Opinions Please
 

I have done a lot of fun flying and I now have 200 hrs TT and a private-instrument rating (all single engine). I have enjoyed it enough to pursue a pilot career.

I am considering getting a complex endorsement next and then prepare for a commercial license in a 172RG. Also perhaps flying an approved FTD at my club to build any time needed if necessary towards the 250 hr requirement. After getting the commercial single I plan to get the commercial-multi followed by building hours in a multi with other club members while looking for oddball flying jobs or perhaps fly with my former CAP squadron.

I have a stable job that pays well and I hope I can keep it until getting hired by a regional. I'm in no hurry which is good concerning the current state of the industry.

Looking forward to hearing your advice... Thanks in advance :)

Sounds good. Remember, the FTD time has to be with an instructor to count.

FTD or sim is ABSOLUTELY GREAT for learning basic instrument skills before you try it in the airplane.

But for COMM timebuilding...it will save you some money short-term, but you will end up with less total time. While the FAA may give you credit for FTD, employers will not.

You might be better off applying that money to real airplane time. Something to consider based on your anticipated employment options.

Great suggestion, not that much savings when you factor in the instructor. Might as well continue to practice in the real thing.

Take the time and build some usable experience. Take a long cross country, build some actual. All things that you can't do in a sim and one day will look back on as fun flying or put it in that stack of good experiences you can use when instructing.

On average how many hours does it take to prepare for the commercial ride?

It depends on the student, their experience, their learning style, and whether or not they already meet the basic requirements. To learn the maneuvers to the PTS standards? I have seen a range of 5-25 hours of dual. You also need:

-2 hr dual day VFR xc
-2 hr dual night VFR xc
-10 hrs complex training with complex endorsement
-10 hrs solo with 5 night, 10 t/o & landings at towered airport
-1 long solo xc (or acting as PIC if you do it in the twin) of at least 300 nm, one leg at least 250 and a total of three airports
-3 hrs of checkride prep within 60 days of your checkride

That's from memory. I don't have my FAR/AIM with me...:)
Good luck.