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First flight today from avionics shop ( Tomlinson Avionics @ KFMY). I have downloaded and read the G5 manual few days ago to get familiar with it. After short overview with the engine running, pushing and turning few buttons I was on my way home. Nothing into it. Works as advertised. I was able to follow magenta line in the AP heading mode and changed the course with the heading bug with the GPPS OFF on the G5. Nice and smooth. Then I have loaded RNAV 35 approach to KMKY and enabled GPPS on the G5. The AP stays in the heading mode. I never had it before. The thing flew the whole approach itself. Again very smoothly and precisely. And it was very bumpy up there. Since I don't have pitch control all I had to do is watch and trim for my altitude and control the power in order to stay on the glide slope. I know people say that there is really no value to the G5 ADI since I had to keep my vacuum AI but it is a big improvement to what I had before. Next I am going to shoot some ILS and VOR approaches but I hope I will never use them again.

I don't know about other dinosaurs on here, but I began airplane ownership as my kids were finishing up college. Frankly, aircaft ownership is MUCH cheaper than tuition/college. Buy $175 worth of avgas? Think, "one textbook". $14,000 annual? Think, "one semester tuition". And aircraft ownership does not involve mandatory liberal-indoctrination! What a bargain!

I detect sarcasm in your post. But to be fair, the announcement was about delivering the first Ovation Ultra, signifying that both the Acclaim and Ovation Ultras are in production and being sold. So it wasn't about selling an airplane as much as announcing to the world that the Ovation Ultra is now available. I also noticed that the Ovation Ultra was the cover picture and featured story in this month's Flying Magazine. It helps that a key writer for the magazine, Pia Bergqvist, flies an older Mooney so she is enamored with the brand. This is all good news to me.

Did a mercy flight today, picking up an elderly woman in Rochester MN, flying her to Sawyer (Marquette). A/P heading mode went T.U., sending the plane the opposite way every time during vectors to 3 different ILS Approaches. My hand flying skills got a work out today. I've been on a intense 2 month push getting final bodywork done on the Lancair so only a couple Mooney flights in that time. I kept trying to call the Bonanza either a Lancair or a Mooney. Anyone listening had to have been laughing. Saw some really interesting clouds on the way to Sawyer. They had different twists to them, almost looking like fiber. Tom

These last 20 years. My last set did.

Because Al Mooney didn't design it that way, that's why. Same reason I like my Johnson Bar landing gear. You dang kids with yer new-fangled flyin' machines. No respect for the classics.

I'm still not quite sure why college tuition for kids comes into play... My kids knew that if they were going to college they better get good grades in high school and test scores to receive scholarships. If not then they were going to learn how to be a poor college student and work their way through school. I haven't added up my costs through my first year (11 months) of ownership. Here are the rough ones: Loan - $233/mo Hangar - $400/mo (Like others I consider this a necessity) Insurance - $1525 (I had zero complex/retract hours, under 60 total hours, renewal after passing 200 total and 140+ in type came back at $1005) Fuel - $6,300 (Approximate, I haven't catagorized everything in Quicken yet but that would be 140 hours, 10 gal/hr, and $4.50/gal) Shoulder Belts - $1,000 (Some might consider it optional but I considered this a necessity. I did the install and I think paid my AP/IA $20 to look it over and sign it off.) Oil changes - $240 (Approximate, $20 filter plus oil, I did them myself, three oil changes) 500 hr Mag Inspection - $1375 (They were at about 430 hours when I bought it) Misc - $2000? I have not kept track of little things here and there on the plane That puts me right about $20,000 and does not include the first annual that is due next month To that you can add in some other stuff that was completely optional. I just had an EDM830 installed this week and I have a used SL40 going in next week to replace the Narco Escort II that was my #2 Nav/Com. I just fly VFR but plan on putting in a GPS/Nav/Com next year and starting on my IFR which will add to the bill. Contrary to some advice I bought the plane even though I could not have afforded to pay cash for it, nor pay cash to put an engine in it. I could if necessary do that using a home equity line of credit if needed. I looked at my finances and decided that I could afford $1,500 or so a month to chase down the dream of flying so I did it. I can't put a price on the memories and experiences that we have had since owning the plane, which I guess is why I don't really keep track of expenses to the penny. I am blessed to have a wife that not only enjoys the plane but encouraged me to get it. She also has never had any concerns about upgrades if it is to make things either safer or more enjoyable. She just flew commercial to UT to visit grandkids this week and was really wishing she was in our plane instead of wasting time in the terminal and then getting crammed into a seat next to whoever. It cracks me up when people say our planes are cramped inside, there is more room than flying coach class, even in the back seat of a short body...

