jetBlue March 8th/9th Interview Session

[FlyingSkirt]

I seem to be getting closer to having to buy the first round in MCO

:beer: Guess you're off beer patrol!!! Congrats to you and DK....

Starting to feel like the round is gonna be on me.... which by the way, is a much better option than a visit from FedEx!

 

[Vastly Underemp]

OK boys and berries, here's the poop......

They're establishing a pool, first in/first out. There are EMB classes slated for June (2 classes of 5 each), July (2 classes of 5 each), and August (2, possible 3 classes). Airbus class is potentially August 30th, if not then Sept 13th. I was offered an EMB class, but deferred (for now) for the next available Airbus class. I know I'll lose some seniority numbers, but I think it's the best move for me. As always, all information is subject to change. As of my phone call yesterday, I was "a handful" from the top of the pool. Those that interview in June and get through the process will undoubtedly be in the deep end, but predictions right now are that all will be in school by the end of the year. There are obviously class slots available for the EMB. The one caveat for the pool is that you don't actually have a job until you are awarded a class slot. If something should happen down the road, you may be S.O.L., so you may need to calculate that into your plans. As always, your mileage may vary.....

FlyingSkirt, I'll be honored to have you buy me one, so let's put the positive waves together for YOUR phone call...

Smitty, thanks. Getting the call sure does take a load off my sneakers.

To all that still wait....hang in there. Rest assured that when the call comes Verna's voice will be the sweetest sound you've heard in a long time.

 

[skypine69]

I'm in,

Got the call this morning.
good luck to all

 

[PDXcheezhead]

Congrats Vastly, Kid and Skyp!!

I am begining to feel lonely here in the hold pad. Who else in here in purgatory with me?

 

[FlyingSkirt]

VU.... looks like i'll be buying you that beer in MCO!!!

got the call mid day, I am in the pool. I wasn't given a choice of class dates, pool was my only option. All classes are full through the end of July. I was told to expect a phone call at the end of June asking if I want an Aug 190 class or Sept Airbus class. At the moment I'm thinking of holding out for Sept's Airbus class.

Good luck to everyone, got my fingers crossed that you won't have to wait much longer.

 

[ultrarunner]

I was offered an EMB class, but deferred (for now) for the next available Airbus class. I know I'll lose some seniority numbers, but I think it's the best move for me.

What's your thinking? Looking at your profile, you've done 121 before, and know the value (or lack thereof) of DOH.

Why would you give that up? Furloughs are not an IF, but a WHEN.

 

[Vastly Underemp]

Ultra,

I disagree on your assessment for the requirements for furloughs. We could debate the issue ad nausem, but let's just agree to disagree on that one and save each other a lot of typing. Current personal circumstances allowed me to even consider a short deferral (ie, I have a good paying job right now). I was very careful to inquire about the number of poolies ahead of me on the first in/first out list, as well as the number of EMB new hires between now and the next Airbus class. I considered the new estimates of upgrade times, the fences coming down in 18 months, and the new estimated Airbus delivery schedules. I know it's a crap-shoot, but my best guesstimation is I will be better off in the long run going to the bus now. The 190 pay just doesn't allow me to pay my bills and still contribute to my retirement, which has seen few contributions and one big withdrawal in the last 4 years. Additionally, I think I will get to my base of choice more quickly in the bus.

Thanks for your obvious concern, but I have been furloughed 4 times in my aviation career, and had a number of corp/charter jobs vanish overnight. I know the importance of seniority. I also know the importance of being happy at work, that's why I pursued JetBlue in the first place. The complicated puzzle that is an aviation career said "Airbus", at least until tomorrow's weather forcast comes out.

 

[My Man SMITH!]

Cheez, don't feel lonely brother! I'm right there with you. I'm beginning to wonder if we are actually swimming or just chilling out along side the pool. Regardless, weather is great, views are awesome, and the drinks are right on! In or out, just enjoying the ride. Hang in there guy. Good news is right around the corner. To the newest guys, congrats! Hope to experience that feeling soon!

 

[smoky22]

I got the call today. . .more intel to follow

good luck to all, especially cheese and smitty

Smoky 22

 

[projectguy]

Ditto for me, Verna called just before 1900 Eastern, thumbs up, background complete and into the pool. Her comment was lifeguard will call next, expect class August earliest and October latest: my choice on aircraft.

ST

 

[CheeseheadinTX]

Got the call today, in the pool, next call will be from a line pilot at some time in the future to keep us in the loop during the summer.

 

[budlightyear]

Any idea how long it takes them to get back to you after the assesment test online? Just filled it out today and wondering how fast things are moving.
Thanks

 

[PDXcheezhead]

gotta keep those revisions up to date...

Let me know if I've gotten any wrong or left something/someone out.

