LevelWing

I know that I'll have my plane for several more years (5+, likely). On one hand, I can see the argument of not wanting to spend $25k on upgrades when that $25k could go towards another plane. However, while I still have the current plane and am flying it, I'd like to make my trips safer and more enjoyable. I'll upgrade as I can. In the end, any upgrade I do will help sell the plane in the future and my return on investment is my satisfaction, enjoyment and safety in the mean time.

Thanks for the explanation, it all makes sense. Browsing around on the Avidyne site and looking at some videos, the IFD boxes seem to be really user friendly (though my experience with Garmin is limited to the 430W and that's still pretty limited). I understand your point about the transponder and redundancy. The GPS and transponder would take care of that issue. I'm less concerned about the ADS-B in with the Lynx or others simply because I have the Stratus box but if the GPS can add that in there for little to no cost (such as the Avidyne solution), then it makes sense to do it. It's starting to look like I'm going to spend $10-15k either way and it's more a matter of which route I take to get there. Thanks for the feedback. I'll post pictures of the painting when it's done.

Your list makes sense, though I've done things in a much different order than you listed. The first "major" upgrade we did was paint the plane but that was because a deal fell into our laps that we couldn't turn down, cost wise. Obviously you've responded to my thread about what to upgrade next and you made some excellent points in your post. I think a transponder is more important for me right now than an engine monitor with the upcoming 2020 mandate. As you know, I live in and am based out of a Class C airport so this is big. For me, starting with getting a standard 6 pack is the basis for all future upgrades (unless my train of thought is wrong, which is why I made that thread). Having a standard 6 pack makes the scanning easier and puts all necessary instruments in my view (in the picture in my thread you can see that the manifold pressure/fuel flow gauge is on the far right side and is hard to see with that raised, fake wood panel). With a standard 6 pack I can then upgrade as necessary. I agree with your reasoning in each of your points and it's driving part of my thought process for what comes next.

I have a few follow up questions for you. Which transponder route do you recommend? Why do you prefer the Avidyne solutions over the Garmin ones? I'm leaning towards the L-3 Lynx transponder but I'm not sure that it's worth the cost. I could get a GTX 327 and something like the FreeFlight RANGR Lite and be ADS-B compliant. I already have ADS-B in with my Stratus box.

While I would love to see these certified for Mooneys quickly, I'm personally not in a hurry to get one. I'm more excited about the fact that these instruments are being made available to certified aircraft at reasonable prices when compared to the traditional range of available certified autopilots. The corollary will hopefully be other instruments that are widely available in the experimental market getting certified and bringing down the costs.

The biggest problem I see, especially if I get a single piece panel, is the ability to add/remove avionics later on. Something like the G5 shouldn't be an issue since it fits in the same slot as a regular AI. But when you start talking about upgrading to an IFR GPS or other avionics later, I'd like to have that option without having to cut a new panel each time I upgrade. I'll obviously need to draw it out very specifically and ensure that the instruments go where I want them to, keeping future plans in mind.

Answers to your questions are above in red. I should've titled the thread, "Spend my money for me!"

It's time to look at upgrading the panel now that the paint job is almost complete. I still have the old fake wood, shotgun layout for the panel. I'm looking for options on the best way to make the panel scalable so that I can upgrade different avionics at different times. I would really prefer to have a single piece panel that goes across the entire panel instead of the 3 piece that I see often. The problem is different manufacturers have different sized devices and that doesn't include new avionics that come out in the future. Below is a picture of my current panel. Additionally, here is a list of what I'd like to upgrade in the future as well as remove from the current panel. Remove from current panel: ADF (removed when panel is re-done) KNS 80 and King KX AccuTrak One VOR once GTN goes in Add to panel: Dual G5 (?) GTN-650 Engine monitor (Insight G4?) ADS-B compliant transponder Digital tach

They just sent out an email saying that the next items on their list are the Cessna 182's and the PA-28's. I'll wait until next year for this if it means getting a great product for such a low price. Either that or another company will come along with a certified autopilot to compete with them that'll be certified for Mooney's before then.

I was wondering this myself. The beacon looks really cool though. A fully compliant ADS-B solution for $1400 is a much better price than a lot of what's currently out there. I expect we'll start to see more solutions like this come along as we get closer to 2020, though.

Congrats! Looks like a great airplane.

I've never had a problem finding parts for my plane (except for one, which is a long story and self-induced) nor have I had any real issues with it. It's a lot faster than a Cessna 172 and, at least in my opinion, a lot more fun to fly. Just make sure you do a thorough pre-purchase inspection before you actually buy one to ensure you get a good one. I put a few planes through pre-purchase before finding my Mooney and it was worth every penny.

Unfortunately I won't be able to make it this year, either. I did the training with the Mooney Caravan a couple years ago but wasn't able to make it then, either. I'm hoping for next year, though I'll definitely need to get some more training in with the Mooney Caravan.

I'm not sure if North Las Vegas has hangars or not, but you can try giving them a call. Fred Durdin Line Service Supervisor North Las Vegas Airport 2730 Airport Drive, Suite 101 North Las Vegas, NV 89032 702-261-3809

Are you wanting a full hangar or will a shade hangar work? North Las Vegas has a wait list but depending on where you live, that might be worth checking out.

Ask around at your local airport(s). The regulars around there will know if someone is looking to sell. Local maintenance shops or avionics shops may have a board with for sale posters on there as well.

I have no experience with an E model but I have a C model. My airport elevation is around 4,000ft and density altitude in the summer often reaches 6,000-7,000ft or more. It is a little anemic during the hottest part of the day but I make it a point to be off the ground well before then anyway because it's just uncomfortable on the ground in that heat. Plan ahead for safety and comfort and it'll take you anywhere you want to go.

I have an iPad Air 2 right now and it usually sits on my lap. I'm thinking about switching to the mini but waiting for the new ones to come out. If they don't, I may just get the iPad Pro (smaller one).

Done. I would. The ability to get an autopilot that does the same as one of the upper STEC models for $7,000 is absolutely worth it to me. I haven't even considered an autopilot due to the expense of buying it and having it installed.

It seems like I'm missing something. Their website says it includes the servos, installation kits, connector kit, etc. They're going to sell this system for $5,000-ish less installation? That's incredible.

For the entire autopilot system? If so, and at the price they have their current experimental ones for, that's huge.

This thread hasn't changed my mind about not wanting to get a twin. It has, however, made me really want a turbo Mooney, especially since I live out west. My climb rate on a hot date is pretty anemic.

Have you seen this? http://aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2017/april/04/certification-simplification-bears-fruit Looks like it's getting closer to it.

Nice panel, Paul! Hope I get to see it next time we cross paths.

Welcome! One thing to consider with your kids is how much they'll weigh as they continue to grow. That may play a factor in terms of both weight and comfort as they get older and sit in the back seat. N201MKTurbo is based in the Phoenix area. Try giving him a shout. It's a little bit longer of a flight, but Marana (KAVQ) has a nice little restaurant on the field. You'll also get a nice view of Picacho Peak from the air. I'll be heading to the Phoenix area in the next few weeks so if you haven't gotten a ride by then, let me know and we can try and work something out.