TylerB

It's already available today, just not for the Mooney yet.

Sia, The AP Control Panel is what's not STC'd yet. It is not required for AP capability- its an optional add on that is only required for electric trim control or yaw dampening. The only thing required to add AP capabilities to the Skyview is the servos themselves. As far as price, there's no difference in hw cost and you can put together a config on their site to get an idea. Obviously you have to leave out stuff that's not STCed (AP Control, VHF radios, etc). It looks like the most common config with transponder, ap servos, 10" and 7" screens, engine monitor, and all the other stuff (batteries, etc) is like $16-$17k. Add $2k for the STC, and according to what they said to@jmoz at SNF, about $6k to install into a 172. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I'd love to hear this too from @Eric W. Gray- even if its just a rough hours estimate.

I totally agree and that’s why I’m looking for a well maintained airframe. The overall goal is to keep operational costs down. What the other decision would be is if I see one that also has some good panel upgrades for more, do I do that now and forgo the Dynon HDX. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I’d agree with that. What would you think a solid well-maintained airframe with a mid time engine and decent P&I would be (assuming a basic, original panel)?

This C at Air Mods looks interesting- https://www.airmodsflightcenter.com/advert/mooney-m20c-ranger-68 I wonder what the tank seal situation is on it. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

That's funny. I was just running a report on an M20E that's for sale that was mentioned in my thread, and lo and behold, it happens to be the same aircraft: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdfgenerator/ReportGeneratorFile.ashx?EventID=20110111X92431&AKey=1&RType=HTML&IType=IA

Thanks to @Kmac for showing me his awesome C yesterday! Awesome plane and I'd love to find one like it. I'm pretty convinced this is the way to go for me. I feel like it'll end up being a C, but I'm totally of the same mind as @MBDiagMan- since my focus is not just on economical acquisition but also operations, it'll depend on the particular condition/maintenance/etc of each particular plane. I'm thinking of pulling the trigger soon-ish, but first I'm doing a lot of reading here (and elsewhere) on the key things to be looking for and figuring out which are worth the premiums or not (tank reseal or bladders, no-ad prop hub, etc). I'd like to spend like $25k-$40k. I'd prefer lower obviously but willing to invest a bit more now to avoid $$ later. To answer some of @carusoam's questions, I think this would be at least a next 5-10 year plane, and possibly forever depending on what the future holds (kids, etc). I learned that lesson with the commander- mine had a 182-esque useful load and very comfortable backseats..that were empty all but a few times. I have my IR already but I'm not current, but even when I was I preferred it for mainly getting in or out of a lower layers, etc. I wasn't doing much hard IFR. I'm expecting mostly VFR flying so that's why the panel wouldn't even be a rush or a definite. And looking at some of the stuff thats on the market, there's some reasonably priced C's with decent panels.

That was kinda my thought. I was thinking a 180 Cherokee for low cost of maintenance but someone else pointed out the Mooney and the more I thought about it, especially the C it made sense. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Makes sense. The main idea was focusing on everything but the panel and see what shows up for a good price in that range. The only part I’m willing to pay more to get would be a WAAS gps since I’ll need it anyway. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I’m in Phoenixville and fly out of Pottstown. Nothing is wrong with the E, just thinking I don’t need the extra speed, so why have a higher price (probably) and a more expensive engine OH. The interest in the F is more about the extra space in the back.

Hi all- i just joined because I’m considering buying a Mooney and wanted some feedback(and hopefully find someone local to get a ride). After I got my PPL I got into a partnership an an awesome 172, but we leased it back to the flight school (CFI was one of the partners) and predictably it wasn’t a great situation. Dealing with the same issues of availability as with renting. Got out of that and finished my IFR and wanted something as a better IFR platform and for longer trips. I bought a Commander 114 and did some avionics upgrades. It was great to fly but the cost of upkeep was just too much for the amount of flying and I sold it a few years ago. I’ve been renting again (SR20/22s) for a few years but miss the ability to do longer trips (weekends, etc) and started looking for partnerships again with little luck. I’m considering buying solo (and open to adding a partner later) again, and here’s the mission: * Usually 2 people, but room to squeeze 1-2 more occasionally * mostly local trips but want to occasionally do long cross countries so anything with a cruise over a 172 will work (115kts+) * fixed gear or simple retract and common model for lower annual maint costs * would like a solid IFR setup (gps, autopilot) What I’ve been thinking is why not buy a decent time Mooney with decent P&I and outdated panel for cheap (25-40k) then do the panel over with the Dynon Skyview HDX (and a gps and audio panel) once its added to the STC? I’m guessing It would cost about 40k for all that based on what they’re saying now. I’m currently thinking a C or F model depending on what’s available, etc. Thoughts? Anyone in PA near Philly with a C or F that wants to give me a ride? :-)