I am curious about the CFI recommendations.

I understand the kind of skills that being a CFI will build, and how they can be applied to the 121 world. Here's my question: After a certain amount of time being a CFI (say passing a few people through checkrides), wouldn't it be better to move to something else and try to build time in a more challenging aircraft?

The way I am seeing it put out here is that a lot of you are suggesting building all your time before jets as a CFI. The way I see it, CFI will only get you so far, and definitely will not give you very much experience flying a complex high performance aircraft.

There has to be a point where building experience in a twin is going to trump building experience CFIing in a 172. I understand about MEI and CFII being good experience along those lines, but I still see those as being limiting. They leave out a middle step on the way to flying a jet (at least that's the picture that I am getting).

Once you get 500 hours, try to find a 135 company that flies checks and see if you can fly for them VFR only. I got some good BE55 and C402 time that way. Just be careful who you work for. Do some homework on the company, pilot group, management and maintenance before you climb aboard. I didn't do that, and I learned a valuable lesson in ethics.

Try Air Cargo Carriers. I am a new F/O for them. It is a long way from glorious. But it gets your low time up to competitive. I got hired in Dec with 421TT and 26ME. Today I have 533TT and 138ME. I have now have interviews scheduled with regionals and a major. What BoilerWings says is correct, but just to add to it at ACC you can log ME Turbine and make captain when you reach 1200TT. Its not for everyone, I am trying to get out, but I wouldnt have received this opportunity if I didnt take ACC's offer. http://www.aircar.com/acci

I didn't know that majors are looking at 533TT and 138ME. What the hell am I doing flying for an regional.

Ahem.... and which major do you have an interview at with 533 hours?

Probably enough people have said you should get some more flight experience. Instructing is definitely the way to go, and based solely on your flight times you could instruct. As with any flying job, hours only mean so much. There are many other aspects to look at when considering someone for pilot position. The industry has really changed. In my newhire class in October my 1200 TT put me near the top of the class as far as Total Time experience goes. While you could probably get hired with your times now, it would most definitely be worth your while to do some instruction, especially some in IMC and some at night. I feel like people who skip the CFI/CFII steps are really missing out on some great learning experiences.

Instructing is "a" (as in, one of many) way to go. Don't limit yourself there...

can you walk my resume in?

It's not about a number. It's how well you fly the aircraft, fly instruments, your knowledge of regulations, aircraft systems, weather, and your companies FOM. The other pilots in my class had more flight time than me. From 700 to 3000 hours with Part 121 experience, I had 421TT and 26ME. 4 of them pink slipped and 3 were kicked to the curb. Others were given a second chance on their ride. The check airman said it was one of the best checkrides he had seen in awhile. It's not about your total time, its about how you are as a pilot! You brought up something that pinched a nerve. Total time is just a number that fulfills the check boxes of airline applications. Lets not forget "the real" reason pilots become CFI's. They do it to get free flight time so they can get a flying job with typically a regional. Well I already fly a multi engine turbine, why should I take steps backwards? You sound jealous. The aviation market is different today. If my timing was 3 years ago I would be flight instructing.

So if you have 1200TT and another has 400TT, does that mean your 3 times as smart as the other? I believe it comes from the training you received, and the knowledge your able to retain.

I understand that referrals are really important on getting the job. 80% of my classmates got the job for who they knew in the company. I was the only 1 out of 12 that had a simulator evaluation. And that bothers me. If I knew you and I could vouch for what kind of person you are, your character, and your piloting knowledge, I would. I applied on their internet site and it worked out for me. I give you luck. Just remember why your coming to ACC. I am trying to leave after a month. I guarantee you, you will not see the sun during the winter. You will become a raccoon.