rbuck

It looks like you're coming from Texas, so as long as the area is what you're looking for, Boulder (KBDU) has a great program. That's where I learned to fly. I don't know a lot of the instructors there now (I know a couple), but it's a good program. What are you looking to do?

Congrats! That's a nice looking plane you got there!

Actually, my 70 C model battery is behind the rear seat. It wasn't there originally; it was moved when the J model windshield was installed. I imagine that with the bigger engine in the E model, though, you won't be able to move the battery back forward

Pretty neat! I really like the second door.

My wife won't even touch the control yoke.

At higher altitudes, 11000-12500, I normally get about 145 indicated. (150ish kts). I usually do a little better at mid-altitudes, but I don't usually indicate above 150mph much. 145-150mph indicated is standard. I flight plan for between 150 and 160 mph true, depending on my altitude and settings.

Agreed. I like the door on the pilot's side. Wouldn't that be nice?

95 flights and 95.6 hours-mostly before the fall. A little less than I have done the last few years. I'm surprised I even got that much time now that I'm in grad school-without an income. This year will likely be much more anemic with school...but then I'll be back at it.

I had the same exact problem when I first got my Mooney. As Marauder said, someone in my FBO told me "just look at the far end of the runway." I hadn't exactly done that before and wasn't sure about it. Sure enough, it solved the problem! Hope that your future landings are great!

I have a C that I love. The first time that I flew in a Mooney was when I went to give it a test flight, and the first time I was really on the controls was my transition training. (I'm in Indiana or I'd take you flying.) Overall, a C is simple to fly and has all of the economy of the other models (though it is, admittedly, a little slower). It is a little tighter in the back seats, but I'm a short pilot, too, so it's not too much of an issue. Overall, there are way more pros than cons to a C model. If you find a good one, take it!

I'd contact the national guard post nearest you. They should be able to point you in the right direction.

Too heavy, too much money, and too much space in my short body taken up.

Glad you're safe. Praying for you and your family.

I don't know any instructors in Montrose, but I do know that there are mountain instructors at Boulder (BDU) and Jeffco (BJC-er, Metro). That would be a stop on your way I suppose, but both airports are a little farther north than your intended route.

Welcome Alex, I also purchased a C model as my first plane, and I had about 160 total hours when I purchased it. I am the sole owner of my plane, and in the past 2.5 years I've added to that number quite a bit. It's been a great first plane (though it took a little bit to get used to-it goes a lot faster in the pattern than the 172s and Cherokees that I was flying). I don't know of a good pre-buy location near Buffalo, but I would make sure that you go through a reputable source. I am also not sure if the pre-buy process is any different for a partnership. That's the kind of thing that one of the old pros like Hank can answer. I have heard a number of stories, though, of pilots (of any type of aircraft) thinking they were getting a better operating machine than they actually did. Most folks on this site will recommend a Mooney Service Center. (You can find MSC locations on the Mooney Aircraft site under Support.) I agree with smwash02. If you keep your plane maintained well, it is an economical plane. I think 10K will get you quite a bit of use per year. I spent more than that on my first year, but have been significantly under in the past year and a half. I have a 2-blade prop. To be honest, I haven't been in a 3-blade C, but I know it makes the nose a little heavier. That shouldn't be a big deal, though. If you're looking to keep flying expenses under 10K, I think that a Mooney will help you do that better than a Cardinal RG. (I'm not biased, of course, at all.) You'll save quite a bit of money on just gas in the long run. Plus, a Mooney just looks better.

With winter coming, I have to look into a good, and cheap, way to preheat my engine. I recently moved and haven't owned a plane in a colder area before. Does anyone have a favorite product/method that's especially cost effective?

It's hard to beat the vintage scheme. We have a 70C, though, with a newer paint scheme, and we love it. Here's a pic, just to give you an idea. If/when I have to repaint the plane someday, I'm doing it exactly the same way. http://mooneyspace.com/gallery/image/36812-/

Congratulations!!

+1 for Sean's suggestion. I do the same.