JetBlue Announces Flight School That Requires No Past Flying Experience

If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a pilot, but aren’t sure what steps you need to take to get there, JetBlue may be able to help.

JetBlue recently made an announcement about Gateway Select, a competitive flight school program. What’s unique about this program? It requires no flying experience.

Warren Christie, senior vice president of Safety, Security and Training at JetBlue told CNN, “One of the goals is to remove the barriers for those who aspire to be a pilot, but don’t have a pathway to get there.”

The training is sequenced into a multi-phase, four-year program: core academics and flying skills, basic flying skills, Private Pilot’s License (PPL) module, intermediate training, advanced training and Abridge course.

Students can expect that the program, “will optimize the training of prospective airline pilots by offering early exposure to multi-crew/multi-engine operations, full motion simulator training, crew resource management, and threat and error management.”

Once candidates successfully complete the course including a 1,500 FAA flight requirement, they will be hired by JetBlue.

If you know someone interested, encourage them to apply on JetBlue’s website. Applicants have to submit an essay on why they want to be considered for the program.

Some requirements, as listed on the Jet Blue website:

• Must be 23 years old by the completion of the approximate 4-year program.
• Must have a high school diploma or GED. College degree preferred.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a First-Class Medical Certificate

Eligible candidates will then have to go through tests like critical thinking, spacial orientation, and hand-eye coordination.

The cost to complete the program is approximately $125,000.00. Tech Insider reports that 24 spots are available and applications will close in August.

Photo by saaby