Getting from Solo to Mooney in Roanoke VA...

[USNGasDoc]

Hello everyone (anyone),

Bottom Line Up Front: I'm trying to find a Mooney-centric CFI in the Roanoke VA area who can both provide me with training for a complex airplane endorsement as well as provide transition training that I will need in order to safely fly the M20c.

Background: I've been offered the opportunity to become a part owner (50%) of a very nice M20c (1964) in a few months.  It is in great shape, flown regularly, hangered, and I know the current owners.  Engine has 750 hrs since TBO, avionics are upgraded, inspections are up to date, etc, etc....

I am a student pilot, having literally solo'd yesterday, in a fixed pitch airplane.  I will be doing my check-ride in a few months in a constant speed prop, semi-complex (no retractable landing gear) airplane.  I anticipate having approximately 50-60 hrs flying time by the time my check-ride is done.

Obviously I will need a complex endorsement to fly the M20c, and I had hoped to achieve that in this plane after my checkride, thereby achieving two objectives simultaneously, 1) complex endorsement; and 2) transition training for a pilot with low flight hours.

The local flight school has a Piper Arrow, which I can use to obtain my complex endorsment, however none of the instructors have Mooney experience.

Any thoughts on how to solve this problem would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[A64Pilot]

Once your rated, get your complex endorsement, fly with current aircraft owner until your both comfortable.

‘I feel pretty sure insurence is going to require you to have x number of hours Mooney time before they will cover you anyway, current owner is covered so fly with him until you get those hours.

‘Now many seem to believe that touch and goes are for some reason unsafe, but in my opinion they are an important part of training.

Edited May 21, 2021 by A64Pilot

[Jerry 5TJ]

Recent new-to-Mooney pilots have been seeing their insurance require a modest number of hours dual with a CFI who has specific make and model experience.  

If you can’t find anyone closer I could come to Roanoke for a few days to provide your initial transition training.  
 

[ZuluZulu]

Have you seen the Mooney Flyer's CFI list?  As @Jerry 5TJ says, insurance will likely require you to obtain a certain amount of dual.  Mine certainly did.  Regardless of what insurance wants, you should want an experienced Mooney instructor for your transition training anyway.

I'd also caution you against trying to kill too many birds with the fewest number of stones ("thereby achieving two objectives at the same time").  Take your time and don't rush.

https://themooneyflyer.com/cfi.html

[Oldguy]

33 minutes ago, ZuluZulu said:

Have you seen the Mooney Flyer's CFI list?  As @Jerry 5TJ says, insurance will likely require you to obtain a certain amount of dual.  Mine certainly did.  Regardless of what insurance wants, you should want an experienced Mooney instructor for your transition training anyway.

https://themooneyflyer.com/cfi.html

^^^ This is a good resource to find your CFI and good advice.

[bradp]

Monticello flying club in Charlottesville has a Mooney.  Might be a good resource for transition training.  @midlifeflyer is also not too far away. 

[midlifeflyer]

3 hours ago, bradp said:

Monticello flying club in Charlottesville has a Mooney.  Might be a good resource for transition training.  @midlifeflyer is also not too far away. 

I appreciate the referral Brad. No, I am not that far away, but at almost 150 NM away I'm hardly local, and I think that's what he needs at this point.

[carusoam]

Welcome aboard USNGD!

Congrats on that first step!  
 

Solo is when the sun starts to shine and everything is right with the world.... 

Mooney ownership is right around the corner...

Of course... your shared ship may have insurance already... it may need to be updated to reflect your experience level...
 

+1 for checking insurance requirements...   

Wait a second...  we have the awesome insurance guy on speed dial... @Parker_Woodruff
 

Sometimes insurance asks for things like 10 hours dual, and 10 more solo before carrying passengers... for low time PPs...

 

The Mooney Flyer is a great resource for finding CfIIs...

We also have this list and a website it mentions...

 

Best regards,

-a-