Tim Jodice

I do see what you mean, I will tread lightly with this as I do not want to start a twin vs single debate. My reason for a deiced baron is this, 40% of the time I have 4-5 people family and friends usually, I only fly alone when going to work, 1620 UL give me what I need to carry what I need inside and enough fuel to go 800 miles LOP with NBAA IFR reserves. I agree with you regarding engine out performance, if I had an engine failure in icing conditions that would be an emergency to me and all I would ask of the other engine in that instance is to make the airplane a very good glider. But 99% of the time both will be running and you can climb through the icing faster than most singles. In my experience the only twin vs single that I have flown that would not be good is a 1966 booted twin Comanche compared to a TKS equipped 1994 Mooney Bravo. I say those two because I have actually flown both and no question the Bravo puts the Comanche to shame. You can't deny simple physics a 5200 pound baron with 570 hp gives you a 9.1 power to weight ratio, a bravo at 3300 pounds with 270 hp gives you a 12.2 power to weight ratio. Up to about 10000 feet the baron will out climb a bravo. Lastly even though I am looking a a baron I posted on mooney space because the is no disputing that mooneys are the most available GA airplane with TKS so I figured that mooney owners would be the best source for information regarding TKS.

I won't be flying over the great lakes much. In all but clear days you have to deal with some kind of icing n the winter. Flying for work about 3 time a week. Not sure what your point was about limitations to single engine flight in icing, I think that Is obvious. Ice Taking down a TBM not too long ago is an unfortunate example of your statement.

The airplane I am looking at buying is a Baron with a Flight Ice system installed. Did they all use the green glue? I will check for it. Thanks again. You say several incidents of these coming off in flight. Is it simply that they come off or does the airplane fly diffrently with out them?

You guys are great thank you for the fast feedback.

How do you like having TKS? What is involved in taking care of it? Lastly is is worth it? I live in new England and am looking a buying an aircraft equipped with it. Any other information regarding TKS would be great! Thanks, Tim

Are you after another C model?

Where are you located? By all means if you mission demands a turbo then get one, think ahead $$$. when I was looking at Mooneys the 201 was hard to beat. NA lycomings as a rule don't need cylinders mid TBO turbo continentals do. Longer TBO and when it comes time to do an engine overhaul assuming factory rebuilt , Lycoming IO-360 $29665 continental TSIO-360 $48,243 (source: air power) not including install.

Newer 201, If I remember correctly they start around 1994 they have most if not all of the speed mods factory installed. I have never been in one but I would bet the comfort would be great and if handling is your thing I bet a 201 would handle better then a rocket. IO-360/390 what's not to like?

Skynewbie, I would suggest flying an ovation before scratching Mooney off you list, nothing against older Mooneys but I think Mooney made big improvements in comfort in the 90s on. If you don't need the power check out an MSE.

I have used them, slightly on the expensive side but they do good work have not heard any thing bad about them.