours in an aircraft that weights over 25,000lbs. This bird is so stable a guy could fall asleep for a few minutes, wake up and not be off heading or altitude with the A/P off! I've never done it, but my sim partner did during a late night check ride for the type at Simuflite. You also don't have to think fast because it won't do over .76 mach. It has no leading edge devices and no more hydraulics than a C172RG.

My question to JetBlue is how does 701lbs effect my skills, decission making, communications, systems knowledge, operation procedures, and professionalizm in the cockpit?

Before reading the application requirements, 701lbs seem to be about the first 15 minutes of fuel burn.

Now 701lbs equates to 850 hours in an aircraft that I'm not currently flying. So basically it equates to over two years in the average corporate flight department.

Maybe I need to sleep for another 850 hours in the "big 25,000lb airplane" to get my skills up for JetBlue.

 

[Jeff G]

RWS,

You're taking it too personally. I'm not privy to why the cutoff was set at 20K, but it used to be 41K, then 30K. Would that make you feel better? It's an arbitrary cutoff, and you're reading too much into it. If you're bitter about it, maybe you shouldn't bother to apply to such a bad place.

 

[Focus]

I dont think RW is Bitter.

I think he was just venting. Nobody has said that JetBlue is a bad place. On the contrary, many of us would love to be on your team. It just hurts not to have the min. qualifications when you have alot of quality experience in Turbine Aircraft. We will all get through this one way or the other. Until then take it easy guys, its a very tough and competitve market right now. Time will change that as it always does in the Economic Cycle. FLYSAFE....