So, this is a little off topic, but I would value (most) of the opinions on the matter.

I was given the pre-employment offer one week ago today. Got a call back today saying I didn't have enough time in the last 12 months. I asked how much more I would need, he said he'd ask and get back to me.

In as few words as possible, other than 2.6 hours flown with a CFI locally two weeks ago (got signed off on), I have zero flight time in ~3 years. I have ~500 hours of 135 time in a Caravan back in 2008. Built a lot of 172 time between 2009 and 2013.

I asked him about alternatives to paying for flight time since it wouldn't be relevant at all to 121 flying (other than getting my IPC signed off on, which I will still do regardless). I was told that the most relevant thing to show would be completion of a 121 ground school course. Other than that, good luck finding a 135 operation with no contract to build ~100 hours and bail.

So do I go to a 121 with no contract and complete ground school and jump ship (and feel like a huge d0uche the whole way through), or do I seek alternatives? My first reaction is to not burn a bridge, EVER. But then again, we all know an airline or two that may or may not deserve it. ><

Thoughts?