jetBlue

[crjdude]

I realize this is the corporate section but I was wondering if any corporate guys were getting called for interviews at jetBlue?
If so would you mind sharing your qualifications?
Total time, equipment flown, education, etc......

If you're not comfortable posting this type of stuff please send me a pm.

I'm trying to get a realistic look at whether I'm competitive or not.

Thanks for any input.

crjdude

 

[Flywrite]

I remember reading an article somewhere not too long ago that mentioned that JetBlue likes a good mix of corporate folks. The article said that they like the way corporate pilots tend to be more customer focused than regional/military types.

 

[Gulfstream 200]

I know a few corp guys who interviwed w/Jetblue.

none had 121 experience, all were around your times/qualifications - if not less.

One out of 3 got hired. However, I dont think the others REALLY wanted the JB job as bad as the one who got on. Maybe it showed.

So...I guess, YES you are qualified!

Good Luck!

 

[JayDub]

CRJDude,

Yes, they still let some corporate guys in. For the most part they are mainly Gulfstream drivers, from what I have noticed. with that said, you stand a good chance as long as you are flying some glass. Mind you, this is only my opinion, and in no way official policy, or JetBlue's opinion.

You are going to find it to compare favorably with what you are doing now, especially if you are out for 6 or 7 days at a time in your present position. My profile is a little dated from what you are probably looking for, but I'll share it with you, if you'd like. Feel free to fire any more questions you have.

Take care.


JayDub

 

[Gulfstream 200]

humm...

all 3 I knew WERE gulfstream rated, now that I think about it..

I wonder what the deal is with that...I mean, a GIV is not the pillar of advanced avionics it was 20 years ago....

 

[crjdude]

JayDub and Gulfstream200,

Thanks for your responses to my questions. Sometimes I feel like I'm always a day late in this industry.

I'm currently flying a pretty advanced cockpit and really love it. I've been flying nothing but glass for over 4 years now.

Can you recommend ANYTHING that would make me standout from the crowd with jetBlue. I was told that as a corporate type pilot I basically only compete with other corporate pilots for an interview. Any truth to this? In your opinion what is the determining factor in getting called? Jet PIC?

Again thanks for your insight. I have enjoyed both of your posts for awhile.

crjdude

 

[Gulfstream 200]

well..

I cant help much more except that 2 of the 3 I knew were very strong Capt's with real PIC time. They didnt get hired...but again I dont think they wanted the job THAT bad, and I bet it showed. The third was never a PIC on anything (and for good reason) but he got hired....

so I cant see any rhyme or reason. Sounds like its based on personality to me.

 

[JayDub]

JayDub and Gulfstream200,

Thanks for your responses to my questions. Sometimes I feel like I'm always a day late in this industry.

I'm currently flying a pretty advanced cockpit and really love it. I've been flying nothing but glass for over 4 years now.

Can you recommend ANYTHING that would make me standout from the crowd with jetBlue. I was told that as a corporate type pilot I basically only compete with other corporate pilots for an interview. Any truth to this? In your opinion what is the determining factor in getting called? Jet PIC?

Again thanks for your insight. I have enjoyed both of your posts for awhile.

crjdude

CRJDude,

The short answer is; it changes daily. Every time someone new fills out an application, and it is accepted, that alters your chances. Yes, they have always tried to pull their applicants from different experience "pools". They do judge you against other corporate guys to get the interview. From there, it is all up to you.

The Gulfstream thing, I think, is just what is perceived as "heavy metal" from the corporate side. As long as they have plenty of those guys to choose from, why bother looking at folks with anything less. Gulfstream guys have seen lots of different situations, all over the world. For the most part, they have not been dissapointed with any of the GeeWhiz drivers that I know of.

I have no idea what to suggest for you. The only thing I can think is to run out to one of the job fairs and ask the folks filling the booth. They probably have a much better idea than I ever will.

Any chance someone you know has filled out the internal letter of recommendation for you? Have you tried looking up people you used to work with? Let me know where you have worked (in PM preferrably) and I'll try to help.

As a side note, this is exactly why I am a member of this forum. There are precious few guys from the corporate side of the fence that seem to be willing to help their bros with the transition. It's just not like the guys in the other disciplines making the jump. Hopefully we can change that.

I wonder what the deal is with that...I mean, a GIV is not the pillar of advanced avionics it was 20 years ago....

Neither is the Airbus. You can tell it is definately 1987's technology.

G-200 I'd love to know who the guys you know are. It'd be interesting to see if I'd run into them, or not. Take care.


JayDub

 

[Gulfstream 200]

well...I would never give names.

But you would rememeber them if you met.

 

[crjdude]

I understand jetBlue seems to like Gulfstream drivers. But does anyone have some hard numbers they can post of corporate guys they know that have been interviewed/hired by jetBlue?
I guess I'm mainly looking for total times, multi, jet,education,
# of LOR's, etc.....

Something I can gauge my actual chances against.

As always thanks for all this good information that gets posted here for free.

crjdude

 

[airbaker]

CRJDude,

I don't know if this will help, as my background is not pure corporate, (I'm a hybrid - corporate/major airline furloughee) but I just got hired and will be in the Jan 21st class. My times are as follows: 6900 tt, 4200 pic, 2100 pic turbine, 2600 jet, 3 types. 4 year degree, 5 letters of rec. (1 internal)

I've been flying an Excel for almost 2 years now, since the furlough. During my interview I actually spoke one-on-one with Dave Barger (Pres.). He mentioned that they really liked the corporate aviator, as they have a very ingrained sense of customer service. He also mentioned that they really liked corporate guys with heavy glass experience.

All in all, I was very humbled by the vast amount of experience in the interview group. It's definately a buyers market. Keep plugging away and updating (I updated every 2 weeks to show interest), and you'll get the call sooner than you think.

Best of luck!

 

[English]

airbaker,

Congrats on finally getting the class date!

 

[crjdude]

Thanks for the responses so far.

Any other corporate guys care to chime in?

Thanks.

 

[AKAAB]

I was corporate when I got hired in 2000. AS-Aviation Technology (PhD-School of Hard Knocks), JetStar PIC to meet the 1000 hrs in >41000lb mgtow (old requirements), and no Gulfstream time.

I think the defining factor was my passionate commitment to customer service and my sincere desire to help build JetBlue. My advice is to start thinking outside of the box and find a way to impress them with your desire to wear blue.

Good luck!

 

[AA717driver]

From what I've heard recently, your best chance to get hired is to have your schlong removed and start loading up on estrogen...

Apparently the HR people from UAL(circa 1990) have invaded JetBlue. TC

 

[airbaker]

Not trying to start a hiring debate (or attempt to defend UAL's hiring model under Nacy Stukey), but when I interviewed with jetBlue in Sept. there were 67 very qualified candidates (representing both genders); out of that total, maybe 5 were female. I met three of them and was impressed by not only their qualifications, but who they were as people. Funny thing is, one of the females was a United captain.....I'm pretty sure she was qualified.

Again, not trying to flame, but just wanted to defend the gals I met in September. None of them were 1000 hour wonders.

 

[JayDub]

Not to disputwe what AKAAB said, but a whole lot has changed as far as hiring goes since 2000 around here. With that said, go with his advice; show your commitment and something will eventually land for you.

I have had two female first officers here. The first I flew with was a classmate at the Air Force Academy of two guys I know that are working at Jetblue, and were hired at the same time. The other was a one tour P-3 first seat. Same as about three other guys I've flown with.

In short, if they are giving preference, I am sure not seeing it in their qualifications. They are getting hired at the same time and qualifications as their peers.

Respectfully,

JayDub