I didn't get my first regional co pilot job (in a 19 seat turbo prop) until I had over 2500 hours and I was grateful. I built hours as an independent flight instructor until I had 1200 hours and could fly IFR night freight in single engine cargo planes (in the snow and headwinds....both ways!
)
It took several years of doing things like chipping ice off wings with a fuel tester and learning what a blown cylinder head (or two) felt like.
....landing on grass runways, treetop approaches along mountain slopes, taking buddies or girlfriends along when I could...come to think of it...it was the most fun I ever had flying airplanes and I miss it.
There are jobs out there and they're not easy but they will give you experience and will make you a real pilot. You'll probably have the time of your life too if you can avoid complaining about it not being a boring regional jet.
