Not so sure about that. A CPL with one thousand hours of recreational flying is simply not as competitive as someone with more ratings and some actual professional aviation work experience.

The 152 thing doesn't sound too expensive...at $35/hr operating cost that's "only" $35K. But wait, you still need 200-300+ hours ME time for most jobs...if you buy that we are talking another $40K.

If you have the cash it might make sense to do it quickly and get hired now instead of 2-3 years from now, but you will not be able to get a loan for that because it's not part of any school curriculum.

As a recreational pilot, you only had to balance Wx and Mx, and had the luxury of flying or not at your leisure. The CFI's had to balance the boss and the customer in that equation too. Airlines know this, and will hire accordingly...if they get desperate all you need is the hours, but when times are lean they will start looking at quality too.

Also most interviewers would have to wonder...in addition to never having "worked" as a pilot, such a (young) person must have some significant money. Depending on your other life and work experiences they might suspect you might not fit in well at an actual "job". This would probably not be an issue with an older career changer...they would assume he earned the money in question.

I think there is still CFI work to be had...

1. There are still jobs in some locals, if you are willing to travel.

2. You can always freelance if your local airport has any GA activity to speak of. Might be slow going at first, but persistence will pay off if you spend nights and weekends at the field. Besides new ratings, there is always currency and proficiency training.You could keep your day job too.