Do want you think you need to do but think very carefully indeed.
SSTR on the whole only serve to make you feel better temporarily as you are glad that you made a decision. This will wear off very quickly as the feeling that you are spending far too much money on something that you don't really need sets in. It's a bit like Shopping Therapy. You'll go home with your new shoes,trendy jacket or whatever and put it in the wardrobe hoping to find an opportunity to wear it and look snappy. As time goes by you realize that you haven't used it for weeks, then months, then you stop thinking about it. But the money is still spent.
The Elite 747 gig never happened because the company never had and never will have an AOC. TR were sold on the categorical assurance that the AOC would be issued "just now" or "imminently" or "they're waiting for approval next week". A320 TR were sold for the same company on the assurance that Elite would obtain a fleet of A320 "in a few months' time".
The point is that the person selling TR has no influence or interest WHATSOEVER in finding you work after obtaining your TR. As long as you hand over your money in full and up front he is happy. It disappears into an account and you will never see it again. Remember that to have your TR on your licence you need a Base Check in a real a/c. If the purported employer does not hold an AOC and you do not find more money to use a third party's a/c you will not complete your TR and have nothing to show for your investment. Think about it very carefully and listen to those who have posted here and elsewhere. If 85% are negative comments there must be a good reason for it.
As said by others: there is no substitute for taking your time and gaining experience as you move through the ranks. Experience is what will make you better and get you out of trouble when the need arises. I know that times are bad right now but it will change, it always does.
Keep your chin up and stay smart. Hold on to your money as long as you can.
Last edited by blueplume; 26th Mar 2010 at 18:13.