concussion962

Thanks for the feedback Mike and Paul. To answer the first question, I live up in Lancaster, and fly out of Fox and Edwards - but that doesn't mean I can't find myself in many parts of SoCal for various reasons. As a slight aside, the reason for wanting to get training-in-type with an experienced Mooney CFI is that for pickup, I may leverage either USAF TPS Graduate friends with CFI/II or an ATP buddy to fly with me for the first few flights - but the folks I have in mind don't necessarily have considerable M20 experience, so getting that instruction beforehand (if possible) would make that plan a bit more flexible to fly with experienced-but-not-Mooney CFIs. To Mike's point, from some other online contacts, their feedback was that "Insurance typically sees M20P, and not much beyond that" for time-in-type. Again, it was part of a plan to have a bit more flexibility (with my friends' availabilities) but still be able to have experience with a similar-enough M20 so that between the two of us we'd be able to be safe but also catch any issues. Of course, if when I go to buy I haven't gotten any of those training opportunities beforehand I would go down the route of finding a CFI who can help me check out and pick up the airplane - trust me when I say that work has instilled the importance of the safe route vs the fast route. Thanks again, everyone!

Carusoam, Thanks for the warm welcome! I probably should have made a note of my aviation experience in the initial. I have ~200TT and an IR, with about an equal mix between Cessnas and PA-28s in there (including 2 hours of retract/HP). Plan is to get my CPL knocked out either this year or next, depending on how quick I can get the hours. I have done multi-day XCs before and am "aware" of the added stressors, so there is that (from an ADM perspective) - understood entirely why you're making note of that to be aware! I'm also The reason I bring up the training (before buying) is to be able to get the 10 dual from a Mooney instructor either before getting the plane or be able to get the last little bit as a check-out/shake-down flight before ferrying the plane back to Lancaster to get the solo time. Traveling isn't out of the question, but closer to LA/SoCal would be preferred if possible so as to be able to not take *too* much vacation. Either way, thanks for the feedback, I'll be sure to keep it in mind!

Hey all, I have been a lurker without an account for a bit (since before I got my PPL in 2016), and am finally at the point where I'm ready to start looking to buy. I think based on my mission (range, useful load, occasional IFR in SoCal when its not icing) an M20C/E/F would fit my requirements and be within my price range. That said... I've only so far fallen in love with Mooneys from afar, and haven't been able to fly in one to confirm they're the plane for me. I'd love to get some flight exposure / instruction in a B/C/E to get to learn more about the earlier Mooneys, as well as get familiar with the manual gear - ideally, get 10 hours of instruction in case I find the 'right' plane outside of California to be able to ferry myself. I've currently reached out to Dubios Aviation in Chino (the only feedback I got was that their B is down due to an an audio panel upgrade with no indication as to when it will be back - asked in mid-February), and to Aces High in Long Beach at the recommendation of a friend (but haven't gotten any response) - any leads you guys may have would be greatly appreciated. For the 'buying' side of it, the window shopping is currently focused on C/Es - Fs start to get a bit above my price range, C/Es seem like great value for money (especially with low-to-mid engines, if not a bit mixed on avionics in the under-70k range). All that said, glad to be here!