FAQs.

 

General FAQs.

How are candidates chosen for JetBlue Gateways?

Each program has a specific application and selection process that all interested candidates must complete to be selected.

Who can I ask if I have questions or need help during the program?

Accepted candidates are paired with a JetBlue mentor to guide them through the process and help them reach their goal of becoming a JetBlue pilot or maintenance technician. The JetBlue Gateway team supports candidates during every phase of the program. Contact them at JetBlueGateways@jetblue.com.

Am I guaranteed a job at JetBlue if I’m accepted into a Gateway ?

Candidates selected for a JetBlue Gateway will earn a conditional job offer for a position as a first officer or maintenance technician at JetBlue. The pilot must complete certain requirements for that job offer to remain valid, including but not limited to: the program requirements, plus successfully passing a criminal background check, drug test, PRIA review, and final review by the Pilot Hiring Committee (for pilots). If all requirements are met, the student will come to JetBlue as a first officer or maintenance technician at the completion of their program.

Can I apply to a JetBlue Gateway if I'm already or plan to be a part of an another airline's pathway program? 

The expectation is that anyone in a JetBlue Gateway is not already enrolled or planning to enroll in another airline pathway program. We believe that anyone who is accepted into a Gateway is committed to completing our program requirements and plans to join JetBlue as a pilot or technician.

Who will my mentor be?

Mentors will be current JetBlue pilots or maintenance technicians who joined JetBlue through one of our Gateways and/or are familiar with the programs.

Gateway University—Flight Ops

 

  • Requirements include graduating from a partner school, flight instruction at a partner school for 500 hours of dual given, and time/experience at a partner airline. The Gateways team and your mentor will help guide you through every step of the process. 

  • The program length can be 4-6 years, depending on when a candidate is accepted. During that time, the student will graduate from the AABI-accredited partner college/university, work as a Certified Flight Instructor at the student’s university, and then complete the time-building requirements at a partner airline.

 Gateway Select—Flight Ops

 

  • Gateway Select is a unique opportunity to complete all phases of primary pilot training and additional “airline preparation” training in connection with JetBlue. Candidates accepted into Gateway Select earn a conditional job offer for employment as first officers after successful completion of the program. 

  • Gateway Select takes approximately 3.5 years to complete. 

  • Applicants must be 23 years old to obtain an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate—required of pilots at carriers like JetBlue. Alll program candidates must be able to meet this age requirement by the end of the 3.5-year long program. 

  • The FAA requires pilots to be under the age of 65 to fly for an air carrier operated under FAR 121 (such as JetBlue). The program is open to anyone that meets this federally mandated requirement.  

  • No—a high school diploma or GED is the only educational requirement. 

  • Under current U.S. law, there are no appropriate employee-based visa categories that permit JetBlue to offer immigration-related sponsorship for this position. 

  • Gateway Select is specifically designed to train candidates with little or no flight experience. Therefore, any applicant who has progressed beyond earning a private pilot certificate will not be eligible for the program.

    All trainees are required to start from the beginning of training, with no waivers for any modules or cost reductions for the program. That’s why we generally recommend different programs for someone who’s achieved certification beyond the private pilot certificate.

  • There is no fee to apply — however, applicants that progress to the assessment phase must pay a fee of $116 to cover the cost of assessment. 

  • Detailed results are not released, but candidates will be notified whether they’ll move forward in the application process. 

  • Tuition for the Gateway Select training partner in Pensacola, Florida is approximately $120,000. This does not include housing or stipends which would be discussed directly with the training partner.

  • Tuition and fees cover all training events and necessary supplies (iPad, flight manuals, etc.). Accommodations and meal stipends are separately offered by the flight training partner in Pensacola, FL and may be discussed directly with them.

  • Financing options, including lending partners, GI Bill and VA benefits are available through the flight training partner. Options and eligibility can be discussed directly with them.

  • GI Bill or VA benefits are available through the flight training partner. Accepted candidates can discuss eligibility and options directly with the training partner.

  • Candidates chosen for Gateway Select, will receive a conditional offer of employment from JetBlue, valid upon successful completion of the full length of the program. Accepted candidates coordinate with the Gateway Team and the flight training partner to complete the enrollment process.

  • Yes—This program is a full-time commitment, and all participants must relocate to the training facility in Pensacola, Florida.

  • While training in Pensacola, FL, Gateway Select pilots will fly Diamond aircraft along with simulator training with the training partner and JetBlue.

    Pilots who have completed the Gateway Select training and transitioned to JetBlue as a first officer will bid for aircraft in new hire training the same way as any other new hire pilot. JetBlue’s fleet includes the Airbus A320/A321 and Airbus A220.

  • Training partner staff, instructors, and other on-site resources are available for those training or flight instructing in Pensacola. Developing pilots will also stay in regular contact with the JetBlue Gateways Team who can offer support. Finally, everyone accepted into Gateway Select is paired with a JetBlue pilot mentor who can offer guidance, support and assistance throughout their time in the program.

  • Before the first day of employment as a pilot with JetBlue, Gateway Select candidates will meet all of the FAA's regulatory requirements for an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate without restriction, including 1,500 hours of total flight time.

  • No—Trainees who successfully complete the program will earn an ATP without restriction.

  • Yes. While the Gateways team and mentors are there to support and offer guidance, candidates are expected to maintain satisfactory progress and successfully complete the required training and program requirements. If a candidate is not meeting the program standards, their program status will be reviewed, and they may be separated.

  • Please submit the contact form on this website with your questions, and we will answer them as soon as we can.