JetBlue has announced the launch of a new pilot training pathway for US military-trained rotary wing aviators to join their commercial flightdecks.
The Gateway Rotor Transition Program (RTP) establishes a prescribed talent pathway for applicants to transition their existing expertise as helicopter pilots and acquire the necessary skills and certifications needed to join the carrier as a first officer.
Accepted candidates will receive a conditional job offer prior to beginning their focused Rotor Transition Program.
After completing all regulatory FAA requirements and syllabus of both flight lessons and ground school developed for Gateway RTP, candidates will proceed directly to JetBlue as a first officer new hire trainee.
The airline has partnered with SkyWarrior Flight Training LLC in Pensacola, Florida to offer this customised training programme.
JetBlue pilot training
In addition to SkyWarrior’s established commercial, instrument, multi-engine and Air Transport Pilot training, pilots will be immersed into company procedures, philosophy and operations from JetBlue pilots with prior military rotary wing experience as well as current instructors and mentors from the airline.
The carrier is seeking to fill a limited number of spots in the first Gateway RTP class to start in fall 2023. The airline looks forward to scaling the programme in the future, bringing more veterans into the company.
“We’re incredibly proud to support our veterans, both customers and crewmembers alike,” said Warren Christie, head of safety, security, fleet operations, airports, and JetBlue University, JetBlue.
“With Gateway RTP, we will provide these accomplished US military rotary wing aviators the additional skills and certifications necessary to bring their professional experience and technical abilities to JetBlue”
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