I have logged about 30 hrs in the last 4 months in NE. It obviously hasn't been really busy & it isn't picking up a whole lot either. Plus, the wx has been pretty lousy. Hopefully it changes soon. As far as the training & checkride.......piece of cake. Try & find another MEI where you work & see if they hook you up as far as the instruction goes. You might be surprised what most instructors will do for free multi time, especially if they aren't real busy.