charheep

It might work, do you think its sat long? Or does it fly pretty regularly. lol

I am looking at F and J models as I will use the space more than I would the speed difference. I learned on those radios, so I am familiar with them. The engine time and recent-ish work drew me to it. I agree the price seems high, but its a good starting spot. Seems to me that its hard finding a F model that has time and years left on the engine that isnt priced 10-15k high. about the last 5 planes I looked at seemed to have engines that are old enough to vote and a few that could buy a beer.

To risk becoming a nuisance or more of a nuisance, here is another listing that I am interested in and need help with. Of course, its on the other side of the country from me, so I was hoping someone might be in New Mexico. This one popped up and I was wondering if someone can lay eyes on it for me? Or has any comments on the listing in general? http://www.trade-a-plane.com/search?listing_id=2226176&s-type=aircraft If this is in the wrong section, let me know. Thanks -John

It was $5amu for helping me choose a plane (talking about what I want, can afford, whats available, etc) finding 3 viable planes that fit my needs researching logs (not a mechanic but as a experienced eye), going to the plane and taking pictures and his opinion handling pricing - this is where they say they can save their fee. Finding a decent plane and knowing what to offer and pay. work with contracts and the legal part helping find a mechanic and work with him on getting a pre-buy complete and I am sure there was more Basically a phone call or two establishing what I would like and then a bunch of emails. Not saying its a lot or its not worth it. It might save someone that or more if they are in a hurry or dont have the time to do the work themselves. Or are looking for something very specific or rare. But I am not in a hurry, other than being tired of not finding good planes, and I am willing to spend hours upon hours of time at work learning if I have to. I will call All American and see what they say also. Every day I dont own a plane probably saves me a lot of money too.

Thanks for the pointers and words of wisdom. I am going to put some more information up to get some critiques and so you know my thinking, either right or wrong. I have expanded my search sites, and narrowed down my focus to F/J models. I feel that the extra space is worth the money to me. I havent sat in a C/E though, but I dont think I would ever have a adult in the back. Most of my trips are solo, or with one adult. Or 2 adults and a 4 year old when taking the family. Here is my search steps, maybe I have some things in the wrong order? My searching has been looking at engine times first (oh year and times) Then seeing if the plane has radios I can recognize or actually use, I learned on steam and no AP, so KX155's are home to me AP is a must to me, if steps 1 and 2 pass muster Engine management is a nice to have but not a deal killer LR tanks, stormscope, IFR GPS, WAAS, are all nice to have, but again, sometimes you have to just realize there isnt the quantity out there to expect a perfect set up plane If all that is in line, then price, to see if it fits into my self imposed limit. (It is a hobby to me after all) Then if all that is a go, I contact the seller for logs, information and pictures. this is where I find the plane has been sitting for a few years, or missing logs, etc I didnt talk about paint and interior. I dont mind rough, as I would prefer to re-do both to my preference, as long as its serviceable for a few years. I am a VFR pilot who is either going to get my IR in a rental now, or put it off and get a plane and get my IR in it next year after getting comfortable. I have emails from barnstormers and most of the brokers around me (Chicago area) on new listings. I am real close to Schaumburg Airport and the MSC there. I may give them a call since I would use them anyways. I looked online at LASAR, and it seems like the listings are crazy old or the planes have been sitting. I talked with a buyers agent, and his fee was $5000 not including travel and pre-buy. He stated he would be able to save me more than that by having the inside scoop on planes for sale in the area and knowing what pricing to be at. I may just hire him, but it seems like I can do the same thing, just with slower results. I hope this helps, or at least gives you a glimpse into my insanity.

