I'm basically in the same position as far as having been on Staff for the past few years and now looking to jump to the civilian side… I didn't take the CFI equiv test and not sure I really have much interest in that route. Someone on another forum mentioned finding guys out there who are civilians time building towards their ATP and looking for guys to fly some long days with them either in just a 172 or even guys looking to build up some ME time? Anyone have any experience with this?

Another guy who was military coming off Staff said he bought a C-152 for $20K, flew about 150-200 hrs in a few months and then sold it for what he paid for it saying it got him currency/recency and some extra total time (not sure if anyone will care about that PIC, but whatever) basically for the cost of gas. He works for a Major now, so I guess it worked… not sure how practical that option is though.