I know that this is a frequently asked question, and I have searched the forums but still feel like I need a lot more guidance. I am in the same position that so many other low time pilots are in. I have reached the end of the certificates and ratings that the average person can go out and purchase...instrument rated, commercial multi, and just finishing up my MEI. So my question is, "where do I go from here?"
I may be a little different than most people because I don't necessarily have the ultimate goal of "flying for a major." I just know that I really like flying airplanes and I want to fly as often as I can. I really don't even care about making money, I just want to fly. That being said, I still want to have an opportunity to fly bigger and better airplanes, and experience different aspects of professional aviation.
So my question is to all of the folks who have been able to make this a career. If you had to go back and be a brand new 250 hour pilot what would you do? Obviously, my next step will be to instruct (something that I'm really excited about and looking forward to) but what should I do next? What types of opportunities should I be looking for next? How can I make good contacts in the industry and who should I be trying to "get to know"? What kinds of airplanes should I be trying to fly and how can I get into them, and what are some key companies that I should be looking at early in my career?
I really appreciate any advice, and I really want to hear EXACTLY where you would want to be (knowing everything you know now) and how to get there. Thanks!!!