Mooney pilots and owners in San Diego?

[kmyfm20s]

26 minutes ago, jonhop said:

Thanks Paul... when are you planning on going out to the field? I sat in this one--see the link--and am interested in it but stupid me didn't bring my headset and was too busy talking to the Salesman to get set up for flying to ensure I could get full control deflections without my knees interfering. I'm also very interested in Mooney A&P's at MYF or SEE to see if they can do a Pre-buy inspection on the below airplane...

http://www.trade-a-plane.com/detail/aircraft/Single+Engine+Piston/1984/Mooney/M20J+201/2160830.html

I would look in the log books and see if its been maintained by CrownAir. If it has show the add to Bill in piston maintenance. I bet he would be able to give you a little history before you invested in a PPI.

[kmyfm20s]

1 minute ago, Mikey said:

Who should I talk to at Crown Air? Does the guy at SEE let you help with repairs or does Crown Air? I am definitely interested in doing owner assisted repairs like the Gami injectors. And replacing the landing/taxi lights with LED versions.

The guy at KSEE will help you with the owner assist. Sending PM

[jonhop]

1 hour ago, kmyfm20s said:

I would look in the log books and see if its been maintained by CrownAir. If it has show the add to Bill in piston maintenance. I bet he would be able to give you a little history before you invested in a PPI.

I did a log review and didn't see any entries from CrownAir. The plane was based in Sacramento before being transferred down here for the sale... https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B63TbHcE7ZBhNXRHM2dHTE81Qnc

[kortopates]

14 hours ago, jonhop said:

Thanks Paul... when are you planning on going out to the field? I sat in this one--see the link--and am interested in it but stupid me didn't bring my headset and was too busy talking to the Salesman to get set up for flying to ensure I could get full control deflections without my knees interfering. I'm also very interested in Mooney A&P's at MYF or SEE to see if they can do a Pre-buy inspection on the below airplane...

http://www.trade-a-plane.com/detail/aircraft/Single+Engine+Piston/1984/Mooney/M20J+201/2160830.html

Hi jonhop, I am out at Gillespie most every day. Let me know your schedule - I'll send you a PM with contact info.

I also recommend CrownAir, Bill is one of the several good people there. Dave Gill is their chief inspector and they recently hired someone else that I was introduced to that may be the new "service manager" interfacing with customers - but I forget his name. I would encourage you to do a thorough pre-buy and if all looks good and you intent to purchase I would then convert the pre-buy into a full annual on your nickel but with the seller agreeing to pay for any airworthy issues. That way you'll be much more protected.

[kortopates]

14 hours ago, Mikey said:

I am located in the hangars off of Marshall. Not sure what those are hangars are called or if they have a name.  They are located right near the fuel island near the cafe.

That sounds like between Safari West and Instrument Overhaul.

I also recommend CrownAir (see other post above) I have some people I can also recommend for maintenance help at SEE - I'll send you a PM.

[jonhop]

Paul, thanks so much for letting me try on your bird for size... she's a beautiful airplane and fit well. I also appreciated your wisdom you so generously dispensed, it will go to good use as I've decided the J is for me... I'm sure I'll be leaning on you and other forum members in the time to come, as I transition into Mooney ownership.

Regards,

Jon

[jonhop]

Thanks to all in this thread who offered their plane and their time... I think I'm ready to pull the trigger and go after the M20J. Wish me luck!!!

[jonhop]

Paul et al,

As discussed, attached is a pre-purchase inspection checklist from CrownAir... it looks generic. Is there anything I should add in the place of the N/A items for an M20J? It's a bit different from the one I downloaded from LASAR and they are both MSC's. Thanks again...

Respectfully,

Jon

CA 109 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist.doc

[kmyfm20s]

Stinkbug has the most recent experience on a PPI from CrownAir with a Mooney he looked at. He could maybe tell you his experience. I know he felt like they did a thorough job. There is also an article floating around that discusses what should be specifically looked for. SB 208 A&B being complied with and corrosion in Mooney specific location. Do a search on Mooney space for more info on PPI there a lot of info out there.

[carusoam]

The list that you are presenting is for a generic plane...

Consider getting a Mooney specific PPI for your best financial protection.

Corrosion and leaks are not really common, but you don't want to accidently buy any either.

MSCs are the expensive way to get it done.  There may be a Mooney experienced mechanic near you.  Crown air may be the right place but that list didn't send a very comfortable message.

Most Mooneys don't have a Janitrol heater...

Best regards,

-a-

[StinkBug]

I had Crown Air do a pre-buy on a plane I didn't end up buying. It wasn't a fantastic experience because I liked the plane and they found a lot of little things that added up to a decision not to buy, but that's exactly why I had them do it. To be clear, they did exactly what I paid them to, which was to find everything that was wrong. I was very happy with them, I was just hoping they wouldn't find much that it needed. I can't remember what all they had on their list to look at, but it was fairly thorough. 

Best of luck with your new bird! There definitely seem to be quite a few of us around. We'll have to plan another get together soon.

[mikefox]

Welcome to San Diego!  I have a 20J hangared at KMYF.

Also interested in any independent mechanics who know something about Mooneys and will supervise owner work!  We have used both Crownair and Advanced Aircraft Services at MYF with mixed experiences.

[jonhop]

On 11/23/2015, 11:23:28, StinkBug said:

I had Crown Air do a pre-buy on a plane I didn't end up buying. It wasn't a fantastic experience because I liked the plane and they found a lot of little things that added up to a decision not to buy, but that's exactly why I had them do it. To be clear, they did exactly what I paid them to, which was to find everything that was wrong. I was very happy with them, I was just hoping they wouldn't find much that it needed. I can't remember what all they had on their list to look at, but it was fairly thorough. 

Best of luck with your new bird! There definitely seem to be quite a few of us around. We'll have to plan another get together soon.

Thanks StinkBug... I've tentatively scheduled CrownAir for a pre-buy inspection. If they find a bunch of airworthiness squawks, I'll figure they saved me a ton of money, which will be well worth the money spent on the inspection. Hopefully they won't find too much wrong and I'll walk away with a new--to me--bird...