Gateway Rotor Transition Program Opens to Transition US Military Helo Pilots to Company

JetBlue has opened up its 8th program under the "Gateway" series of initiatives, this time taking aim at military pilots of rotary-wing aircraft as a base of future company pilots.

The Gateway Rotor Transition Program offers a "prescribed talent pathway" for trained military helo personnel, allowing them to "transition their existing expertise as helicopter pilots and acquire the necessary skills and certifications needed to join JetBlue as a first officer." Accepted candidates obtain a conditional job offer prior to beginning their focused Rotor Transition Program, eventually proceeding directly into the jetway as a newly minted First Officer (trainee) after completing their syllabus and experiential requirements.

In order to facilitate the training process, the company partnered with SkyWarrior Flight Training of Pensacola Florida. The school will allow pilots to be "immersed into JetBlue procedures, philosophy and operations." The program is open for business already, with JetBlue looking to "immediately fill a limited number of spots in the first Gateway RTP class to start in fall 2023." Expecting success, the company says it plans to scale up the program in the future.

“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 U.S. military rotary wing aviators the additional skills and certifications necessary to bring their professional experience and technical abilities to JetBlue.”

“Training military pilots is at the foundational core of SkyWarrior’s business, and the Rotor Transition Program is one of the most satisfying training models we have been a part of. It is a privilege to work with such professional pilots and help bridge the gap to propel them into a new career…. It’s just really something special to be a part of,” said Gregory Sigler, vice president of SkyWarrior. “We started our first RTP program in 2017 and it is just unbelievable to see so many of our former students living their dream as professional airline pilots. These former service members and their families have sacrificed so much, it is just an honor to be the vehicle that propels them to the next step in their aviation journey.”

FMI: www.jetbluegateways.com/rtp-flight-ops