A pilot fired from Cathay Pacific Airlines says he wore his former employer’s uniform and badge to bypass security at Honolulu International Airport.

Joshu Osmanski pleaded guilty Friday in federal court to unlawfully entering the secure area of an airport.

He says he wore the Cathay Pacific uniform and badge months after he was terminated from his job so that he could “cut the line” and not have to take off his shoes during airport security screening. He says he was traveling to a new job with another company.

Defense attorney Birney Bervar says Osmanski is now a student at Tulane University in New Orleans studying dentistry.

Osmanski faces a maximum of 10 years in prison when he’s sentenced in February. He also faces a maximum fine of $250,000.