My wife and I have come to the realization the drivers around here drop 5 mph every time they see a curve, 10 mph when they see a policeman/state trooper, or 25 mph if there is a wreck on the other side of the freeway. All of the preceding regardless of the speed they are traveling.

I don't want to see you in a CTLS either! But I don't want to see you be one of those guys who buy a plane and then can't afford to operate it. We have seen a few of them over the years on this site. I am a 26 year owner of the same plane and have kept detailed spreadsheets since Day 1 (ah, what happened to those days when AvGas was $1.25 per gallon?). I fly between 120 to 180 hours a year. On a good year, nothing breaks and I am on the lower side of the $20k range. On a bad year, I'm paying $1,500 for new spark plugs and a wiring harness, spending money to fix a radio problem or an annual that is double my normal expected cost. The upgrades and engine reserves I keep can be eliminated if you have plans on selling before either is needed. If you plan on owning the plane for a while, you really should factor them in. People often asked me how I funded my avionics upgrades -- simple, I budgeted for it by setting aside money for every hour I flew. My first upgrade after I did the autopilot in 1998 was in 2012 when I joined the world of GPS and glass cockpits. I saved for 14 years to have the funds to make that happen. If you can do some of the maintenance yourself (as I did for the first 7 years of ownership) and can do owner assisted annuals like raptor above can, you will lower your costs. If you are 5 thumbs and have a hard time with "lefty loosey, righty tighty", you will need to pay for someone to do those things for you. I wouldn't sugarcoat the costs. Keep in mind that a number of owners here are, er, ah, on the dinosaur side of evolution (myself included) and have worked for years to have the financials means to own a plane. When I bought my Mooney, I was making less than I pay today in taxes. So, it can be done but you need to go into it with your spidey senses on full alert.

Actually, when I fly Mooney I can typically save 1-2 days of food and lodging over a comparable drive. Not to mention a time saver. My time used to be worth something, until I retired. So I figure I can save a few hundred per trip by spending 1-2AMU going Mooney.

I found a $700 difference between the companies as I have been getting quotes. Not much in the scheme of things, less than 10% difference. Mine will go up north, having had the opportunity to meet and talk to Paul was the difference maker.

These budgets are in line. Please please please put the thing in a hangar. It pays for itself over time with 1) the appearance of hangar elves, 2) protection from the elements and 3) other perks like the elves’ household items can be stored and save $250/month on storage in a seedy location. If the idea of a hangar will blow the monthly budget then group ownership or club participation may be the way to go initially. The utility of being able to pick up and go is why most went with the sole ownership route rather than clubs or partnerships. I like being able to just get things done without the pain of haggling about expenses. Example - last night I had to explain to the wife what an AMU is. First world problems indeed.

How bad is your leak? Some are just annoying and don't affect airworthiness. Stick with one of the established folk. Paul Beck is a huge supporter of the mooney forum and summit, so I'd be inclined to wait for a slot to open with him. There's a reason he is so busy.

Like Nielpilot, I also fly the "cheapest" bird in the fleet and generated total costs very similar to his over the last year. I flew a bit less (100-120hrs), spent more on hangar, a tad less on maintenance, differing amounts on the sundries, but all told 20-25k is about right. Only realistic way for me to save significantly would be to get an A/P license. I do my own very basic maintenance (oil/filter, clean/rotate/gap plugs, borescope checks) but don't have time to do more. Now that my plane is up to snuff in most ways, I am budgeting 20k per year going forward plus 25k saved for the fateful day when overhaul comes. In relation to these recurring costs, the plane purchase itself is insignificant.

Assuming cheap ($3/gal) gas, and 10 gal/hr fuel burn it seems that you are only flying 20 hour/year. If that's the case, then your out of pocket flying is costing about $340/hr. Maybe you need to fly more or get a partner? In 2016 87Q was flow 160 hours. Maintenance included a cylinder, AP elevator servo, nose truss replacement and ADS-B install. Our costs were as follows:

I kind of agree with what others have said. If I had to finance my airplanes I wouldn't have bought them. We had one guy here who financed an airplane (C model) and later found corrosion and said he was going to have to total the plane out. Had to explain to his wife he'd be making payments on a plane he didn't have for years. Over the years I've had a few "holy crap" unexpected repair bills in the 5 figure range. I'd hate to have to figure payments on top of that. -Robert

