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So recently, on a very long series of flights the following occurred: From LKU to MMJ, my M20J 201's auto-pilot was tracking on course to a VOR waypoint via the Garmin 530W. All of a sudden, the autopilot banked the aircraft to the right on a standard-rate turn off course nearly 60 degrees before I disengaged the autopilot to correct the course heading. I reset the FD and had the same problem. I had to turn off the autopilot all the way, wait a few minutes while hand flying in IMC, then turn the autopilot on again. It worked for the remainder of the flight. From MMJ to Lansing, IL, the autopilot worked flawlessly. From Lansing, IL to MMJ, something weird happened. First, the aircraft started a nose-down attitude and the autopilot disengaged with a beep. I went to turn the autopilot/FD back on and it would not turn on. I looked over to the circuit breaker and it was popped. Cautiously, I pushed the breaker back in and turned the autopilot back on. The autopilot now began to porpoise with the altitude hold on. It was almost like the FD was overcompensating for what it normally makes as slight adjustments in pitch and trim. I didn't seem to have any trouble with the autopilot following the nav course, but once I set the FD to hold an altitude, forget it. Up and down. Each up and down worse than the last. It was a bumpy day and I had to hand fly all the way back to New Jersey and then to Virginia. It was exhausting. Has anyone else encountered the same problems? My theory is that the pitch servo clutch finally went. At the same time, it doesn't explain the drastic turn to the right off course. Maybe that was a fluke with the FD? I've had it do that if I am flying a WAAS RNAV approach when I activate the approach data into the GPS too late. I am far more concerned about the pitch. Ideas?

Still looking, if anyone has come across anything.

Makes perfect sense. I have been watching Bravos. Good call. Thanks! Yea, I have thought about the Encore. What is the improvement? More HP? That is one of the reasons the J-model is so attractive- more UL. And you're so right- there are more options than I can honestly weigh at one time. I am completely open to an F-model, especially one that has a modified TN on the engine. I won't sweat over 4-5 knots of airspeed. I have a feeling that I will end up with an F-model at the end of the day, anyhow. Strangely enough, I am even starting to consider E-models as well, despite them having shorter fuselages. My thought process is to have the E-model while the kids are young and small then upgrade to a much larger airplane in about 10-12 years (6+ seats) when I REALLY need one. Most of my flying in by myself or +1, so economy might be the way to go. And leaky tanks is one of my main concerns going to a Mooney. Having had experience in Cherokee with wet wings, I understand the value in having kept the tanks full and the sealant "wet," if you will. So leaky tanks scare me and push me more towards fuel bladders. But even that isn't a deal breaker. José- Certainly a consideration. Deal breaker? Far from it. I routinely fly airplanes with high time engines and they run as good, or better in some cases, than new ones. I know that engine overhauls can be anywhere between $16-45k. But that is alllllll factored into my agreed-upon purchase price. Good call, but I don't sweat engine times as much as I do how much the airplane hasn't been flown since OH.

PM sent.

Fair enough. We all like our airplanes for different reasons, so that makes sense. I am well aware of the UL issue. Generally speaking, it will, for the time being, be kids and perhaps a dog + luggage. Not four grown adults. But I want to stay as close to the 1000# or higher UL as possible. Anything else I might be missing? Thanks, J

Thanks for the input. Yea, that's why I kept the list open in terms of all of the options out there. I don't get wound up about engine times among a bunch of other factors. But I am certainly open to what is out there. A 252 would be incredible, but I just don't see myself sinking that kind of cash right now for a little bit more performance than the regular K- vice the K- MSE. I haven't been able to find much market info on the Rocket. What's the deal with it, out of curiosity? And are they worth the upgrade? Thanks!

Hello everyone! I am currently seeking a 1977-1988 Mooney 201 or 231. This will probably be the last airplane I buy for many, many years to come, so I would like to buy the perfect airplane for my needs. I need something faster and bigger than my current Piper Cherokee 140 to transport myself and my family for personal and business reasons. I am very much a function over form kind of guy. I don't turn away from bad paint or an interior that needs some TLC. I will, however, turn away from corrosion, structural integrity issues, or the like. So here are a list of required equipment and features, and some preferred. Required: 1.) Model J or K 2.) Garmin 430W with WAAS, or better/later model (G530, G650, G750, etc) 3.) Functioning Autopilot with altitude hold, GPSS (S-TEC 30 or similar w/ alt hold) 4.) In annual, Transponder/Pitot Static certs up to date 5.) Modern 4-place intercom 6.) Graphic Engine Monitor with fuel flow (Insight 730 or above) 7.) Minimum of 960 lbs useful load Preferred (nice to have): 1.) Auto pilot with altitude pre-select and approach (glideslope) capabilities (S-TEC 55X or similar) 2.) Dual Garmin 430W or similar, or better/later models 3.) Dual localizers/glideslopes 4.) Garmin 330 series transponder w/ ADS-B Out compliance 5.) PS Engineering 2000 Intercom 6.) AoA Indicator 7.) Glass Panel(s) (Avidyne, Garmin G500, etc) 8.) Turbo-normalized engine with intercooler If you are thinking about selling or know someone who more-or-less fits the bill, please let me know. I am a very serious buyer. I just have to find the right plane for me, even if it take a year or more. Additionally, I can use as partial trade my Cherokee 140 if anyone is looking for something to downsize to and putz around in. Otherwise, I'm selling it outright for my Mooney. My email address is this screen name at gmail.com if you have any questions. Thanks!