PearlPilot

I am closing in on that 250 hour mark. Have about 3-4 months prior to getting the CPL. The Aztec I was to rent at a nearby FBO is down. It was $290 dual, ouch yes I cringed too. Another Aztec about an hour's away is $337 dual. I am paying for flying through my full time job, and here is what I am thinking. If I got over my multi engine rating now without borrowing any money, that would be a big relief. My fear is that if I do get my CFI and started working, I might be in a jam. I am also thinking about applying for the cadet pilot program of my native Sri Lanka (prior to getting my CFI) and if I got in I will be one of those 250 Airbus A320 trainee pilots. For that I will need to add on my multi engine rating. The question is where to go. I know it's not cheap, but is there anything less than what I mentioned, or do I have to just bite the bullet at go with $337 and hope to be done within 10 hours?
Of course the other question is, should I stay here and try an aviation career in the U.S. or go back...That is a decision I have yet to make. But like most of us, the thought of flying an Airbus on international routes looks so much better, although I will be living in a 3rd world country. Shiny Jet Syndrome?

Cubdriver

We've exchanged PMs before, so you already have some of my thoughts on this. These rates are way too high for Aztec time. I know two local guys who beat those prices. Both own and teach in Piper twins and both of them are way less. Prairie Air Service (google) is charging about 225.00 an hour dual and Jeff Enochs is getting about 240. Enoch's plane looks better but PAS has the better reputation.
You absolutely will be in a jam buying ME time if all you do is flight instruct. Career track pilots work around this by only accepting a position at a multiengine facility like IASCO, TransPac or AllATPs. Even that rarely works quickly, but if you must do the CFI thing then choose a school with a bunch of twins on hand, ie. dozens of them. Also, think twice about getting your CFIs if you can avoid it because domestic airlines are turning away applicants with checkride busts as if they have leprosy. The bust rate is high on CFI certs. Only do it if your career is not going to continue without one. I hate to have to say this but the facts are what they are.
Applying to a domestic airline versus applying to a foreign is a seriously different proposition. You must target who you want to work for and mold yourself to fit their criteria. Therefore you need to decide who you want to work for now in order to start working toward your goal.

PearlPilot

Cub, thank you very much. Your information is very helpful as usual. I truly appreciate it. I did look into Prairie Air Service and even talked to Mr. Pello by phone several months ago. I really don't think it wise for me to pour that much into an Aztec. I have to come with a game plan and make a decision. I thought at this point (nearing the end of my training) I would have a clear cut idea of what I want to do. The opposite is true. I feel like a great mess and have never felt uncertain. It is not an easy decision, nevertheless a decision if I don't make in the near future, might end up in dire consequences... When I learn about domestic careers hiring again, I feel like I am better off in the States. But then again, the thought of going back to the old country and flying international routes seems attractive. This is certainly not an easy decision...

Bellanca

I got my multi add-on last year before CFI with hopes that it would either lead to a job or at the very least help me get some free time (I worked at an FBO so I was hoping I could get an airplane owner that would take me along on trips or something.)

Over the year that I was saving up for CFI I couldn't find much of anything. At the time there were pretty much no jobs for a 275ish hour commercial pilot, and didn't have much luck flying along with anyone. Now that I've had my CFI for about a month, many doors have been opening. I went from no job or time building prospects to not being able to decide which one to go with. People put a lot of value on that CFI certificate.

That is just my experience. The factors are a little bit different for you with you having that foreign airline option and there not being a complete hiring standstill like there was a year ago.

PearlPilot

Yes, thank you very much. Times have certainly changed and I think they have changed for good...

2xAGM114

CFI first. The first 500 hours you teach will be as foundational, if not more so, than your first 50 hours in an airplane. Get the CFI, get some cheap business cards (Vistaprint.com), be professional, work your tail off...you'll be amazed at the results.

For an employer of low time SEL dudes, a CFI shows you not only can fly, but can talk about how to fly while doing it. That level of knowledge instills confidence (most of the time). It opens up job opportunities much broader than just instructing.

Lastly, don't burn yourself out on instructing. Two student hops a day, no more.