Five years sounds about right....
I did instructing, traffic spotting and aerial photography before getting my first commercial job on a jet. Although during the UK summer, any one of the above should get you 20+ hours per week......
Don't knock instructing.....it was easily the most rewarding flying I've done to date......sending someone on their first solo circuit, or solo X-country and then seeing them achieve a PPL is an experience that will make me smile for years to come.......
Last edited by Arkwright; 19th Jun 2012 at 21:32.