FAQs.

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. 

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

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

Gateway Select takes approximately 3.5 years to complete. 

No—however, applicants that progress to the assessment phase must pay a $160 fee for the cost of assessment. 

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

Yes—however, Select is specifically designed to train candidates with no flight experience. 

All are welcome to apply for the program, regardless of previous flight experience. However, 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 that this program might not be the right choice for someone who’s achieved certification beyond the private pilot certificate.

Applicants must be 23 years old to obtain an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate—required of pilots at carriers like JetBlue. Accordingly, candidates must be 20 years old when they start the program—so they’ll reach the FAA mandated age of 23 by the time they’re ready to be tested for the ATP.

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.  

We have identified lending partners that are able to provide funding for the full cost of the program (depending on eligibility).

Payments are due during the first year in training in four (unequal) installments at the beginning of each training phase. When trainees become flight instructors, they’ll be salaried employees of our partner, CAE.

We’re in the process of getting the program approved for GI Bill funding—more details on this when they become available.

Your tuition and fees cover all training events and necessary supplies (iPad, flight manuals, etc.). You also have the option to utilize CAE accommodations for lodging during the first year while in training at an additional cost. If you’re taking out a loan to pay for the program, you can borrow money for tuition/fees, accommodations, and also an optional food stipend that’s available during the first year while in training at CAE.

When you’re chosen for Gateway Select, JetBlue will extend a conditional offer of employment valid upon successful completion of the full length of the program. Then you’ll coordinate with the Gateway Team and CAE to complete the enrollment process. This includes securing financing, obtaining a first class medical certificate, signing the program Training Services Agreement, and finalizing other elements required before your start date. We offer three separate start dates each year: February, June and October (subject to change, with notice). Although you’ll have the ability to provide your preference, your training class date is ultimately determined by JetBlue based on availability, space and other elements. 

We’re happy to help coordinate a visit to the CAE facility near Phoenix, AZ for accepted candidates upon request.

All training for Gateway Select is completed at the CAE facility near Phoenix, AZ. No other training locations are available.

Yes—This program is a full-time commitment, and all participants must relocate to the CAE facility near Phoenix, AZ.

The CAE staff and instructors are always available to you. The JetBlue Gateways Team will also be in regular communication and can offer support. Finally, you’ll be paired with a JetBlue pilot mentor who can offer guidance, support and assistance throughout your time in the program.

Your training contract with CAE will stipulate that first-attempt check-rides are included with your tuition, as well as some remedial training. Any training required above and beyond that is your financial responsibility.

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.

We want all Gateway Select cadets to be successful in the program, and both CAE and JetBlue will do what we can to ensure that.  However, in certain situations it may be deemed necessary to separate a cadet from the program. JetBlue and CAE work closely in these situations, with JetBlue flight ops leadership making the ultimate decision. Note that tuition for Select is paid in installments. If you’re not successful in completing training, you’re not required to make any further payments, and any milestones or certificates you’ve earned along the way are yours to keep. However, you won’t receive reimbursement for payments made up until the time you exit the program. You’ll also be fully responsible for paying back any loans you’ve taken to cover the cost of training.

Gateway Select pilots will bid for their aircraft in new hire training the same way as any other new hire pilot. Right now the JetBlue fleet includes the Embraer E190, Airbus A320/A321 and Airbus A220.

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