SkyDweller

Awesome! Thanks.

I've been window shopping for at least a year and reading damn near everything I can...and always prefer to hear the truth. Fortunately, I'm at a place in my life where these types of cost or expenses don't keep me up at night...can't say as much for my bladder though!

I live in Henderson, Nevada. Near KHND. I've flown VFR many times between Las Vegas and Los Angeles and don't plan on flying at night. But, yes...I'm definitely going to get an instrument rating.

Let's just say she won't be eating Ramen.

I do have a PPL and right around 130 hours.

I'm not known for brevity.

I'm a relatively low-time pilot who stopped flying about 20 years ago because I got busy with family and career and I also got the "honey, if you love me, you'll stop flying" speech. I stupidly caved. Now, the conversation has turned into "just get a lot of life insurance so I can miss you in comfort". Anyways, I learned in a Cessna 152 and the majority of my time after training was in a 172. I have flown the occasional Archer and Cherokee. I have no complex endorsement. I am about to go down to my local flight school and get current again...but I need some advice. First, I'll mostly be flying alone or with a buddy. Second, I have determined that my mission is essentially flying between Las Vegas and Los Angeles & Phoenix. Third, I do not want to look down at Interstate 15 while in a Cessna and watch the traffic go faster than me in a headwind. I have always wanted a Mooney and waiver back and forth between a C, an F, and a J. At this point, an M20C might make the most sense from a financial standpoint, since I can build time in something that's inexpensive, but still has some get-up-and-go. And, in a year or so, if I want, I can trade up to a J. A Turbo is out, as it just adds more in-flight complexity than I want right now. So...my questions are as follows: Should I go look for a nice M20C and resume flight training in my own plane? I would build time, get my flight review, and earn a complex endorsement all in one. Or, should I just go to the flight school and train in a C172 so I can concentrate on just getting my shit together and getting my review in something relatively familiar? Or, should I ask to train in an Arrow or other low-wing to get my wings back and then transition into a complex after building time? I would be grateful for any suggestions! Thanks in advance.

Is the Dynon Certified for an M20J? They don't mention it as certified on their site?

Thanks again! Most people have absolutely no idea how hot and humid it gets in the Mojave Desert in the summer! And, like KLRDMD so aptly pointed out, "the rocks are high too". Maintenance for a K looks like it will be substantially more money according to the linked article below, but performance looks considerably better as well...especially in the area I would need it the most; climbs. I'd hate to spend $100K on a J and have it perform like a dog over the desert. If I lived almost anywhere else in the country, the J would be a no-brainer. http://www.mooneypilots.com/mapalog/M20K231 Eval Files/M20K231_Eval.htm

Thank you all for great suggestions. I'm anxious to study the various recommendations.

When people ask me about investing in commercial real estate (my field of expertise), it is nice to know a little about the person, their finances, experience level, and the types of properties they have researched. This helps me provide an informed opinion! Obviously posting in a Mooney forum, I have the expectation going in that members are going to be pro-Mooney. That is what is called a given! Nonetheless, I listed airplanes that were "under consideration", with consideration being the key word. If you feel this post is beneath you, perhaps you should sit this one out.

PeeVee: 1611 posts. Any without snark?

As I see it, all of the airplanes I listed "fit my mission". I just think a more experienced pilot might be able to help me narrow the list down or open my eyes to something that is off my radar.

I'm getting back into flying again after a long hiatus. I am a low-time pilot with only around 125 hours in my log book. Most of my time as PIC is in a C172. I have never flown a glass cockpit. I have made the decision to buy an airplane and would love some feedback and advice. I know many people have asked similar questions in these forums, so please excuse any redundancy or asinine questions. I don't think there was a time when I didn't dream (actually "lust after") of owning a Mooney...but I try to never let my emotions get in the way of making a logical choice in these types of matters. About me: Late 50's, good looking (oops...wrong site!). Married. No children. 5'11", 170 lbs. Relatively tech savvy. Always interested in learning. Location: Las Vegas, Nevada (KGVT, North Las Vegas). Elevation: 2,205' MSL Avg. Summer Temps: May - 88o F, June - 100o F, July - 106o F, Aug - 103o F, Sept. 95o F Mission: Recreational flying only. 40% alone. 50% with partner. 10% with partner and one or two trim friends.10%. Cargo: We always travel light Typical Range: 150 - 300 NM Most common destinations: Van Nuys (KVNY) or Santa Monica (KSMO) Regions: California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah. Occasionally to Colorado & Oregon Budget: $75,000 - $110,000 Concerns: Reliability, "Acceptable" Maintenance Costs, Density Altitude, Turbo Myths & Realities. Aircraft Under Consideration: Mooney M20J Mooney M20K Piper Arrow III 28R-201 Piper Turbo Arrow III 28R-201T Piper Arrow IV 28R-201 I am fairly new to living out in the desert and don't have a lot of experience with real-time density altitude issues. The reality is that may never fly in the Rockies, but I'll probably go up to Utah fairly often. Any advice would be most welcome!