Jetblue June 3 interview results

[CRJFlyer]

Congrats to you two, but I'm seeing a disturbing trend. JetBlue seems to be targeting lower time guys with little or no 121 experience. Translation: JetBlue management is betting these guys are the happy to have a job type and will be anti-union.

I know dozens of pilots with well over 8000TT (most of it 121 jet time) that can't get an interview. They all have 121 TPIC, multiple internal recs and went to the meet and greet. How is it they can't even get an interview while relative rookies can? The obvious answer is they are also all experienced in dealing with airline management. They will be less likely to become addicted to the Blue Kool-Aid.

Unions and management aside, it's patently unfair to bypass more experienced and more qualified pilots in favor of relatively less experienced aviators. Which value are we practicing when we do that?

Again, congrats to av8tor4239 and milehigh6080. It's good to have a diverse mix of pilots. I still would like to start seeing some examples of higher time, 121 experienced pilots getting a chance too.

Not to complain because I have found a really fun job..But I'm very near one of those guys...

Close to 7000hrs. (only 400TJPIC), 3-4 internal recs. , a possible blue dart, put the app. in maybe 3 hrs after the window opened. 5 years 121, 1 year corporate, 2 years fractional. Flown in the NE most of my career, lived in NY state, and have followed JB since their inception. And had 2 guys send me the open house e-mail..

I didn't even get an invite to the open house? Not getting an interview is ok to swallow because of all the guys on the street, but not to even get to the open house was weird. I'm still pretty young and considered myself a typical JB pilot type, so I've been told by numerous FA's there in the past.

There is no rhyme or reason for hiring. I have used basically the same resume for every job, and it has worked well so far (IE: Comair when everyone wanted to work there (albeit a regional), NJA when everyone wanted on there. So I don't think it was my "presentation" and certainly not my diversification.
It's really the luck of the draw. For the most part we can all fly an airplane the same no matter what the hours say in our logbook.

 

[Splert]

It's really the luck of the draw.

I wish that was true.

The Band of Blue radicals on the PINS Committee do not think you would be happy in the right seat for the next 10 years.

I think the radicals on the PINS committee are showing that they have no faith that JetBlue will grow in the future and don't want to bring in highly experienced pilots who may or may not be content sitting right seat for the next decade. The risk that you or anyone else may not be happy is something that they are intent on minimizing.

Remember, we will have CapeAir flow though candidates starting in 2012. http://www.flycapeairjobs.com/University_Gateway.html

 

[JJthejetplane]

Congrats to you two, but I'm seeing a disturbing trend. JetBlue seems to be targeting lower time guys with little or no 121 experience. Translation: JetBlue management is betting these guys are the happy to have a job type and will be anti-union.

I know dozens of pilots with well over 8000TT (most of it 121 jet time) that can't get an interview. They all have 121 TPIC, multiple internal recs and went to the meet and greet. How is it they can't even get an interview while relative rookies can? The obvious answer is they are also all experienced in dealing with airline management. They will be less likely to become addicted to the Blue Kool-Aid.

Unions and management aside, it's patently unfair to bypass more experienced and more qualified pilots in favor of relatively less experienced aviators. Which value are we practicing when we do that?

Again, congrats to av8tor4239 and milehigh6080. It's good to have a diverse mix of pilots. I still would like to start seeing some examples of higher time, 121 experienced pilots getting a chance too.

I believe your analysis is wrong. I meet the minimum qualifications that you arbitrarily set, plus I have a few things that most of the better qualified pilots don't have.

I notice that you believe JetBlue should not pursue candidates that will be happy working there. Can you explain your thought process? I would think that every organization, whether airline or not, attempts to hire people that will be happy working there.

 

[Splert]

...plus I have a few things that most of the better qualified pilots don't have.

1). You are homosexual?
2). FOBOBR - Friend of a Band of Blue Radical on the Pins Committee?
3). Blue Dart?

Sincerely wish you the best and I hope you enjoy the experience.

 

[JJthejetplane]

1). You are homosexual?
2). FOBOBR - Friend of a Band of Blue Radical on the Pins Committee?
3). Blue Dart?

Sincerely wish you the best and I hope you enjoy the experience.

LOL, no, none of the above. But, I now see the level of thought you put into your posts. Very impressive!

 

[sligo1]

Unfortunatley Splert is correct. I have been at JB 3 years and it is a regional airline flying bigger aircraft. They most definatley target lower time pilots that will be happy with the pay and work rules. This place is getting worse by the day with the new FSM,which will eventually take the pay increase to a decrease. Do not be fooled that you are going to a major airline - JB will be no better maybe worse than the regional or corporate job, you currentley hold.

Sorry to burst the bubble but think wisely before you get hooked on the juice.

 

[JJthejetplane]

Dang it!!! Finally break 10,000 hours and I'm still a low-time rookie! What gives?

