FI Jobs: Worth it?
Jamestkirk,
I understand your dilemma. I was in pretty much the same position in Dec 03, having held the fATPL for 6 months with no job prospects at all. I was sceptical about the FI route as having graduated from a very well known UK flight academy where only large shiny jets are discussed, I was a little brainwashed. However I bit the bullet and spent the cash on an FI rating and was fortunate to walk into an excellent FI job. Gained over 400 hours in 6 months and enjoyed every minute of it. I firmly believe that the flying experience gained as well as the contacts made during instructing, helped me secure the FO job I've now got.
The important thing is, if you can, secure an FI job at a location where you'll get noticed and not at some tiny airfield in darkest suffolk. I've heard that it has not been unknown for Flt Ops directors of turboprop operators to trawl local flying schools for instructors when they are desperate, and that situation is occuring now. The market is fairly bouyant and FI's that I know are receiving more than one job offer.
Besides, the FI course is a hoot - really enjoyable after the stress of the IR. Good luck!