Pros
It seems like Chautauqua is always hiring, even when everyone else is laying folks off. There are some truly dedicated individuals who carry the entire organization. The CEO, Bryan Bedford, really is a great guy and a brilliant visionary. But size matters, and the company is getting pretty large, thus his direct impact is sometimes diminished. Our pilots are very well trained and there are some stellar mechanics with the company, but like I said, a few really talented people are carrying the entire company.
Cons
Upper management on the maintenance side have absolutely no credentials other than hanging around for enough years to be promoted. No people, organization, or operations management skills are required or even encouraged. Individuals that screw up majorly are regularly rewarded with day shift positions or supervisor jobs. Wages are low, as it is a regional airline, and dedication is completely unappreciated. At regional pay rates everyone is disposable. It is truly sad, considering what is on the line every time a plane full of passengers takes off. Benefits are available but really expensive for the first couple of years. Dishonesty, collusion, discrimination, and just all around slimy individuals are the unfortunate norm. Most employees are constantly on the look out for a "better" job.