CJpilot316

Build time AND go places Ill have 6 days off at a time, and I want to be able to fly home, spend 4 days, and fly back.

As far as a G would go, this is one I've been thinking on: http://www.trade-a-plane.com/detail/aircraft/Single+Engine+Piston/1968/Mooney/M20G+Statesman/1747779.html

I fly a Piaggio P-180 as an FO for a charter company. In order to get up to Captain times in a decent amount of time, I'll need to fly extra on my own aside from work. Ive owned an airplane and flown in Maine for the last 3 years, and worked in maintenance for the last few years. So I do know the costs involved. FIKI and turbo would be nice, but not necessary.

Something like this is ideal: http://www.trade-a-plane.com/detail/aircraft/Single+Engine+Piston/1975/Mooney/M20F+Exec+21/2086696.html

A little more info on my mission: 80% of my flying will be solo, full fuel, long legs (4+ hours). I'm 5'6 and 155lbs, so that's no problem for me. I may carry passengers on the occasional double date to NY or something. I loved doing that with the Skyhawk. My job is giving me an 8 day on, 6 day off schedule, basing in Florida. Those six days off I intend to use for traveling and commuting. I'd like a plane that I could get up to Maine with in around 8 hours, and use to travel cross country for visiting friends, etc. I flew my 172 to Colorado and back last month, and I absolutely loved that trip. Im dying to explore further and faster. I also plan to do aerial survey work with it, using the camera system currently mounted on my 172. My budget is $35,000, but I'm knocking on doors of $45k listings to see what I can do. I am also looking at planes needing work. Knowing myself too well, and owning a plane for several years, I can't do a partnership. I'm too selfish with my toys. And I'd be a horrible partner...I intend to fly a minimum of 500 hours a year in the airplane over the next 2 years to build time for my upgrade to captain. The one requirement I've found, per the installation of the camera mount, is that my new bird must have a FIXED STEP. Which means '68 or newer if I'm correct.

Hey all! My name is Cody, I'm a CFI from Northern Maine. I currently own a 172, but It's got a for sale sign on it, since I'm looking at buying a Mooney. I figured this would be the best place to get information on them, and I've been a lurker for a while. From my research, I think I'm leaning towards an M20F or G. Need IFR, long range tanks, and autopilot. Fixer uppers are okay, but I could take any advice in that area of expertise as well. Looking forward to flying faster than 110KTS!