Conrad

@Skybrd There is very little I like more than a good challenge.

@M20FTraveler: Dammit, I'm jealous. Congratulations!!

First off, thanks for all the interest! The response seems to be quite clear: it can be done. The question is: is it a good idea? @Cruiser: This is great advice I think I will definitely go get an aviation medical, as what is more or less certain is that one way or another I'd like to get a license in less than a year. @TTaylor: I hadn't thought about it, but you're right, I'm sure that learning in a plane is bound to give it a few hard knocks. If it were my own equipment, however, I'd have a lot of extra incentive to minimize them, perhaps with some extra homework and perhaps simulation time prior to my first lessons. To the two people who have trained in their own craft, did hard knocks cause many problems? @carusoam: I am generally quite fiscally conservative. This action would be unquestionably non-conservative. This would be a risk, an adventure. Even if I make mistakes, even if the experience isn't a good one on the whole, I find it hard to imagine it being and experience I'd regret having had. As for commitment, that's the big question. I like nothing more than the idea of having a plane, but what would I really do with it once all was said and done? When would I fly, with who, where to? These are questions I am still asking myself.

Thanks, that's hard to google and good to know! I'm in San Francisco, CA. There seems to be a pretty good listing here: http://www.oaklandflyers.com/instructors/

First Post Mooneyspace! Here's the deal. I want to buy a plane, specifically a C. Problem is I don't have a pilot's license (yet). First off I'd like to recognize the obviousness of this being crazy. That is probably part of the appeal, as I tend to live pretty conservatively otherwise. I understand that renting a plane is quite a bit more economical and low risk for a starting pilot, but I loves machines. I love the idea of working on the plane -- figuring out what it needs in terms of preventative maintenance, helping a mechanic with annuals -- in general building a relationship with the machine that's going to keep me in the air. If I have the plane ferried to a local airstrip, will I be able to find a CFI who will be willing to give me flight lessons in the plane? Right now I'm spending my weekends (more or less) poring over flight training documents, learning up on engine mechanics and avionics systems, looking through listings for partnerships and whole planes. All this in itself is more or less it's own reward, but what drives me up the wall is the idea that I could actually do it. I have a little less than $2000/mo. to play with, good credit, and am looking for an IFR equipped C around or under 50k. I figure I need maybe $12k cash saved up to cover down payment, pre-buy, ferrying, and other incidentals around the purchase without going broke. Have I lost my marbles? I would love to hear (or be pointed to) the stories of anyone who has done something like this. EDIT: With all your valuable feedback and information about some of your experiences, I think I've made my decision, which is NOT to attempt to do this. I am still considering the idea of buying a less formidable aircraft in which to learn, though not because I think it will be a cheaper of faster way to get my license. Still excited!