rbuck

Awesome. Thanks. I'll plan on doing that, using the plane I'll get for the transition.

Gentlemen, Well, I'm just over a month from coming home to the US (I can't wait!), and I have a couple of questions for you all. First off, I'm still looking at buying an M20C. The more research I do on the planes and the more I just read from this site, the more I want one. Ha. I'm pretty excited. First question, though, is simply when do you think is an appropriate time to start looking around? I realize I started this thread probably a little bit early, and am just curious as to when I should start getting serious with trying to find something. I feel a little bad that I've contacted a few people (including Alex above), but still can't really action on anything. Second question is with the transition to a Mooney. I'm still a fairly new pilot, only about 150 hours, all in a good old Cessna 172. I'm planning on coming home, taking a long weekend (we have a bunch of them in a row) to re-familiarize with an instructor, then knock out my complex endorsement. Trouble is, the only retractable trainer that I can find around my home is a 172RG. I'm assuming that, even after I get my complex, I'll want to at least get checked out in a M20C. Would I plan on doing this when I go find a new one, or should I get that done before hand, too? If before, do you all know anyone in the Seattle-Tacoma area that I could contact about it?

Wow. Thanks everyone for all of your info. Alex, I'll take a look at it in a second. And John, just let me know when you are interested in selling. Since I'm over here, the best way to contact me is via email at robbucknam@aol.com -Rob

Ah, I see. Thanks for the info. It's kinda hard to do research given my current location, but I am going to look into the corrosion deal. Barnstormers is a good idea, too. I'll try it. Also, since I'm new to Mooneys, and owning planes in general, what are the typical operating costs like? I've been researching that over time, but you all would probably know better. And the first question still applies, too, if anyone has any other thoughts.Thanks!

It's kind of a small thing, but I like control levers a lot more than the push-pull rods on engine controls. Weird, maybe, but true. From what I can tell, it's the 1970 and later models that have those.

I'm new to Mooneys, but I'm interested in purchasing an M20C. I'm looking for a 1970 or later, something that mechanically functions well and has mid-engine time for sub-$40,000. I know, a tall order. I'm currently in Afghanistan, but will be returning home in a few months and hope to find a plane then. This will be my first plane to own, and I'm not sure where else to look beyond this group. Anyone have anything like this, or would know the direction to point me in? Thanks in advance.