Need CFI recommendations SF Bay Area

[Berkeley_Bruin]

Hi,

After some research, I'm looking to purchase a Mooney M20J in the next few months.  In the mean time, I want to find a good CFI, preferably someone with Mooney experience in the Bay Area.  Have been training in 172's for the past 20+ hours.  Would appreciate if you know of a good instructor in this area.  

Thanks in advance!

 

[carusoam]

7 hours ago, Berkeley_Bruin said:

Hi,

After some research, I'm looking to purchase a Mooney M20J in the next few months.  In the mean time, I want to find a good CFI, preferably someone with Mooney experience in the Bay Area.  Have been training in 172's for the past 20+ hours.  Would appreciate if you know of a good instructor in this area.  

Thanks in advance!

 

I know a guy...

 

Welcome aboard B_B,

MS has a great Mooney CFII in your area...

Want to give us a hint of what kind of training you are looking for?

Typically...

1) Flight training...

2) Transition training...

3) IFR training...

We can introduce you to Don Kaye @donkaye

If that makes sense for both of you...

Don flys a Mooney Bravo...

we have several others that list their contact information in the MooneyFlyer...

https://themooneyflyer.com/cfi.html

Best regards,

-a-

[Berkeley_Bruin]

Hi Carusoam,

Thanks for the info. I'm in the process of getting my PPL.  The CFI contact list is really helpful.  I will probably reach out to Don soon.  Thanks again!

[StevenL757]

Good choice in wanting a Mooney of course.  Are you planning to complete your Private certificate in the C172 first?  Not sure I got that from your posts.  Highly-recommend you do that before jumping into a Mooney of any flavor.  To echo @carusoam’s comments, there are a couple of excellent choices in CA...not in any order, but Don sounds closer to your location.

http://www.safeflightintl.com (Chuck McGill)

http://donkaye.com/donkaye.com/Welcome.html (Don Kaye)

You also may want to post this in the “General” or the “Modern Mooney” section for increased visibility  

Steve

Edited May 3, 2020 by StevenL757
Addl. content

[Berkeley_Bruin]

Thank you, Steve.  Yes, Don is much closer to me than Chuck is.  I was debating whether I should get the plane first or get my PPL in C172.  I think after reading some posts here the more sensible way is to get my PPL first before deciding on a plane for myself.  Thanks again for the help!

[carusoam]

Enjoy finishing training in what you have...

Learn that system well...

When you transition to the next plane...

You magically have several points of reference to compare to...

When you are done... you will have a more 3D picture of how flying works...

Only flying one plane... too little value in that...

Around here... people expand their 3D cube of flying... with things like gliders, biplanes, autogyros, tricycle gear, twins and turbines...
And expand their 3D cube of their own plane with additional training, PPP by MAPA, IFR training, or attending the Mooney Summit...

Some add their commercial, and a few may got ATP.... or CFII.....

Flying is a forever activity... don’t rush through the beginning...

Training for the IR is best done in your own airplane if it is well equipped... the IR is all about the instruments and the procedures.... less about actually flying a plane....

PP thoughts only... not a CFI.

Best regards,

-a-

[carusoam]

Shawn,

I forget a lot of things...

Most often... I just run out of time to answer questions with enough detail...

Often, I get a few sentences in to get an MSer started...

kind of often,  many other MSers step in with more knowledge than I have...  

 

MS is a cool place to hang out to hear about various systems of the Mooney world...

So many resources from CFIIs to mechanics... some businesses... plane sellers, equipment sellers, and installers....

We even have the coolest ATC Mooney owners...  

I’m glad you are here.

Did I mention I forget a lot... ?

Tomorrow is a whole new day... the posts will grow... more questions will be asked.... new people will join in...

I probably get to say welcome aboard to a lot of people...  sometimes, my friend @bonal is awake longer than me... he is on the left coast... I’m on the East...

Best regards,

-a-

[shawnd]

Yikes sorry its getting late here too and I didn't realize the post was a continuation - looks like my brain is saying its time to hit the sack. (I ended up deleting the post )

[StevenL757]

9 hours ago, Berkeley_Bruin said:

I was debating whether I should get the plane first or get my PPL in C172.  I think after reading some posts here the more sensible way is to get my PPL first before deciding on a plane for myself.

Good call.  I'm not saying others haven't done what you're asking about, but at this juncture in your training rhythm, you're better off staying laser-focused on your PP certificate and less about a new plane.  As you dive into your Instrument Rating (which I highly suggest if you're planning to own a Mooney of ANY flavor), learning a new-to-you Mooney and eventually training in and getting your IR in that airplane makes good sense.

[Jerry 5TJ]

Some of the CFI on the list either do not or seldom do instruction for the private pilot certificate as liability to the instructor is high.  

Before any student pilot buys a Mooney with the idea of training in it he/she should check first on 

• the availablity of insurance coverage
• a qualified and willing Mooney CFI to work with

It can be done but ...  caveat emptor