Jet2 Hold Pool
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 991
Likes: 128
From: big green wheely bin
CU is a lottery, goalposts changed in the last year or 2, now need all 4's or above in sims leading up to getting approved to join the program. Problem with that is some TRE's seldom give 4's, others give them liberally, standardisation is not their strong point so sim grading is down to the TRE on the day. One may be forgiving of a minor faux par, another might mark you down for it and you only need 1 x 3 to throw a spanner in the works.
That said, if you were in the RAF, then you're in. Once in the program you will see just how unstandardised the process is, some guys getting very simple issues on their command assessment sims, others getting fully loaded and set up to fail.
Ultimately if your BTRE & PBM like you then you should be alright and they can overrule a 3 in order to move you on. If not or you are unsure where you stand with them then it will be made abundantly clear by how difficult it is made for you.
There are some things in Jet2 that are good. The command upgrade process is not one of them.
That said, if you were in the RAF, then you're in. Once in the program you will see just how unstandardised the process is, some guys getting very simple issues on their command assessment sims, others getting fully loaded and set up to fail.
Ultimately if your BTRE & PBM like you then you should be alright and they can overrule a 3 in order to move you on. If not or you are unsure where you stand with them then it will be made abundantly clear by how difficult it is made for you.
There are some things in Jet2 that are good. The command upgrade process is not one of them.
It did recently change, but you don’t need 4s on your sim reports. They are taken as a whole, with your other reports and with input from the BTRE and PBM to get an overall picture of the candidate.
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: UK
Nope - thankfully I haven't fallen foul of this.
However, just because it didn't happen to you or I doesn't mean it's not happening. Like I said, if you're liked by your base management you'll be fine. If you've been brave enough to speak up about anything or don't quite fit the J2 mould then forget it.
However, just because it didn't happen to you or I doesn't mean it's not happening. Like I said, if you're liked by your base management you'll be fine. If you've been brave enough to speak up about anything or don't quite fit the J2 mould then forget it.
Gender Faculty Specialist
Joined: Mar 2002
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 2,325
Likes: 432
From: In your head.
No , that's just not true.
Perhaps if you're a bit of a dick then you won't get a look in, which is fair enough, but on the whole there's a broad range of people who have, even recently, passed the command upgrade and none of them, certainly at my base, are particularly "Jet2" or yes men.
Perhaps if you're a bit of a dick then you won't get a look in, which is fair enough, but on the whole there's a broad range of people who have, even recently, passed the command upgrade and none of them, certainly at my base, are particularly "Jet2" or yes men.
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 887
Likes: 131
From: Location, Location
Nope - thankfully I haven't fallen foul of this.
However, just because it didn't happen to you or I doesn't mean it's not happening. Like I said, if you're liked by your base management you'll be fine. If you've been brave enough to speak up about anything or don't quite fit the J2 mould then forget it.
However, just because it didn't happen to you or I doesn't mean it's not happening. Like I said, if you're liked by your base management you'll be fine. If you've been brave enough to speak up about anything or don't quite fit the J2 mould then forget it.
If speaking out in a particular way suggests you may display poor leadership and teamwork skills as a commander, then it’s probably a good thing to pause somebody’s progress, no!?
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 29
Likes: 1
From: Ireland
I have a current wide body Boeing rating, my 737 has lapsed but still within 3 years so would only need a few Sims, a check and apply to CAA. Should I apply to the non type rated position or type rated? Or is there any difference apart from two piles next to each other?
Also would this be seen as a obstacle for their training department? As in should I go and renew my 737 at an ATO myself or is that overboard?
Also would this be seen as a obstacle for their training department? As in should I go and renew my 737 at an ATO myself or is that overboard?
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 100
Likes: 122
From: UK
I have a current wide body Boeing rating, my 737 has lapsed but still within 3 years so would only need a few Sims, a check and apply to CAA. Should I apply to the non type rated position or type rated? Or is there any difference apart from two piles next to each other?
Also would this be seen as a obstacle for their training department? As in should I go and renew my 737 at an ATO myself or is that overboard?
Also would this be seen as a obstacle for their training department? As in should I go and renew my 737 at an ATO myself or is that overboard?
Joined: Apr 2010
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 400
Likes: 17
From: Utopia
I echo the above. Apply as type rated. You are just expired, and as it’s less than three years, the OCC should more than satisfy the recency requirements for your type rating renewal.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 887
Likes: 131
From: Location, Location
Type rated is good, but the TMs may decide that you need more than an OCC even if you're not far out of recency. It's tailored to your scores on the sim assessment.
Joined: Sep 2006
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 682
Likes: 16
From: Out of a bag
What issues are you referring to that people have been ‘brave enough’ to speak up about? I’ve voiced my opinion on any issues during my time here in a professional manner and have never been held back in anything.
If speaking out in a particular way suggests you may display poor leadership and teamwork skills as a commander, then it’s probably a good thing to pause somebody’s progress, no!?
If speaking out in a particular way suggests you may display poor leadership and teamwork skills as a commander, then it’s probably a good thing to pause somebody’s progress, no!?
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 887
Likes: 131
From: Location, Location
However, I think you're right that many FOs won't want to stick their head above the parapet approaching command. But this is the case in every airline I've worked for. The job market is good for pilots at the moment, so there's nothing to stop anyone seeing if the grass really is greener on the other side.
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: London
Heya,
Anyone have done the j2 assessment for direct entry A320 FO recently....
For A320 rated guys, whats the waiting time in the holding pool, did you get a job offer and course start date in early 2026.... any advice would be highly appreciated.
Best Regards,
Anyone have done the j2 assessment for direct entry A320 FO recently....
For A320 rated guys, whats the waiting time in the holding pool, did you get a job offer and course start date in early 2026.... any advice would be highly appreciated.
Best Regards,
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: London
As far as I know, Glasgow Airbus courses got cancelled....looks like London base(s) are geting more airbus.
I have done the assessment in Sept. Beginning of Nov, I got a phone call, told passed the assessment, no update since. Hopefully some update in Jan/Feb 2026.
I have done the assessment in Sept. Beginning of Nov, I got a phone call, told passed the assessment, no update since. Hopefully some update in Jan/Feb 2026.
Last edited by dt354nds; 7th December 2025 at 16:13.
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 887
Likes: 131
From: Location, Location
Any FO meeting the required hours for command could probably get a quick transition to the left seat at LGW, I imagine. That is of course, unless the Ts and Cs change enough to attract Airbus captains from EZY and WIZZ. Interesting to see how that pans out over the next few months.