DXB

Can anyone recommend a good instructor in South Jersey/Southeastern PA (ideally near KPNE) for complex training with simultaneous transition training into an M20C? I just purchased the plane and would like to start in December after my check ride. The training would be for a low time private pilot with experience only in Piper Warriors. Much appreciated!

I incorporated a lot of input from folks here to come up with a schematic and plan for the panel upgrade, so it's only fair that i share it (attached). Also attached is a friend's panel in a '66C that I used as a model for mine. Now if I can just find a way to get this done within budget...

Sure I'd love to see your '68 C. Let me know next time you're planning on being at KPNE and will have time. I'll definitely make an effort to stop by!

Thanks for the great input from everyone- I've been talking to Penn (Agape) Avionics and will now contact Red Eagle as well. Unfortunately Penn isn't selling Garmin stuff until their Garmin dealer status is reinstated, with no time estimate for this. They are instead offering me a deal on the larger screen King KSN770 nav/com/MFD along with their KT74 transponder and KMA 30 audio panel, instead of the GTN 650 and other Garmin stuff for comparable price. The increased size and functionality of the KSN770 are appealing, but I'm pretty hesitant given that this is such a new product in a market that Garmin dominates. Any thoughts on this hardware? If it fails in the market, I worry support and value may be issues. Some other issues that came up were: 1. Need for a GDL-88 in addition to the GTX330ES- As a Foreflight user, I'm wondering if it's a good alternative to just get a Stratus 2 for ADS-b in and display traffic on a yoke mount IPad? Given the small screen of the GTN650, using the Stratus 2/Ipad primarily for weather and traffic as well as AHRS backup for the steam gauges might be a more efficient (and economical) approach? 2. Including GPSS install with the STEC-30 - I'm wondering if this will be overkill for a low time private pilot right now, and I could add it later if I finish an instrument rating and find myself doing more complex flying. Or is there real value in installing it right now for an extra 2K? 3. Aspen EFD 1000 Pro- I'm also thinking about adding later on if I get deep into instrument flying rather than now. This would also eliminate need for GPSS as a separate install. Or is there a strong practical case for getting one now? Too little experience, too many decisions...

My first post. I feel privileged as a newbie to join this great community after just buying my first plane, a 1968 M20C (N2971L). The plane got a prebuy inspection at Cole Aviation in Dalton, GA and will come home to Philadelphia (KPNE) after getting some work finished there. The air frame, interior, and paint are in terrific shape, and the 600hr engine seems ok for now. But the panel certainly could be better (pics attached). I'm just finishing my private now (checkride shortly), and this is the plane that I want to do my instrument training in and hopefully be able to keep for many years. I'm looking into a major panel upgrade, and I think my budget and panel space will tolerate the following: Garmin GTN 650, STEC-30 autopilot, JPI 900 engine monitor, Garmin GTX330 w/ES transponder, Garmin GMA 340 audio panel. I also want clean up the haphazard mess of breaker and switch labeling that's there now, maybe add Nulite, and other cosmetic improvements. Can the experienced folks on here give me some guidance on picking a shop and getting the job done? My local options seem to be: 1. Penn Avionics in Brandywine (KOQN)- my closest shop, but just changed owners and reportedly is quite disorganized right now. I contacted them, and they stated that they have temporarily lost their Garmin dealer status and wanted to sell me Bendix avionics instead. 2. Airmods in Robbinsville (N87)- They seem to have a very strong reputation overall as a Mooney Service Center, but I'm not sure how much avionics work they do. They seem interested in the job but they are not an avionics dealer. Can someone school me on how this would work for a certified install? 3. Lancaster Avionics and Henry Weber Aircraft (KLNS)- I have not spoken to them yet, but I think that the panel, engine monitor, and avionics work could be split between the two shops. Does anyone have experience with them? I saw mentioned elsewhere on here that they are reputable but their prices run on the high side. Are there any details that folks feel I should ask about when setting up the job? And anything else that I should get done to the panel specifically? Much obliged!!!