Thanks, Yea, I have screen shot all my check rides. I show them to other students who may be preparing to go for the same rating and it seems to help them know what to expect. But, it's false... As I mentioned earlier, I expected we were going to do the ride at another airport that is uncontrolled... I had not planned any of it, but just rolled with it. I nearly blew it on my forced landing. I had practiced many many times on various smaller 3-5k foot fields in the area, but I had never practiced it at my home base before (2 mile charlie airfield). I always knew the big runways will trick you into thinking you are closer than you really are and this time it did. I realized pretty quickly that I wasn't going to make it, so I told him that the size of the runway environment had tricked me and I had not practiced it there before and that I would like to make this landing my short field spot landing and he said ok... I'm glad he let me go on that... The following forced landing attempt, ATC kept wanting to vector us on a five mile pattern. I was about to key ATC and ask to fly a tighter pattern for the simulated forced landing, but before I did, the examiner told me to just fly over there.. At the time, I didn't compute that when ATC instructs to turn down wind, it is not a heading assignment. Now it makes sense, but anyway, we got closer and did the forced landing successfully. For the commercial ride, you have to touch down within 200 feet of the intended landing spot. Again, I didn't know this until the oral an hour before flying. It would have been nice if I had clearly understood that ahead of time, but I was able to get my steed in ground effect and float to within 200ft of touchdown. Again, at this airport, I usually touch down just after the numbers, but on short final, I realized he was expecting me to land on the aim point runway marking, which is another 1000ft or so.. I floated as far as I could and made it inside the allowable limit and the examiner gave a little cheer.. Other than that, it was piece of cake!

What @Raptor05121 said. You're always money ahead buying the plane you want rather than one to upgrade. I don't budget for engine/overhaul. I budgeted for a plane that I could afford to pay cash and afford an engine when it's required. It might still make sense to finance, but I wouldn't finance because it was out of reach otherwise. I started with a C and after two years and 400 hours, I'd learned two things. First, I was definitely using the plane. 200 hours per year of almost all cross country flying is perfect for a Mooney. Second I realized I could afford a bit more than the C. So I sold it an bought a 252. Then I did get a little carried away with the panel, but didn't pay retail for any of it and haven't missed a mortgage payment or bounced a check, and we've still got Ramen noodles in the pantry, so I think we'll make it.

Yesterday, I went on my commercial check ride. Nothing really went to plan. ATC was busy and they kept vectoring us to kind of an unreasonable distance and over rough terrain before letting us maneuver. Anyway, it worked out and I passed, but this is what a commercial checkride looks like.

Because this is Mooneyspace....thread drift is normal.

I played with both knobs and didn't notice any trouble to press and turn the knob. My hands are not small either. I hope that my " major upgrade " will be next step when I am going to put in GFC500, new remote transponder, Sandia 340 and who knows what else. Then it will be probably new panel cut out. I wear reading glasses and my vision sucks in general. No issue reading the display. It is very crisp. Really nice.

Speaking for myself only... I like how clean it looks. One less thing hanging off and looking ugly. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Whats funny is how many drivers consider themselves to be very good or excellent drivers. Since we dont fly in such close proximity as we drive and as I have such a limited amount of exposure to other pilots i wonder if the percentage of delusianal pilots that think they are gods gift to aviation is as high as there are drivers to driving.

My wife nor I have any trouble boarding or de planing without the step, occasionally I will lower the "old man step" for passengers. When I was first looking at Mooney's I thought the crank was to role the window up and down, if you had the crank mechanism and switched your step to vacuum you might as well install a window that goes up and down using that crank.

Was it actually leaking or seeping during the annual or had stains marks? That's the only way anyone would know.

Adding one pic

Low retract time will be an cost issue for a year or 2. You might want to contact some other brokers. Falcon in TX knows Mooneys. Avemco does not uses brokers and will give you an immediate quote. It would not usually be the lowest but it would give you a cross reference. Some underwriters stay away from segments of the market that others specialize in. Your obscene quote is probably a polite(?) way of saying go away kid.

Good question. I guess it depends on how old your Ovation is. For some, the jump to the latest G1000 may be enticing...I know there are some concerns about having the fully-integrated panel compared to piecing something together with components, so it's a personal choice. I do like the G1000 but recognize its limitations. I think the pilot's side door is a big draw, not so much for the pilot as for all the passengers as it helps with ingress/egress...and the stretched door makes it easier to get in the back. There really isn't a performance difference in actual flight, I don't think. There's no doubt that it's an evolution and not a revolution, but I think there are some worthwhile upgrades. Without having some legitimate way to write it off as a business expense, I wouldn't probably spring for a brand new model, but perhaps in a couple of years if one comes available I'd be interested. But I don't suspect Mooney is targeting the current Ovation owners as much as the broader market, so the push to compare against other models makes sense.

The "short rudder" (which is what your C is equipped with) is plenty adequate in my opinion, it's just that the long rudder offers more control authority. I cannot envision a scenario where a pilot would ever say "this would be great flying airplane if only it didn't have so damn much rudder authority". There's no downside to the full length rudder, but that doesn't make the short ruddered birds bad.

Older vintage Mooney rudders extend from the horizontal stabilizer to the top of the tail. On later vintage Mooneys, like my 1970 C, the rudder also extends below the horizontal stabilizer, to the bottom of the tail cone. Larger rudder area means more force for crosswind correction.

