Gateway Direct—Flight Ops

Current crewmembers can depart on a prescribed college education, training and time-building pathway with a partner school and airline to become a JetBlue pilot.

Hilary Gwinn | Current Gateway Direct Student

 
 
 
 

Our most direct route to first officer.

The JetBlue Gateway Direct-Flight Ops program offers selected crewmembers a defined pathway to becoming a first officer. By mirroring the selection process used for our Gateway Select program and ensuring financing is available, we’re able to cast a wide net with our candidate pool and make this program accessible to an even broader array of qualified candidates.

 
 

HOW IT WORKS

The path to first officer via Gateway Direct.

 
 
 
 

  • Apply and be selected.

    • Apply and be accepted as a Gateway Direct student and earn a conditional job offer for a position as a JetBlue first officer.

  • Study and train.

    • Attend Aviator College in Ft. Pierce, FL to earn an associate of science (AS) degree and all certificate ratings.

  • Gain experience.

    • Work as a flight instructor at Aviator College while a student; upon graduation work as a flight instructor at an approved flight school before joining a partner or Part 121 airlin

    • Fly for Cape Air, JSX, Tradewind Aviation or a Part 121 regional carrier to meet the flight time requirements and complete your full commitment with the carrier (as applicable).

    • Attend the jet transition course (as applicable).

  • JetBlue onboarding.

    • Successfully complete all requirements to become a JetBlue first officer, including but not limited to: background check, drug/alcohol testing, PRIA review and Pilot Hiring Committee final approval.

Eligibility requirements.

All candidates must: 

  • Must be in active status and have been a crewmember for at least one (1) year

  • Must successfully complete all required/applicable assessments.

  • Must upload First Class Medical Certificate at time of application

  • Must upload a U.S. passport or a U.S. permanent residence card with foreign passport and applicable visas to freely enter and exit, without restrictions to all destinations.

  • Must be able to submit an official copy of high school transcript or proof of GED to partner school if/when accepted

  • Must successfully complete the entire selection process, including application and interview

  • Must be in good standing and remain in good standing (not on any form of progressive guidance) throughout the duration of the program.

  • Upon completion of program, must have the ability to meet all requirements in the Pilot Trainee requisition upon return to JetBlue.

 

Financial information.

Federal funding is available as loans and grants, and additional funding options will also be available to cover any remaining costs of the program. Our goal is for funding not to be an obstacle to those selected to join the program.

 

 HOW TO APPLY

Land your dream job with Gateway Direct.

 
 

  • Step 1

    Submit an application and all supporting documentation during the designated period. Details will be provided upon submission of the application.

  • Step 2

    If you’re selected to move forward, you’ll receive an invitation to take an assessment.

  • Step 3

    Take the online assessment from any location of your choosing with a working internet connection.

  • Step 4

    If you’re selected to move forward based on your assessment results, you'll be invited to meet with the JetBlue team for a series of interviews, then further testing.

  • Step 5

    If you’re selected for the program, you’ll work with the talent acquisition team and JetBlue Gateways team to schedule your class date and prepare for the beginning of training.

Get in touch.

Have a question that isn’t answered on the Gateway program pages or in our FAQ? Use the form to contact the Gateways team.

Please note: This form does not constitute an application and does not enable email updates.