Do MECIR. Forget about ICUS. Go north. Look for job flying a single. Get a job. That is it for now. Call back when u have done that.

This is exactly what I fear will happen, based on the simple arithmetic of the number of people lined up for the ICUS program, the number of already qualified pilots and the current lack of PA-31s passing over my house in the early hours of the morning.

outnabout:

I wasn't directly saying that the hypothetical newbie stayed in the same company, but off the top of my head, since you asked:

JFC
Shine
Slingair
Chartair

I stand corrected.

However, if you want to work from the bottom to the top, it would appear they are your targets. And if anyone can manage that, good luck to them.

However, it is my opinion that the majority of GA have to jump from company to company as their skills increase, and may have to pay for endorsements / ICUS along the way.

This thread seems familiar. I asked the same questions when holding a brand new CPL at the end of last century and received the exact same replies. My response... joined the Air Force and had command of a shiny, but rather old 4 engined bomber before I knew it!

My mate, same position, same questions, same responses. He chose the ICUS route. Not too long after that was lucky enough to be picked up by the red rat. He has a 747 and A380 endo- downside is that he has not taken off, landed or flown an approach in an aircraft that is above Mother Earth by more than a hydraulic jack in almost ten years.

It's just a job now for him, progression is stagnant and he had to ride it out. Me...made the jump, large aircraft command, instructing and looking at flying a shiny new big aircraft that I can actually takeoff and land. In the end take a leap and do what seems right for you. But don't quit when it gets tough.