If you fly it with an inoperative pump, the plane will "probably" make it just fine. Personally, I wouldn't consider a flight without the electric pump. Depending on the equipment list for an E, it may be illegal.

That is because it has no options like oxygen fiki etc.

Those Garrett turbines really are almost zero maintenance. The ones with a 5000 TBO anyway. But still, with that, the “affordable turbines” thread on BT shows guys paying 100-200k a year to care and feed one. The meridian is a little cheaper on maintenance but the cap cost of a 1.5M airplane makes it expensive too. Figure 1000$ an hour.

I would add that if I was having a reseal I'd insist that the tanks be done one at a time, with a check for corrosion after each strip. There's horror story elsewhere here where wing corrosion was discovered after the stripping and because both tanks were done, the bird was trapped at the stripping facility.

Taking my commercial written next week. I just checked all the boxes for the flying portion so will start those maneuvers next. congrats!

Hi Chris, I talked with the FAA today on your project and will send the 337 in tomorrow. They are helpful but quite busy. Bob, I’ll need some info from you next week as I’ll submit your 337 later next week. Right now, I think our original plan on yours will still work. Thanks, David

Paul, you stated it quite well. N6XM had a gear collapse as just as I took the runway for takeoff (very slow taxi speed). The longer version of this story can be found here: https://mooneyspace.com/topic/20619-landing-gear-collapsed-during-taxi/?tab=comments#comment-311843 I would not have settled for a prop strike inspection. My insurance co offered a payout of the insured value ($50k), and also offered $36k if I wanted to keep the airplane and fix it. I thought the insurance company's offer was very fair, however given the repairs required to the airframe, engine teardown, new prop, and personal reasons, I elected to let it go. That was a fine airplane, and I do believe one of the best C models out there, but after struggling for three months to keep it or not, I let the insurance company have it. Now I have a J, and life is once again, good.

The newer the airframe, the easier it gets to write "solved at factory, not applicable"

There is a great deal to love about Mooneys from 1966 +/- a year or two: the Johnson Bar Manual Landing Gear, Manual/hydraulic Flaps, and a sexy Vacuum actuated Step that's there when you need it and tucked in all comfy when you don't.

Not sure if your numbers include reserves for engine and avionics. I don’t budget, my actual costs run between $20AMU and $28AMU depending on how much flying I do and how many issues I have during the year. Another thing I keep track in the costs are all the subscription costs and aviation extras. People have a way of kidding themselves into believing that the other expenses are not aviation related (like databases, headsets, iPad app subscriptions). I always ask, if I didn’t own the plane would I incur this expense. If yes, it gets counted in. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

Thanks for that reminder... Hi Paul, Please add me (as KFUL) and send me the link. -dan

I hit the one-year of ownership anniversary next week. Under 200 total time and zero retract time gave me a $1800 insurance bill. My renewal will be $1200. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Are the hours of installation needed going to outweigh the 3 seconds it takes to spin the handle twice per flight?

Whatever you budget, forget it. Once you get the plane, then you start jones’n for upgrades. If you need to finance purchase, I don’t recommend getting a plane. Or get a make/model that you can afford with cash. It will be too much of a drain on your resources and set you up for tough decisions ahead. Just don’t buy anything thinking you can fix this and that and come out ahead.

My engine upgrade was slightly larger than 1.5 amu... Fuel is as much as you want to fly... Some people use 100 hours for their math... It can be challenging to reach 50 hours some years... hangar cost are regional, and quality based... my biggest expenses... that can be planned in advance... annual hangar insurance finance, while the interest rates are low.... fuel for 100hours at 15 gph... $4/gal? Best regards, -a-

I think you are right and I think he is crazy. This is sort of like the Pharaohs having their entourage killed and put into the tomb with them. Frankly, turning the plane over to a youngster who will restore and fly it makes far more sense to me. Not to mention the opportunity to fly in her a few more times as Kris pointed out. Sad

My D, E, and good friend, mentor, airplane partner Tom. -Matt

Ahhhh...my mistresses, how I do love them and how wifey hates them. The Mistress: N5976Q '66 M20E Super 21 (pretty fast) The Petite Mistress: '15 GLA45 AMG (0➔60 4.2s) The two play so well together...

Hey, I drive a Civic.

Sounds like an oil discussion - everyone has their favorites. I went with Garmin. I had dual 430s (non-waas) and upgraded to a GTN 750 with a GTX 345 for my ADSB. The 650 and 750 have the ability to cross talk to a 430 but i use my (single) 430 as just a Nav/Com and GPS backup. Garmin's are more expensive. The Touch interface is very intuitive on the 750 and 650 - I love it.