WWW if you are tired of stating your point then why bother posting that remark? In fact, as moderator of the forum, why don't you close this thread or the entire forum down if you feel that way?
There are always going to be new guys asking questions on this forum who naturally don't have anywhere near the exposure to or longevity in the industry that you have. Don't you think it would be more mature to allow those who are willing to offer a modicum of encouragement to do so without weighting these threads with your persistent dismissal?
I sympathise with the original poster's position. Most of us have been there in the early stages of our careers. The majority of replies are regrettably true; I'd guess nothing is going to happen for you in employment for at least three years yet. It's a rotten time for an hours-builder or integrated / modular student.
As someone who used to interview pilots for a UK airline, I always rated currency of flying and a job in an aviation environment or similar as showing willingness to persevere. Among important other factors, this deserved reward of a job but it was entirely dependant on what kind of pilot we needed at the time (fast track command or shortage of FOs etc.) Believe me it was not always prudent for us in what was a turboprop company to hire redundant medium jet pilots for example as their potential length of service was unlikely to be relied upon as worthwhile; however in some circumstances hiring them had obvious other benefits. Please also don't be overwhelmed in to thinking all turboprop airlines "prefer" flying instructors. Some years ago I recall the Chief Pilot and I passing over two FIs in favour of someone with less hours who actually flunked many of the technical questions but acted maturely and honourably at the close of interview. He was hired on the basis of his compliant and engaging personality and went on to shine as a First Officer. It's not critical to answer the tech questions correctly to succeed at interview!
If you have a logbook of adventurous cross country IMC flying or para dropping each of these carry their own merits. Bar those companies that stipulate a minimum, there is also more to hiring a new recruit than how many hours he has. Personality, appearance and life experience are also considered in the interview environment. Also, we considered integrated as well as modular trained pilots without bias. Each can carry their own benefits that I have observed over the years, but I digress..
MP mentions trying to find an aircraft operator that would appreciate a safety pilot; even if it's a light piston twin with its owner or a King Air or similar, doing some voluntary work like this is good advice. It keeps your awareness up and broadens your experience, even if you aren't able to log most of it. And having re-read your post Neil, yes... get a job at EMA doing anything aviation related. You may find you work your way around several companies locally as your face gets known. When I was 21 I was pulling pints and doing forestry work. Futile on reflection.
Keep your online applications to the various companies updated. The next few years will be unhappy for you if you are focussed purely on achieving a flying job; have a go at seeking work in airline Operations or handling agent dispatching; each have their benefits of keeping your face in the game and you will gain good knowledge of how airlines work, not least keep your dream alive. Start to get real that nothing is going to happen for a few years and the dream is more likely to come true. Get on with your life positively in the meantime, don't fall in to the trap of feeling sorry for yourself and revive this thread and shout it from the rooftops when you eventually get that job!
Last edited by Kiltie; 20th Aug 2009 at 18:01.