When to start the conversion?
Disclaimer: I fully understand that trying to predict the pilot job market is akin to staring into the crystal ball...
I am a Brit Abroad (US and A) with a complement of FAA ratings. I am currently working as an instructor, and I'm logging around 70hrs of Single Engine Piston time per month, and I have around 615hrs.
I have the intention of returning to Blighty at some point to pursue an airline job, but I am not sure when I should start the conversion process.
In the states you can start flying boxes at 1200hrs, which is probably my next job goal and is approximately 5 months away at my current rate. I would probably do that for 6 months to a year and then start looking at regional airline jobs to start building some multi engine turbine time, I will do the regional thing until I have a minimum of 500hrs of MCC time.
I would estimate that it would take me 6 - 12 months to study for and pass the ATPL writtens whilst working full time, then 1 month to pass the CPL ME IR skills tests.
So my question is: When do you think it would be wise to start the conversion, based on the fact it is going to take a year or so to be qualified?
Second question: At ~2000hrs TT, 500hrs multi crew jet, how hire-able does that make me? Will the 250hr CTC/OX/FTE/CabAir grads going to be more popular?
Thanks in advance...