Originally Posted by DirectTo

Do both. You'll need 1200TT (and the rest of 135 IFR PIC mins) to fly a Caravan for a freight company. You'll need 1500TT (and the rest of the ATP mins) to be a regional FO.

CFI until you hit 135 IFR mins, then apply for your Caravan job of choice (which will pretty much be Martinaire or Planemasters, since all the FedEx carriers require 2000TT). Hammer out a year of 135 freight in the Turbine Suburban, get your ATP mins, then blast out apps to every airline you're interested in.

The 135 time will make you stand out a bit from the guy who just CFI'd until ATP mins. Flying freight is hard work, so a year will give you a nice taste of it and the Caravan before you move on.

Make sure to have the multi time before you head off to fly the 'van! Don't get stuck in it or looking for a crappy gig in a multi just to get time.

I've got a few friends who've flown the Caravan and still have contacts if you'd like me to put you in touch with any of them when you get closer to 135 mins,