Gateway RTP

US military rotary wing aviators have proven technical and leadership abilities and can land first officer status via a prescribed training program to develop airline and fixed-wing experience.

Ryan Roche | SkyWarrior graduate | Manager Pilot Engagement and Development, MCO A320 First Officer

 
 
 

Supporting those who’ve dedicated themselves to serving others.

We recognize the valuable skillsets US military-trained rotary wing aviators already have and built the Gateway Rotor Transition Program (RTP) to provide veterans a pathway to take their unique experiences from both in and out of the flight deck and bring them to JetBlue.

Gateway RTP optimizes training by offering required fixed-wing instruction and time building along with a crafted transition program that will provide candidates with information on Part 121 operations as well as JetBlue procedures and philosophy. Along the way they will be trained and guided by pilots with prior military rotary wing experience, current JetBlue instructors, and mentors from the airline.

Gateway RTP allows successful candidates direct entry to JetBlue as first officer new hires once they complete both the FAA and specified requirements of JetBlue. At that time, the successful candidate will participate in the same orientation and six-week training program that all first officers complete.

 
 

HOW IT WORKS

The path to first officer via Gateway RTP.

 
 
 
 

  • Apply and be selected.

    Apply and be accepted as a Gateway RTP cadet and earn a conditional job offer for a position as a JetBlue first officer.

  • Study and train.

    Successfully complete all program training elements:

    • Intro to JetBlue, SkyWarrior and flying.

    • Primary Training: Private pilot through Commercial Multi-engine Certificate.

    • Jet Transition Course at JetBlue University; ATP/CTP course completion.

    • Continuous Training: JetBlue Transition Academics during final 100 hours at SkyWarrior prior to Jet Transition Course

  • Transfer experience.

    While at SkyWarrior, portions of the training will focus on Part 121 aviation and specific JetBlue operations. Learn from former military rotary wing instructors from JetBlue on specific skills transfer, technology application and philosophy differences.

    These blocks are designed to ensure successful candidates arrive at JetBlue University with a clear foundation that puts their prior experience to work for them.

  • JetBlue onboarding.

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

 

Eligibility requirements.

All applicants must:

  • Be separated, retired, or inactive status with honorable discharge orders or within 12 months of separation, retirement or inactive status within the US Armed Forces and pending honorable discharge orders

  • Be at least 23 years old when eligible to join JetBlue as a first officer

  • Be able to obtain and maintain a First-Class Medical Certificate

  • Successfully complete and pass all elements of the selection process

  • Be able to obtain a valid passport with the ability to travel in and out of the United States by the end of training

  • Be able to demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English.

  • Pass a ten (10) year background check and pre-employment drug test prior to hire

  • Be legally eligible to work in the United States

  • Have authorization to work in the US as the position is not eligible for visa sponsorship,

  • Have completed training in an approved US military flight training program and designated as Pilot by such program

  • Have a minimum of 750 hours total flight time logged as a pilot (including military rotary wing time) without any sortie conversion or military-to-civilian conversion formula for totaling time

  • Have 3 letters of recommendation attesting to airmanship, decision-making and leadership as demonstrated during time in service and in the role of Pilot

 

Financial Information.

The total cost of Gateway RTP varies based on the experience level and total flight time needed to meet the minimum requirements. Estimates range from $25,000 to $65,000, however these specifics are detailed out in a customized estimate during the application and selection process. JetBlue’s partner school is a vendor for multiple financing options with payment deferrals well into your time at JetBlue rather than during your transition training. Our partner school is also certified to accept various forms of government funding, including GI Bill and other vocational payment programs through the Veterans Affairs and DoD.

 

Gateway RTP partner.

SkyWarrior Flight Training LLC is a highly respected leader in the industry, a pioneer for many programs, and the provider of choice for the US Navy’s  Naval Introductory Flight Evaluation program. Located in Pensacola Florida, SkyWarrior was built on the foundation of doing training the right way with safety always at the forefront of every operation. Since 2017, SkyWarrior has trained and assisted over 600 military rotary wing pilots in their transition to commercial airline operations.

Unique to Gateways RTP, pilots in the program at SkyWarrior will receive JetBlue specific training from JetBlue crewmembers with military rotary wing experience, in addition to standard fixed-wing experience per the FAA guidelines. SkyWarrior has an in-house advantage that’s undeniable and the record to prove it. With over 20 staff and A&P/IA mechanics supporting the flight school and Rotor Transition Program, aircraft downtime is at a minimum, which means the efficiency of your training is at a maximum. SkyWarrior Avionics is also an FAA approved Part 145 repair station, authorized to repair all of their fleet’s components. This means better technology, integrated Avionics and a more standardized flight deck to streamline your training from event to event.

Training with SkyWarrior happens at one of the most desirable vacation sites in the world and the home of Naval Aviation and the United States Navy Blue Angels. From the rich history along the beach to the museums at the Naval Air Station, Pensacola boasts a history and beauty that is hard to beat. The flying is amazing and for many military veterans it could be a return to the very airspace where they started their career.

 
 

 HOW TO APPLY

Land your dream job with Gateway RTP.

 
 

  • Step 1

    Submit an application during the designated period.

  • Step 2

    Your application will be reviewed by program specialists.

  • Step 3

    If you’re selected to move forward, you’ll be invited to meet with the JetBlue team for a series of interviews.

  • Step 4

    If you are selected for the program, you will receive a JetBlue First Officer conditional job offer! You will then 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.