Thanks - this is all really helpful.
I'm being totally premature with my planning - i have ground school and ATPL first and won't be hour building until Jan '10 - but its good to plan early and get some ideas and more importantly have a goal to focus on to get me through the 14 exams?!
AlphaMale thats exactly the sort of thing i was looking for but just around Europe/Asia? I'm sure I can create something easily enough though.
CraigyD i think we're on the same wavelength. With all the forums looking so bleak on the job front may as well not rush the hour building too much and do something creative that may make employers take notice? When you say Cali - do you mean in Colombia or California?!
Good practical points from flyinghighspeed. I dont have a plane but a family friend has and so I'll see if anything can be arranged.. It will definately not be the cheapest option but my thinking is it will be worth the extra $$?