Bill_Carter

Not really a program, each base has a testing center. It is usually in the education center on the base. They usually have tests for CLEP, DANTES, and others like CISCO and such. I think it is part of the DANTES program though.

Some military testing sites on some bases (Usually Air Force) are offering FAA written exams for free. These are for Active military, dependents, and I think DoD civilians; I don't think retirees are eligible, but it may be worth a phone call to see. This includes A&P, PPL, IFR etc. I am not too clear on exactly which bases offer the exams, not all do, nor if the ones that do, offer all exams or just some of them. Ramstein AB offers a ton of tests. This works out well at least for me, because I am in the eligibility category and live near a base that offers the IRA test. So, it is time to study ;-)

I really can't comment too much. I have fewer hours than you do. I did have an instructor that took me too close to clouds during VFR training. Made me nervous as heck. I think I was more worried about breaking some sort of rule than actually going through a cloud, but I do recall not feeling comfortable with it. I relaxed a little when I remembered he was a CFII and was capable of handling it. I think he did it for two reasons. First, because we were on a tight schedule, which is the wrong reason. And second, because he wanted me to understand the depth perception factor in determining just how close you are to clouds. I must say, I am glad we did that and it made me a more confident pilot.

I have seen a few of the King videos. They did seem pretty good, cheesy and fast paced perhaps, but sufficient.

Wow, just watched the video on holding. Seems like they have some good stuff there. It will give me something to do and learn until I dig into my wallet and patronize one of the flight schools for paid training.

Oh my bad.

Thanks for the insights on this. Any thoughts on Sporty's kit for IFR? I was considering either AF or Sporty's. I used Gleim for my PPL and I liked it, but I like to have the video training too which Gleim doesn't have. I do like having the Gleim books that I can refer to any time I need them.

Where was the parrots head set? He should've been given a nice Bose.

I guess the only reservation I would have is not having physical materials that I could refer to later on to freshen knowledge.

Thanks for the replies. The low price of $75 had me wondering about quality training.

Has anyone used American Flyers (www.americanflyers.net) before? Specifically, their online training for the instrument written?

Awesome Job!

Pierre - Bonjour! merci beaucoup for the reply to this. I tried to lookup the new conversion rules to EASA, but I must admit they are confusing at best. From what I have read I cannot, frankly, figure out exactly what the requirements are to convert a FAA to EASA. IACO what a bit more clear on this. I am your neighbor in Belgique so perhaps where I am could be a little different than Lux?? I don't know, but I would be curious to find out. au revoir! Bill

I think I am hearing some good advice here. In reading all of this, it occured to me: I don't know how to buy an airplane. I understand two things: I need money to do it, and I need a really good pre-inspection. Other than that, I must claim ignorance. I have learned more in the last few days scouring this sight than I have in all my experience in being around aircraft. I was always on the student pilot side of things and not the ownership side. My father owned a couple planes when I was a teenager, but I was never involved in the processes of owning a plane. Renting is easy. Get some insurance, get checked out, go fly, pay money, rinse and repeat! Bill

Congratulations!

Saw this on facebook today

Is Parker's N252BH? I looked at that one on Controller. Georgeous plane it is!

OK, looked at All American's website. They seem to be the Creme De La Creme for the used Mooney. I will have to keep an eye on their site. Question, how are they at letting you know the deficiencies of the planes? Will they honestly disclose an aircraft's short comings?

I do plan on this. I did subscribe to The Mooney Flyer, it is free of course, but seems awesome nevertheless.

Haha, yes it would be great, Bennett, to travel the path you did. I will have to see where I am at when I get to that point. It is indeed my plan to write a check and not finance, so that may help in the sale price. Truth be known, what I really have wanted is a 252TSE, but unless something changes, which is a possibility, they are out of my price range. I always wanted to fly high. So, I will aim a little lower for now and be satisfied with where I am at. Yes Scott, "stuck" is a profound verb that reflects my mindset about being displaced from home. Sure, Europe is great in many aspects, but it does get old and it just ain't home! I've been curious about the pre-buy inspections as well. Do most owners let you or someone else or even themselves, fly the plane to your friendly neighborhood Mooney shop for the inspections? Wow, my ignorance shines here having never purchased a plane before. I just recalled too, my old flight instructor owns a J back home. I will have to hit him up for a ride when I get back! Bill

Good post Scott. Obviously I have more homework to do. And as far as the ride offer is concerned, home is in Indiana, but work has taken me to Europe for a few years, hence my out of tolerance condition. I can get an FAA physical, but I haven't found an "N" tailed airplane to fly here and getting a JAR CAA is not worth the expense to me, let alone the ridiculous prices to rent. A Piper Tomahawk is 117 Euros and hour and the instructor is another 60. That is about $230.00 US currency! However, I can stay as current as possible with books and videos along with online resources. Once I get back to the good 'ol USA then I can begin a serious quest for a nice Mooney. Until then, I will continue to keep all the book type stuff fresh in my mind and learn more about the airframe I wish to own. For those who are not familiar with the JAR CAA, there are 7 written tests to pass vs. our one for a PPL. I have studied some for it, but they are several hundred Euro each to sit the test. Bill

Well, let's see. I am not IFR certified, but that is in the plans so I want that ability. I live in the midwest and have kids on both coasts, so I will need to fly extended legs. Kids are grown, so it's me and my wife. Avionics is on the top of my list. I especially want a coupled cruise and strike finder. I am usually a bit figity in seat, so a little extra room goes a long way. Speed brakes would be cool, but not a deal breaker. Oh yeah, T placement for the instruments would be a huge plus. I am sure I have more if I think about it. Bill

Hmmm, thanks for the information. This makes a little more sense now. I just read the post that asked if folks would consider buying a high time plane. Most said they would if it was maintained properly. Dr Bill - You brought up another ponder I have had. Just how flexible are most of the prices? I expect it would usually depend on the seller though. Another good point - don't be in a hurry. I have some time to shop, so that shouldn't be a big problem. Bill

Hello all, I am new to the forum. I don't own a plane.....yet. I keep looking at the various options out there, compare them to my likes and dislikes, and for some darned reason I always end up right back in the Mooney listings. I don't have a ton of hours yet and quite frankly, I am out of proficiency at the moment due to employment obligations. Anyway, I have a question. I have been looking at the M20C, E, and Fs. I am liking the F models the best. However, I notice in most of the listings (Controller) the price ranges are so varied it is making me scratch my head over it. This seems to be true for almost all models, not just the ones in my wallet range (I wish I had extended tanks on my wallet!). Now I understand that some are better maintained than others, but can anyone give me something to go on here so I will not be flying in circles trying to find a decent Mooney to sit my tail in?? No pun intended, well, maybe a little! Happy Flying! Bill