The Cessna 120-140 Association Forum

Hi. I’m new to the club. I don’t yet own a 120 or 140 but I’m looking.
Does anyone know of an instructor in or near the Southern California area that can check me out in a 120 or 140? I live near French Valley Airport (F70). Avemco says I need 5 hours of 120/140 time, with an instructor, before they’ll cover me. Makes sense to me but I can’t find an instructor or a 120/140 to rent. If anyone knows of an instructor, would you let me know? Thanks.
PS. I have about 1100 hours flight time and a tail wheel endorsement but only 20 hours of tail wheel time in a Champ. And the last time I flew the Champ was 1995. So I think I’m going to need a really really good instructor.
Sincerely, Sam Samudio.

It's likely to be difficult to find an owner and/or CFI with available 120 or 140 for instruction, Sam. For the same reasons that an insurer requires time-in-type for a new owner, they're even more "picky" for insuring these nifty little taildraggers for instruction & check-outs. Over the years I've prob been aware of less than 1/2 dozen Countrywide that could/would provide instruction...'though I'm confident that some have done so "informally". I know of none right now. While it's an expensive way to get the required time, most new owners seem to buy the 120/140 first and, then, get the insurer required dual if they aren't already experienced, current and "approved". ...all that said, keep an ear/eye out and someone just might wade in with a better answer for you. Sorry this is of little help -- here's hoping that it'll work out for you to be "at home" in one of these fantastic little "old" airplanes soon! Mac

Contact Sky Sailing gliderport. Some of the pilots there have a 140 and may have connection to a CFI or two in the area that could help.