Bill_Carter

Excellent write up Kevin. That seems to layout the Rocket well. My mission doesn't require frequent extended legs, but frequent shorter 400nm legs with the occasional long leg. Granted, that 400nm leg would be doubled in the return flight which would be the next day or two later making it an 800nm round trip. Speed is certainly a desire, hence the reason I am on Mooney Space and not Cessna Space or some other site. (Not sure if there really is a Cessna Space, I made that up LOL). I honestly think I can afford the airplane until it comes down to maintenance other than your run of the mill stuff. I am now looking at options to increase cash flow to get the plane I want rather than settle for something else. Buying a plane sure is a process. I don't want my plane to be the one rotting on the ramp that I can't sell because I couldn't maintain it and can't afford to fly it. There is a wealth of knowledge on this site. I really appreciate everyone's point of view. It gives me what I need to make a good decision. I don't post a bunch on other people's thread, but I do read them. If I have something of value to add or a question, I will post though.

Well I called the broker and he wasn't in; waiting on a call back. I am not too hopeful though. I think you guys are right, it will take to much to get it in shape.

Yes, the engine though is in the same deal that the F is; 55 hours SMOH in 2008. I agree though, it is a much better plane with much better avionics.

What about a panel upgrade? I need an IFR platform. I wonder what the cost would be to get this one up to snuff? I would think the time is has sat and the poor avionics is deterring many.

I will check into this one further and proceed cautiously. I will return and report!

Good idea. I will do that tomorrow.

IDK, actually for me, the turbo is a plus. Hopefully someone on here has already looked at it and can chime in.

Any one have any thoughts on: http://www.controller.com/listingsdetail/aircraft-for-sale/MOONEY-M20F-EXEC-21/1967-MOONEY-M20F-EXEC-21/1355845.htm One thing that bothers me is it had a engine rebuild in 2006, but only has 43 hours on it now. It seems it has been out of annual for many years.

I am really having to weigh my options and what I am willing to pay for a plane. I think maybe I should come down out of the clouds and look for F or J. Perhaps my dispatch rate won't be as high, but I am OK with that. I can take the airlines in the winter if I need too. Besides, the less I spend the happier momma is!

Hey Marauder, I noticed your in Delaware. The Dover AFB flight club ended up with my dad's C172 that he bought new and flew from the factory in Wichita when I was a kid. I want to get over there and see it again some day. They told me I was welcome to come anytime and fly it. So how did you handle the ice in W NY? I assume you are referring to light rime ice?

I think I would rather go commercial anyway if there is a chance of ice. I have been in enough freezing rain on the ground to know I don't want any of that in the air.

I have looked around for FIKI, but so far they are way above my price envelope. I figure my trips will just have to be in better weather in the winter unless I can come across a really good deal. Anyone know how much Cav charges for a FIKI system on a K?

The F with TKS lives in Germany. So not too sure about that. Based on my mission, what do you all recommend? I was really thinking a 231 with Merlyn and Intercooler to be able to get above bad weather (not weather such as thunderstorms of course). I had been considering a J, but for a good one, I can get a 231 and a J won't get me up and over. Maybe I am off in my thinking so straighten me out if I am.

Well, my main mission is traveling from VA HEF to IN OVO and back 2-4 times a month (about 400nm once you get around the MOA) including as much as possible in the winter. Other flights would include vacations such as FL once or twice a year and heading over the Rockies once or twice a year to see my kids. Other than that, just flying to stay proficient. A TLS FIKI is out of my price range and I am trying to stay around 100K or less. Cancelling a flight to OVO is not out of the question, no real pressure that I have to be there. However, once I am there I have to get back to HEF on time. If all else fails, and the weather does something not forcast, an airline ticket would be bought. I just starting IR training and hope to be instrument rated by mid OCT.

I didn't know the TBO was 1600! That makes it a non-starter for me. It takes it out of my cost-of-ownership wallet capacity. I guess I will keep looking!