Congrats to the INs and the those enjoyin' the pool!

Good luck and keep the faith to the rest of you(us).

cheez

1) Snoopy Mendoza --(Apr,26 / A320)
2) Got2GO ----------(May,10 / A320)
3) 2wheelz ---------(May,10 / A320)
4) LaGarbage Man ---(May,10 / A320)
5) Dave's kid ------(Jul,19 / 190)
6) captain dad -----(Letter)
7) CheeseheadinTX --(swimmin')
8) Vastly Underemp -(swimmin')
9) projectguy ------(swimmin')
10) FlyingSkirt ----(swimmin')
11) smoky22 --------(swimmin')
12) skypine69 ------(swimmin')
13) Flyiguy
14) pilotgolfer
15) xcrjdriver
16) CalBuff
17) Kayman
18) Propblast
19) My Man Smith
20) PDXcheezhead

 

[Propblast]

Got my water wings on - I'm into the pool as well! Ditto the lifeguard/class info.

-PB

 

[PDXcheezhead]

One update to the list...

Congrats Propblast!!!

I, too, am IN!!! Woo Hoo.
Got a message at 3pm edt fri - called the lovely VK back at 4.

No new info that isn't posted here as far as pool/lyfegard/class dates go.
Ms. K said there are "roughly" 50 or so currently in the pool. We'll likely get 30 days notice and still be offered a choice of a/c. The 190 classes will certainly come around sooner. Pool is first in first out (first offered a choice anyway)

I am sooo pullin' for each one of you - hopefully a bunch of calls went out today. I look forward to buying each one of us on the list above a big cold barley-pop. Hang in there - the calls are coming!

It's good to be out of one limbo - into another (better) limbo


go smith, go smith, go smith....

 

[My Man SMITH!]

Congrats to the new guys. It's getting awfully hot out here hanging by the pool. I think I need to jump in and cool off! Got the call yesterday. Looks like we will be hanging in here for awhile. 190 classes full through July, no BUS til Nov or next year.

In the meantime, everyone join me at the pool bar, first rounds on me! :beer: For those who have yet to hear, hang in there, the call is definately worth waiting for! Best of luck. It feels great being BLUE! (well, almost)

 

[projectguy]

training format?

Congrats to all in, and out, of the pool. What is the training format for the 190/320? Do I understand correctly, there are 5 in a class? Are they formal classes or self-study, 5 6 or 7 days a week, how many weeks ground before sims, that kind of stuff.

Send more input....feeling (a little) blue.

ST

 

[2wheelz]

Hey guys,

Hello from MCO - congrats to all that have heard good news and good luck to those still waiting - it won't be much longer. There are nothing but positive vibes down here at the training center. Everyone is very optimistic about future growth and continued hiring. Although there's been a momentary slow down, 320's as well as 190's are going to continue to be delivered. The application to fly to Aruba beginning Sep 15 has been filed. There are many new Blue Cities on the horizon. According to Dave Barger at our orientation, the mid-west US is going to get to know jb very soon. He also said that jb has over 700 city pairs that the 190 business model will likely succeed. They are very pleased with the April and May numbers - the 190 is likely to be very profitable. Apparently the next class begins June 7th, and is only two 190 pilots. But after that, they've said a new class should start about every 2 weeks with approx five 190 pilots each. The training dept is tentatively planning on a bus class as soon as Aug 31. It sounds like there is going to be a lot of flying to do and a need for many more pilots. Keep the faith, you'll be down here in no time! Good luck!

 

[2wheelz]

re: Projectguy question

PG,

Regarding your question on the training format, our program has been pretty intense. From beginning to end, training lasts about 38 days. It is a structured groundschool which is supplemented by a lot of "home study" on your issued laptop. I'm not sure how they've been doing it in the 190, but in the 320, we've completed a program referred to as CPaT which covers ac systems. It took about 30-40 hours to complete and is done after class on your own time. The sooner you get it done, the better, because it only gets busier. After 2 weeks of Basic Indoc, there are 5 days that cover systems and get you in the FTD trainer. Systems class is fast and furious. The moral of the story: get as much as you can from the CPaT because systems class seems more like recurrent than initial. Everyone has been doing fine on their PC's, though, so it seems like the program works. One plus: our instructors so far have been awesome. They've been very knowlegeable and willing to stay late and answer questions. As for schedule, it is mostly a six-on, one-off "footprint". We did have one three day break after Indoc and a two day break coming up Tuesday. For those not very proficient with windows, it will help to start "pointing and clicking" now - this company is VERY wired. It's awesome, and I am thrilled to be here. Good luck to all. See you on line!

 

[Kayman]

Late to report

Got the call a while back.

Took the 190 in July

Finally got My O.A.D. under control and should be able to stop the meds by start of training.

See you all there.