You finish your commercial certificate at around 250 hours. The airlines want 1,500. That gap is the real test of commitment.
The most common bridge is flight instructing: you get paid (modestly) to teach, and every lesson logs time. Other routes include banner towing, skydive operations, aerial survey, and Part 135 charter once you hit 500 hours.
The pilots who move fastest treat hour-building like a job: fly often, stay current, and protect their logbook and reputation. Both follow you to every interview.
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