Thanks for the responses. The planes I've been considering are not
*that* far away- across the state, or a few hours drive at most. I'm
not talking about flying from WI to CA to look at a 150.

Nope, I don't yet "have" a mechanic although I've chatted with a couple
at my FBO.

Still not sure exactly how I'll go about this. Friday I leave for a
9-day vacation so any airplane buying is going to have to wait until my
return.

Paul Folbrecht wrote:

I am now getting close to the point where I will be seriously in the
market for an aircraft- most likely a C150 or 152.

I know that I'd be a fool to buy any airplane that I haven't had
inspected by a qualified A&P that is not, of course, affiliated with the
seller. But, let's say I travel a fair distance to another city to look
at an aircraft- I obviously don't know anybody there. I do not have a
pet A&P I can take along on my whim. Does it make any sense to simply
contact a local FBO, conduct a brief "interview" with A&P candidate, and
then let him have at it and pay him? Is there such a thing pilots will
"typically do" in such a situation?

And, on that note, what is reasonable cost for a pre-buy on such aircraft?

~Paul
~PP-SEL