120/140 check out.

[lsamudio]

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.

[2066]

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

[tonycondon]

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.