In all seriousness, can you provide a little more detail on why you say it is a regional? How do the work rules compare to a typical regional, for instance Pinnacle, and to a legacy like Delta? Is working at JetBlue just now that miserable, or is it the fear of what might occur in the future because of no CBA?
Any useful information is appreciated.

 

[RightTraffic]

In all seriousness, can you provide a little more detail on why you say it is a regional? How do the work rules compare to a typical regional, for instance Pinnacle, and to a legacy like Delta? Is working at JetBlue just now that miserable, or is it the fear of what might occur in the future because of no CBA?
Any useful information is appreciated.

Yeah......like he said.

 

[Splert]

Do a test commute to a 0300 reserve period and then repeat 3 or 4 more time during the month. Then practice 2 duty period in one day. Then consider crediting 75 hours in 14 days then having to sit 4 more days for free (no additional credit) with an 0300 reserve period commute.

Duty limits are FARS and we fly 24 hours a day.

Day sleep away from home for the next 3 years in a crash pad in JFK.

This place is not bad if you can get off reserve. But I really don't think the next 50 hired will be off reserve for years.

But hey you fly really cool aircraft really really tired all the time.

 

[sligo1]

Look I am not here to burst your bubble. I am only saying that things right now are not the greatest. I am in the top 25 percent bidding in my base and let me tell you the schedules compare to a regional. Pinnacle for instance, I was a street CA there and yes JB is better but not by much. If you are a CA at a regional you will take a pay cut. You will be on reserve for years and then some. This company has publically stated that the A-320 deliveries are more than they need for growth plans. They will sell or lease those deliveries to keep growth in check. You need to make your own decision and live with it. I have never been a pro union type but believe me this place needs ALPA. We all don't neccesarily want a union-we quite simply need a union.

Good luck and be cautious when making a choice for your family.

 

[av8tor4239]

Are they only calling people for interviews who have internal recs? Or has anyone got a call for an interview without one? I used to work for jetblue as customer service for 2 years and have 5000 hours total, 2000 hours turbine PIC/121 but no internal recs. Still waiting for interview. Was hoping that previously working there might help. Im assuming its going to take a miracle for me to get an interview without an in internal rec. Congrads to all those who got the interview and my best wishes to all of us who are still waiting.

How the world to you work for a company for 2 years and not have any internal recommendations? Seriously... I would love to see your answer to this question....

Do a test commute to a 0300 reserve period and then repeat 3 or 4 more time during the month. Then practice 2 duty period in one day. Then consider crediting 75 hours in 14 days then having to sit 4 more days for free (no additional credit) with an 0300 reserve period commute

Hey splert... I got one for ya.. instead of complaining about your test commute and 3am show, try explaining to your wife that you might be living under a bridge by the end of the month and your children can not finish pre-school this summer because you are 55 hours short on Turbine PIC to "QUALIFY" for the latest and greatest in our industry. Explain to yoru familiy that cable and running water are over rated because you did not make enough photo copier sales in your commission only sales job.... Try robbing Peter to pay Paul and re-inventing the wheel to keep food on the table.... I tell you what, there are plenty of people out there that would be happy to do your 3 am reserve show and test commute if you are not happy with it... Would you like to see what it is like on the bread line in 2010???

spert.. I am sure you have read a newspaper in the last 3 months.. did you know that 60,000 barrels of oil are spilling in the gulf of mexico right now as we speak (type)... Have you considered taking a job cleaning that SH!T up to feed your family???

Didn't think so...

 

[Splert]

How the world to you work for a company for 2 years and not have any internal recommendations? Seriously... I would love to see your answer to this question....


Hey splert... I got one for ya.. instead of complaining about your test commute and 3am show, try explaining to your wife that you might be living under a bridge by the end of the month and your children can not finish pre-school this summer because you are 55 hours short on Turbine PIC to "QUALIFY" for the latest and greatest in our industry. Explain to yoru familiy that cable and running water are over rated because you did not make enough photo copier sales in your commission only sales job.... Try robbing Peter to pay Paul and re-inventing the wheel to keep food on the table.... I tell you what, there are plenty of people out there that would be happy to do your 3 am reserve show and test commute if you are not happy with it... Would you like to see what it is like on the bread line in 2010???

spert.. I am sure you have read a newspaper in the last 3 months.. did you know that 60,000 barrels of oil are spilling in the gulf of mexico right now as we speak (type)... Have you considered taking a job cleaning that SH!T up to feed your family???

Didn't think so...

Sorry about what you are going though.

But if a new hire works 30 days a month for 1/2 the pay there will still be pilots out of work, oil will still be spilling and the CEO will get richer and the job of a pilot be just barely good enough for the homeless.

 

[Caveman]

I believe your analysis is wrong. I meet the minimum qualifications that you arbitrarily set, plus I have a few things that most of the better qualified pilots don't have.

I notice that you believe JetBlue should not pursue candidates that will be happy working there. Can you explain your thought process? I would think that every organization, whether airline or not, attempts to hire people that will be happy working there.

