Roger O

Ok, so now I've got to find that special C or E for us. I would rather buy form a member of the forum than a broker, or a "stranger". Does anyone have a personal aircraft that they are interested in selling? In my dream plane, I'd love to have an HSI coupled to a 2 axis AP and a descent WAAS GPS. Anyone?

I have shown my wife the posts to this thread, and she is actually positively impressed with the answers. Perhaps there is hope yet! I think the greatest impetus is a 2 hr easy flight as opposed to having to travel 5 hrs on I-95 with no traffic to visit our son.

Good point Hank. Before I go on, I do understand that this is not a marital advice forum! I guess one of my issues is that when I bring up getting a Mooney, I get the "do what you want, but don't expect me to get involved" argument. I guess I could just go and buy one, but I really wanted it to be a shared purchase. Any advice from the more experienced in the group?

Once again, thanks for your insight. I really want do this "right" - I know, there is no right or wrong - and like some of you, have to deal with a reluctant spouse, who'd rather be on the ground or let Jet Blue fly! She never understand the allure of flying, and why I'm so addicted to it... So, I'm trying to play out all the scenarios, and make the best decision I can for our situation. All of you are helping me a great deal, and I truly appreciate it!

Thank you gsxrpilot, that's kind of what I had thought, but was not sure. I realize that you are not able to see into the future (at least I don't think so!), but do you think that in 10 years or so there will be a market for aircraft that are 60+ years old? That is IMHO really pushing the envelope...

Thanks everyone for the great answers. My main concern is that the change in the price and desire for an older plane will be significantly greater than for a newer one, so that when I decide to sell, I will lose more on the C and E then on a later model J. Do you agree or disagree, and am I getting too myopic in trying to decode the numbers? I am a dentist, not an accountant! Thanks again!

Hi Everyone. I am once again in the market for a Mooney. My wife and I are alone, and our primary mission is flying is for local trips and to visit our son in VA. There would be an occasional trip to Florida for vacation. As most of the folks here, our funds are limited, and we need to watch our spending a bit. I am 65 years young, and would like to fly for at least 10 years more, and here comes the question. Do we buy a 50+ year old C or E which we can pay cash for. but may not be worth much in 10 years, or take a lone for a newer 201 and get proportionally more when we sell? Thanks to all for your opinions and help!

I love this plane! Serious question, does anyone know the cost (and if it's practical) to convert the gear to electric? As some of you know, I have an issue with my right shoulder, and really need electric gear.

Thanks Hank. I've looked at the listings here, and unfortunately I don't see any that are either in my budget or fit my needs. I off course will keep looking, and would really like to buy a plane from a Member. No immediate rush though, I'm sure that someone once said that patience has virtue, or something like that!.. After all of the research, I do keep coming back to my Mooney. There are many great airplanes out there, but I loved it first, and the attraction is still very much there... I'm sure given a bit more tine, I'll find what I want. In the meantime, I'll be on the forum learning ass much as I can from you guys!

Now to find that perfect C or E... Any recommendations?

Thanks everyone for your insight. After much thought, I do believe that getting the electric gear is the best option, even at the tender age of 65! I do want to keep flying, and there is no sense in stressing any more about it.

Hi everyone. As a former M20C with electric gear owner, I am once again in the market for a Mooney C or E. There are a lot of good looking C's and E's out there (and listed on the forum) for sale but they have manual gear. Problem is, I have a right shoulder with some torn ligaments, and decreased strength that might need surgery. Do you think that a manual gear is possible for me to handle or should I restrict my looking to electric gear only?

Good luck with the sale and transfer Alan! Just curious, what are the fees that eBay charges for a sale of this magnitude?

Hi Everyone, After playing with certified aircraft and homebuilt aircraft for the better part of 38 years now, I was wondering if anyone has licensed their Mooney in the experimental category? In our case it would be for "research and testing of systems installed on the aircraft that are not FAA certified." With parts getting more scarce and downright expensive for some items, it would stand to reason that this might be a viable option for the older Mooney. In addition to parts, you would be able to buy a heck of a lot of very high tech avionics for much less than the STC'd stuff we're forced to buy. Unless you are flying your Mooney under part 135 or higher, experimental licensing does not effect the way you fly, only what you can do to the airplane. Your comments are welcome and encouraged. Happy Father's Day!

Don't want to hijack the thread, but since you are not an A&P or and AI perhaps it would be a good idea to let a pro do the seat pulling! In addition, have you considered an annual as opposed to a pre-buy? An annual is much more comprehensive than a pre-buy and will discover a lot more than a cursory inspection. You are about to spend a lot of hard earned money on a Mooney, just looking to help you avoid problems!

Bob, it has been a while since I flew through the DC area, but I believe the easiest way is to simply file an IFR flight plan, and let ATC do the work for you.

O.K., so now we know all about folding bikes, great thread by the way. Does anyone know if there is a motorized folder for those of us too old (or just tired!) to use a conventional bike?

Looks great! Use it well!

Jerry, I wonder why ATC did not advise you about the VFR traffic. He may not have been talking to them, but they most likely had VFR transponder codes on?

How about some pictures (exterior and interior) Tom?

Phil, excellent reference that we all should keep. This obviously allows all of us to touch up the paint, allow decorative graphics to be placed on the fuselage, change the N numbers etc. with a simple log entry without IA approval. Good stuff!

Chris, your still teasing. Just remember me first when you want to trade up! Is there a weight penalty or gain by having an all electric panel? Does removing the vacuum pump and associated hardware weigh more than a backup alternator and wiring?

Not to be a contrarian, but when I learned to fly many moons ago, my CFII told me to NEVER trust a fuel totalizer alone. Yes they work at telling you what your engine burned and by definition what you have left, but does not tell you how much fuel you are jettisoning due to that lose fuel cap or punctured fuel line. Use the fuel totalizer for accurate readings in a well sealed functioning system, but always check your fuel gauges as the definitive backup that all is working as advertised, and you are not losing fuel..

With all the great Mooney mechanics out there, does anyone have plans to build the rig necessary to change the disks? The part (at least the picture on Hanger Toolbox) does not look particularly complex, and it sure would keep the costs down. Heck, if some of our members built them, we could even loan them out to each other. In addition, if the parts are readily available and reasonable in cost, they would be changed out more oftem, increasing safety and comfort.

Beautiful plane! Hope it sells quickly.