Building hours, what's next?

[spudskier]

Ok, so I'm not there yet, but by the time I graduate college I'll have 300-350 hours, my ppl, Commercial, and my multi instrument rating with an option for CFI (not sure if I want that or not... thus this question)


for those of you in the airlines flying towards their dream or already flying their dream, what route did you take (if civilian) after getting most of your ratings? Did you get your CFI or do something else, and what was that? Obviously you did something to build hours.... how did you build yours? Should I look into loans for one of those academys that get you your ATP? and bypass the instruction, cargo, etc...


I honestly wouldn't mind avoiding being an instructor, but I'd do it if I need to. (kinda scares me to have someone's training in my hands!) I'm not there yet still working on some of my ratings, but just looking ahead.

[TALUFTEN]

Spuds, there's an old saying "you don't really
know something until you can teach it.", and
it applies to your dilemna. Become a CFI and
do it for a year but don't instruct at just any
school logging single-engine time....get into
an FBO that operates multi-engine aircraft
only. Check out www.acceleratedflight.com
Heard good things about it. Arizona wx etc.
Instructing reinforces the lessons learned
during your flight training and it also allows
you to develop confidence in your newly
acquired skills as an aviator. Besides, it's
a right of passage akin to the 1-year
internship that ALL newly minted medical
school graduates have to complete prior
to embarking upon a 4-year residency
(regional airline stint).
Whatever you do AVOID those PFT
(pay for training/time) programs like
advertised at Gulfstream Airlines. Costs
a lot and no guarantees of a job at the end.
If curious go to www.gulfstreamacademy.com
Good Luck