Thank you all for the comments and the "free" lessons. I am going to pass. You guys are really good at this! I do appreciate it. Rant time. Feel free to ignore me- I have spent a lot of time and research figuring out what plane to focus on and purchase.(182, Vtail, Sierra, 177rg, 201F or J) I am trying to buy something solid and decent for a first time owner, and while I don't expect perfection, it seems I always run into the planes that smarter people have already passed over for good reasons. Or I am too late when a good one shows up. Or priced sky high compared to value. I am close to saying forget it all and just keep on renting for a year or two or hiring a buyers agent. I have a full time non aviation job and by the time I run across an ad and research it, either its picked up by someone or its sitting for sale for valid reasons. To me, and maybe I am looking in the wrong spots, but its so difficult to find a decent plane from a decent owner. Maybe I am doing it all wrong. I rather not pay a brokers agent when its something I can do for free, but maybe thats the way to go. I dont expect sympathy since I am sure everyone that bought a plane had the same frustrations. I guess its the nature of the beast, with low production numbers and variety to choose from. Anyways, just wanted to get that off my chest. Thanks for letting me waste some internet space to vent.:) Rant off

I didnt even notice that. Glad I asked for advice. Is that a show-stopping thing, or a fix it before I buy it type of thing? I am attaching a better picture to see.

I cant find the email, but I am sure he said the crank was replaced due to a SB. I am asking the broker again. Attached is the work order, it looks like SB569A, but I could be wrong. N201FY G&N IRAN.pdf

From the emails and conversation with this broker, I am very interested in this plane. I was hoping to get some new eyes to take a look and see if its worth driving up and taking a look at it. http://www.lonemountainaircraft.com/aircraft-for-sale/n201fy-1977-mooney-m20-j-201/ OH was done in 2002, has the right radios for me, still going over the logs to see when the tanks were done, if at all. Any big gotchas that an Mooney less-educated (idiot) like myself should look for? Any reason to pass on this one or should I drag the family for a 2 hour drive one way to take a gander? Thanks!

Thank you all for the advice and direction. The logs for the 67 are online at http://www.selectaviationservices.com/1967mooneym20fexec21.html and it looks like it sat for several years. Makes me kinda itchy so I might keep looking. I am not in a hurry but I am a tired renter.

http://www.skywagons.com/airplanes-forsale/1967-mooney-m20f-executive-49900-here-placerville-n9623m I think its been for sale for awhile. I kind of like it. The radios are older though. Just looking to see if I should inquire more about it or keep on trucking? This one has better radios, but no logs before 2009. http://www.trade-a-plane.com/search?category_level1=Single+Engine+Piston&make=MOONEY&model=M20F+EXEC+21&listing_id=2181879&s-type=aircraft I am looking for a "last" plane, so the logs dont really bother me as far as re-selling goes, but its hard to know what was done/happened in the past decades without logs. Thanks! -John

Thanks for all the responses. I liked the plane and I like everything I am reading about Mooneys. So my plane shopping list is getting smaller. Any comments on the plane in the link in the first post?

Big thank you to Bob for showing me his plane and spending his time telling me about it. Spent about an hour or so with his beautiful plane. He takes pride in it and it shows. I was able to sit in it. It is definitely smaller at the shoulder for me than the plane I fly now, but not out of the question. We didnt go for a flight but I did spend enough time to answer a bunch of questions that I had. I have a lot to think about now.

I have a date (is that the right word?) with Bob to see his plane if I am available when he is. Once I can pick his brain and see if a Mooney and I are compatible, I will let you know. Thank you for the great offer!

PM sent.

I have never given Mooney's a serious look, but I am open minded now and really want to see if the OWT of it feeling like a coffin is true for me. I am researching J or later models and was curious if someone near me had one that would be willing to let me take a gander and see if I fit? I fly out of Dupage (KDPA) but can meet you somewhere. Lunch would be on me (if thats still legal per FAA...). I like this one (at least on paper) http://skywagons.com/_aircraft_for_sale/3875H/3875H.html , but dont want to head down the rabbit hole if my body isnt Mooney rated . Thanks! If this is in the wrong section, go ahead and move it with my apologies. -John