It would benefit you to search on this forum a lot to gain a realistic view of the aviation world. It sounds like you are looking at the glamour rather than what actually happens. To answer your questions:

1.) To start flying the 208, chances are you will need a decent amount of hours and usually, but not always, Instructor Certificates and experience. Most commercial operators of 208s are cargo feeders (i.e. Empire Airways, etc) there are some exceptions like Skydive operations... however there is always a certain amount of hours needed for insurance requirements.

2.) You will never get an ATP license through the FAA, the FAA does not issue licenses, they issue certificates. If you want an ATP license you need to enroll in a JAA school. If you are talking about an ATP Certificate from the FAA generally speaking, you will need it to fly as a captian of an airline, however some companies may require it for various pilot jobs.

3.) For large airplanes (over 12,500lbs) and jets you need a type rating for the specific aircraft to act as Pilot in Command (PIC)

4.) You do not need a type rating in the U.S. (FAA) to fly a 208, in the JAA world that may be a different story.


By making statements like (I don't want to fly props, etc) you are really putting yourself in a corner and missing out on the intrinsic joys of flying...should you decide to take the aviation career path, you will find that the pay isn't what you thought it would be...and when you do get the pay you want, you will certainly have deserved it. Some airline pilots find flying a J-3 Cub out of a grass strip more fun than flying a large jet.

And why wouldn't you want to go into the military? Not only will you get some of the best flight training possible you will be serving your country and your flying will have a noble purpose.