Flyingbeard

Thanks for posting NotarPilot! I take it you are a Helicopter Pilot by your screen name. Did you learn to fly in the military?

WOW glafaille! You have been busy! I have been flying (for work) the last week and have not been able to keep up with your search. Good luck and keep looking. Flying beard

Good Luck! I hope you find the right plane.

Hi glafaille, I stopped at Air Mods and had a look at this plane and J Model that are for sale on the Website. This plane is very clean, the paint and body looks almost new, not like it was a 40 year old airplane. I met Dave Mathieson, but he had other business to attend to, so Shane ( think he is a mechanic) showed me this aircraft. It was very cold and really windy so I didn't get to go up for a ride. This plane looks great in person, well maintained. The avionics are old and need to be upgraded, but would most likely work for a while. I am not sure what it would take to get the pc wing leveler working. All maintenance has been done at Air Mods (MSC) and it has history. I asked about the gear ups, I was told that the latest (2010), happened after a bird strike, seems the pilot got distracted and just forgot to lower the gear. Not sure about the one in 1986. If I was going to pursue this aircraft, I would get another MSC to look at it. Henry Weber in Lancaster PA is not far that from Robbinsville. I would consider it myself, but really think I want a newer 201 or 231. I hope it helps. Mark

I just sent in my donation for 2016.

I was looking at the 75 model C, but that airplane has not one, but 2 gear ups in it's history. Damage History: Gear up landings in 1986 and 2010 Other: Mooney Service Center maintained for 30+ years

Hi Everyone! Thanks for all the information on what to look for in a good Mooney. I have been busy the last few days doing my recurrent training at work. Now back to my search. I am going to try to stop by Air Mods next week and have a look at this airplane: Mooney M20J '78 Any thoughts?

Hi Lee, Did you have any issues importing your plane to Canada?

Hi Bob, Thanks for all the info on ADS-B. I am just starting to learn how sheltered I have been. Lots I need to learn about airplane ownership and GA flying. Take care! Mark

I have been researching the Beech spar issues, man what a nightmare.

WOW! Thanks for the warm welcome everyone. I am excited, the more I read and learn about the M20's, the more, I think that is the airplane that best fits my mission. I have been saving my AMUs, so if I find the right plane, I am ready. I will check out the NJ Mooney's Pilots Org. I work out of NYC (EWR, LGA & JFK) and make the drive up the turnpike a few times a month. Antares, I am glad that your mishap ended so well. Thanks for sharing.

Hi glafaille, Thanks for your reply. Lear 60, nice! I would love to compare notes. I have recurrent training this week, but will send you a PM so we can set up a time to talk. Take Care, Mark

Congratulations Sir! That is one sweet looking Airplane.

Yes Sir! Thanks for the warning, I have adjusted my search and will be dealing with a MSC for a pre-buy inspection. There a few near me in MD, PA and NJ.

Hi Everyone! I have been reading and hopeing to learn from the collective wisdom of MooneySpace. I have been searching Trade-A-plane, The Controller, Barnstormers and even E-Bay for my first airplane. It seems like a M20F or J would fit my needs. I am also considering a late 60s or early 70s Beech Bonanza. A little about me, I have been flying now for a little over 31 years and work as a pilot for one of the Legacy Airlines. I learned to fly helicopters in the military and later transitioned to fixed wing aircraft. So, I have had very little exposure to General Avaition and have never owned a plane. My biggest fear is buying a plane and having it turn into a money pit. I really want a plane that I can be comfortable in IMC, not planning on flying in bad weather, but would want to be able to fly a 200 and half approach if I really needed to. I am comfortable with steam gages and don't really need the latest glass. I learned to fly with TACAN, VOR, ADF & ILS, but a VFR GPS would be a plus. I am also looking for the standard instrument setup. I live in Maryland, but can travel for the right plane. It seems like Texas and California is where I see the most Mooneys for sale. I have been told that Air Mods Flight and Service in NJ has a good reputation. Any others in the Northeast that I should check out? Thanks for your time. I will shut up now. Mark, ( Flyingbeard) Also, if anyone is near me, I am 5 mins from Martin State (KMTN) or Essex Skypark (W48), I would love to buy you a coffee and check out your plane.