TTaylor

I have done the same over the last two years. Will close this week on a lot at Grassy Meadows Sky Ranch (http://www.grassymeadows.org/) that was part of a bankruptcy. It is only about a two hour flight from Northern Utah to Southern Utah but can feel like a different world during the winter months here. Long term goal is to build a winter home there for retirement.

Actually that is a poor example. A real analysis would show that he should have taken the cross runway. The safety foundation was trying too hard to make a point without really looking at the situation. Any absolute statement that you should never turn back is absolutely crazy. It all depends on altitude, wind, aircraft, etc.

Back to the original question. I am in the process of buying a plane that has missing logs. I discounted the price of the plane 60% for all logs missing. For just one and only part of the time it may be as little as 10%. As others have said the big issue will be when you want to sell, how much of a discount will you have to give for the missing logs?

A big part of the decision is mission and location. The C is great at lower altitudes and shorter flights (less than 500 miles). I live in the inter-mountain west and loved my C but it was a little wimpy getting over a few passes in Colorado and Nevada. An E is nice if you are going to spend a lot of time over 10,000 feet or need to get to over 13 to 15K to clear a pass. The extra speed for longer flights is nice with the E but on shorter flights the total time (getting to the airport, pulling the plane out, etc., etc.) is not very different with the C or E. If you are flying now an then for fun the AP is nice but not necessary. For many hours per years or as an IFR platform you will want one. Define your mission and how much you want to spend. After the money is paid you will not miss it but you might be wishing for the upgrades if you don't get them.

I am looking at a pre J model Mooney that is located near Nashville, but can not find a mechanic that is qualified to do a pre-buy inspection. Any recommendations in the Nashville area? Thanks, Tim