Boris Badenov

If this is in the wrong forum, I apologize, it seemed the most appropriate place. I'm sniffing out the idea of trying to pick up contract work. However, I suspect I'm underqualified. Currently flying an MU-2 single pilot for a freight operator on a cake but relatively low time run. The eventual goal is still Brown or Purple (although corporate/fractional isn't out of the question). It's been brought up to me that my total lack of crew time could be a problem with the next step (probably an ACMI...Atlas/Polar, Kalitta, something like that). With that in mind, I'm hoping to start flying weekends/holidays or even a few short day trips under contract, if such a thing is possible. I've about 3500TT ~800 multi, with about 300 of the multi as PIC in the MU-2. The first 1200 or so were flight instructing, the remainder piston 135 cargo PIC in 210s and barons, then most recently the MU-2 job. I've never been an FO, but I'm willing to learn how to flip the gear and get the coffee. I do not have an ATP, but its on my short list of things to do.

With all that in mind, would contract work even be possible, or is that mostly open to guys with type ratings? The only official sim training I have is the recurrent MU-2 course at SimCom for the SFAR on the Mitsu. If contract work isn't possible, does anyone have any creative suggestions for how to get some crew time (if indeed its as important as I've been led to believe)? Making some extra money wouldn't kill me either.

Thanks in advance to those who take the time to answer.

Regards,
Boris