Apply to a regional?
 

I am currently an independent CFI with over 1700 TT and 10 ME and a 4 year (non-aviation) degree. I know almost every regional is requiring between 50-100 hrs ME time, and was curious if I could even get hired with my times. If not, should I just rent a twin and get my ME time up?

MEI isn't an option?

If you can't get a 135 job or a full-time MEI job that will get you 50 hours/month, you had probably better buy some time. You have all the ASEL time you're ever going to need, and at this point are going nowhere fast.

I would highly recommend this route if at all possible. It might be expensive but it shows that you're not just trying to fly for the sake of logging time, but flying in order to actually improve your skill set and ability to expand your instructing resume. Also, if you can recruit students to work on their multi, that's time-building you don't have to pay for. If that's not the route you choose to go, it won't stop you from getting a call to interview, but the lowest multi time guys I've seen/heard of in a while are about 55 hrs multi so plan on at least hitting that number if you can.

I agree with that. Paying for the hours is not fun..If you are going to pay for it, you might as well get something besides the hours. Multi engine sea or something too. A rating is a rating and it all looks good especially if its helping you log the hours needed. Goodluck!

Thanks for the replies. Looks like I will be saving up for some twin time, unless another opportunity comes along.

I have another question. How do most people get their multi time? I see alot of people on forums and on interview gouges that have maybe 120 hrs or 200 hrs at most.

I got my multi add-on right after my private and did my instrument and initial commercial in a twin. This was back when you could buy cheap blocks of multi time. After avgas prices skyrocketed in the early-mid 2000's this reality ended. I think most guys now will do an initial commercial multi and just find someone to $plit time with (if they're not willing to be an MEI).

That's what I did. It was easier to just split multi at $100 an hour.

Also, would taking the regional course from ATP be of any help in getting hired with less multi? I know Eagle will lower mins, but do any others? It seems regionals prefer pilots coming from aviation schools/universities. I did all my training part 61.