My last flight as a captain at Chautauqua Airlines came last night, June 18th, 2008. It was a bittersweet day for me, as I am very sentimental. With first officer Zach Izzie and flight attendant P.J. DeSantis, we flew from Columbus, Ohio (CMH) to New York (JFK) and back again.

I truly love my job, have enjoyed all 7 years and 8 months I’ve spent flying for Chautauqua, and will miss the flying, the people, and the short drive to work. Leaving a quality airline, with good seniority (I’m in the top 10% of the pilot seniority list) and the privileges that come from working for a U.S. airline make my move to Cathay Pacific somewhat of a risk. But, with any job change, especially with the airlines, there is always risk, it’s just a matter of how calculated is the risk and are the benefits of the risk worth it.

In my case, I feel the risks of leaving are worth it. Many of my friends who have left Chautauqua for major U.S. airlines are probably going to get into trouble, especially with high oil prices and potential mergers and liquidations. Taking that risk is too high for me to leave what good status I have at Chautauqua. I could only leave my current job for something that would be considered the best or a cream-of-the-crop airline. I feel Cathay is a member of that short list.

I hand in my Chautauqua I.D. badge today. Without that I.D., I can’t travel for free anymore, and I feel somewhat alone and nervous without it. Today, June 19th, I have no job and we have no insurance! Transitions are always uneasy, but I wait for my chance to join another group of pilots and start a new chapter in my book of flying days. So, the adventure begins.

We’ll see what happens . . . stay tuned.

To post comments and more, visit TobyLaura.com