Please no bashing. There are other threads to continue the bashing. I just want some objective views and advice.
OK. First of all you are going to be lucky to post like you have and not get people bashing you. Its a very emotive subject and some of what you propose is going to stir people up.
My 2p's worth on your situation and your ideas:
- You honestly need to keep actively and creatively looking for ANY type of associated flying work / work connected to aviation. Looking since the end of the year is no time at all and clearly (without sounding patronising and not intending to be so) in the current climate its going to take some considerable time.
- Yes, keep on filling in any applications you can make. If you have time, put on a suit and go and introduce yourself to a few smaller operators at your local / regional airport. Also, do anything you can to keep current and in touch with the industry - your idea of doing some structured hour building is a good one. Like that you will be well positioned when things do start back up.
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Do not buy a type rating and hope for anything!!!! Quite simply put, you're throwing money down the drain in a vain attempt to jump the queue. The only time you would surely ever consider doing this is if you had a guaranteed job offer at the end - or if a company wanted to bond you. Don't be fooled by some of these cowboy TR + Line training companies. Its a lose-lose for everyone and the entire industry in the long run. Once the line training is over there's a gazillion guys out there with way more hours on type than you will have. Your end position will be no better than your start position.
- Forget going to Canada or Alaska unless a) you have 500 plus hours of float experience and b) have the right to work or live out there. Unfortunately there's a ton of guys also looking who have all of the above.
Sorry to sound negative, but it really is a case of doing whatever you can to keep in touch with the industry, keeping current and remaining as positive as possible. Save your hard earned cash, don't just buy a TR. When things do turn around, you will be pleased you did.