Originally Posted by
145Driver
Probably enough people have said you should get some more flight experience. Instructing is definitely the way to go, and based solely on your flight times you could instruct. As with any flying job, hours only mean so much. There are many other aspects to look at when considering someone for pilot position. The industry has really changed. In my newhire class in October my 1200 TT put me near the top of the class as far as Total Time experience goes. While you could probably get hired with your times now, it would most definitely be worth your while to do some instruction, especially some in IMC and some at night. I feel like people who skip the CFI/CFII steps are really missing out on some great learning experiences.
It's not about a number. It's how well you fly the aircraft, fly instruments, your knowledge of regulations, aircraft systems, weather, and your companies FOM. The other pilots in my class had more flight time than me. From 700 to 3000 hours with Part 121 experience, I had 421TT and 26ME. 4 of them pink slipped and 3 were kicked to the curb. Others were given a second chance on their ride. The check airman said it was one of the best checkrides he had seen in awhile. It's not about your total time, its about how you are as a pilot! You brought up something that pinched a nerve. Total time is just a number that fulfills the check boxes of airline applications. Lets not forget "the real" reason pilots become CFI's. They do it to get free flight time so they can get a flying job with typically a regional. Well I already fly a multi engine turbine, why should I take steps backwards? You sound jealous. The aviation market is different today. If my timing was 3 years ago I would be flight instructing.
So if you have 1200TT and another has 400TT, does that mean your 3 times as smart as the other? I believe it comes from the training you received, and the knowledge your able to retain.