chrisinorf

Good question and thanks for all of the insight. Insurance is something I do need to consider before buying a recreational vehicle. Paying for the aircraft is easy, but I understand that the hourly costs are similar to owning a BOAT (break out another thousand). I knew this hobby wasn't going to be cheap.

Thanks. Mission: Wake up in the morning and go flying without having to rent. Would like to travel and visit places/relatives without having to worry about the airline's schedule or traffic on the ground, sometimes with the girlfriend or sons. Live like Jimmy Buffet in the Caribbean. Attend Oshkosh. Go to distant places for a day or two trip. I bought 2 laundromats before I retired from the Navy, so I don't really work anymore and have a lot of free time.

Thanks for the advice. After reading about the one guy who found out his wing spar was corroded after his purchase was feeling a little hesitant about older planes.

Good morning. First post, student pilot and first time buyer. Retired Navy, former F-14/F-18 mechanic, pursuing my dream to fly. I found a Mooney online in the next state and reached out to the owner. He informed me that he is just wrapping up an annual on it. His home-base is 30 minutes from 2 Mooney Service Centers. Would it be realistic to ask him to fly it to an MSC for a pre-buy inspection or should the annual suffice? Trying to understand the buyer and seller's perspective.