As they say “Whatever floats your boat” Way back when, when I was half the weight and had more hair, buddy of mine, were both expats, many time zones away from home. You know… bills to be paid, and what not, during massive layoffs after 9/11. We were pushing about 900 hours a year, back in the day.

We both came back to the states in 2016. He went on to a new career flying PC12s, and I to a 121 cargo carrier, combination desk job and pilot. Just before 65, I matriculated to the 142 world as a business jet instructor/TCE/SEF. Yeah, I had some ferry trips until COVID and MCAS put the skids on that. In 2018, my friend went on to a 135 operation flying small then transitioned into medium/large size cabin class business jets. Sometimes 2 legs to 6 legs a day. Sometimes with eager and less than eager F/Os. Just not my cup of tea.

Well we are just about a week and a few days from the 31st. He put a few more thousand hours in his logbook, and me? I guess less than 300. I’m with a 142 operations and he’s gonna hang up the goggles on his Christmas tree when he gets home. He loved every minute of the 135 operation he’s with… and wouldn’t change a dang thing. Same with me. Our own cup of tea, I guess.

I don’t judge, nor give advice… especially when it’s unsolicited. We are capable of making our own choices.. retire or embark on a different path. Some have a passion to fly regardless of age, jets or PA-18’s. Some are happy to be home, every night, in the same time zone and some well you got the picture. Live and let live folks…. That’s my unsolicited advice.

Happy Holidays and a Healthy New Year.