You notice wrong. I didn't say that or anything close to that. I'm guessing reading comprehension isn't one of the special skillsets you bring to the table.

Everybody has something unique about them. The bottom line is based on the little info we have on this thread, JetBlue appears to be more apt to interview a low time guy with little or no 121 experience when there are plenty of applicants with equal credentials, more TT, more TPIC and a lot more 121 time. I find that interesting. I also think Splert's analysis of the PINS process is dead on. The last thing JetBlue management wants is a bunch of experienced 121 pilots that have dealt with airline management before. They want airline rookies that will take a few years before they realize JetBlue isn't any different than any other airline. YMMV.

 

[Caveman]

Hey splert... I got one for ya.. instead of complaining about your test commute and 3am show, try explaining to your wife that you might be living under a bridge by the end of the month and your children can not finish pre-school this summer because you are 55 hours short on Turbine PIC to "QUALIFY" for the latest and greatest in our industry. Explain to yoru familiy that cable and running water are over rated because you did not make enough photo copier sales in your commission only sales job.... Try robbing Peter to pay Paul and re-inventing the wheel to keep food on the table.... I tell you what, there are plenty of people out there that would be happy to do your 3 am reserve show and test commute if you are not happy with it... Would you like to see what it is like on the bread line in 2010???

spert.. I am sure you have read a newspaper in the last 3 months.. did you know that 60,000 barrels of oil are spilling in the gulf of mexico right now as we speak (type)... Have you considered taking a job cleaning that SH!T up to feed your family???

Didn't think so...

And there it is. Happy to have a job. You made my point for me. Sadly, I wish I was wrong. While I feel for your financial circumstances (been there) you are JetBlue management's wet dream. A junior BoB in the making and you haven't even stepped foot on property yet.

Congrats on the new job. Seriously, congratulations. Just don't get here and roll over because you're relieved you're employed.

 

[CRJFlyer]

I hardly ever notice when there's pictures of hot girls in avatars...but who is that on yours?

She reminds me of that commercial/CFI girl who ended up doing Playboy a few years ago....I think they did most of her spread in a pilot uni. (with mini skirt of course) and might have been on a corporate jet..Damn, who was that???

 

[kellwolf]

I am in the top 25 percent bidding in my base and let me tell you the schedules compare to a regional. Pinnacle for instance, I was a street CA there and yes JB is better but not by much.

You haven't been at Pinnacle on reserve lately. Being kicked in the balls by a hairy troll while it insults your mother is preferable to Pinnacle right now....

 

[maxcackel]

I hardly ever notice when there's pictures of hot girls in avatars...but who is that on yours?

She reminds me of that commercial/CFI girl who ended up doing Playboy a few years ago....I think they did most of her spread in a pilot uni. (with mini skirt of course) and might have been on a corporate jet..Damn, who was that???

Nicole Whitehead

 

[OUPilot]

has anyone been interviewing at the end of the month or was it all done in the first few weeks of june?

 

[kellwolf]

has anyone been interviewing at the end of the month or was it all done in the first few weeks of june?

From what I heard, the 18th was the last interview date. Not sure if they're gonna do any more soon, but here's hoping....

 

[CaptainSpaz]

Look I am not here to burst your bubble. I am only saying that things right now are not the greatest. I am in the top 25 percent bidding in my base and let me tell you the schedules compare to a regional. Pinnacle for instance, I was a street CA there and yes JB is better but not by much. If you are a CA at a regional you will take a pay cut. You will be on reserve for years and then some. This company has publically stated that the A-320 deliveries are more than they need for growth plans. They will sell or lease those deliveries to keep growth in check. You need to make your own decision and live with it. I have never been a pro union type but believe me this place needs ALPA. We all don't neccesarily want a union-we quite simply need a union.

Good luck and be cautious when making a choice for your family.

Hate to say it, but I have to agree with my uppity jarhead friend from newhire class. :beer:

JetBlue has always used the seniority carrot to attract pilots. Who wouldn't want to have a crack at getting 10x further in 1-2 years than most do in 10-15 years at a company. Heck, even in our newhire class there were guys who believed they would be upgrading on the E-190 before their 2-year seat lock was up. Most of us knew that the music was about to stop, and we took our chances.

Yea, the 190 is regional flying at almost mainline rates - not a bad deal if it lasts. However, to be fair, it really isn't as bad as some regionals that fly their jets like they were really fast ATRs - 6-7 legs per day average. The average stage length for the 190 is much longer so the days are not as slam packed. What sligo is probably referring to more is the lowish productivity which net's less days off. However, that has been improving steadily since the aircraft was launched. Life is different on the 320 in some respects, however, on the 320 you get the redeye flying and a lot of it.

All in all, everyone in this industry has these issues. My advice would to be look long term for you or your family, check into our financials, and consider the possibility of a career wait to upgrade.

spaz