ValkyrieRider

Thanks for the well thought out response. You bring up some very valid points in your response, specifically, would I be able to look at the partnership as an equal partnership, and not solely my plane. Prior to moving to Arizona, I was part of a larger flying club in Minnesota, and it worked perfectly for me. One of the reasons I am considering the partnership is to offset the fixed costs, to ensure the plane is flying enough to keep things running smoothly, and to potentially start a small flying club. After bringing a partner or two on, I would like to add a 6/7 seater, and maybe a 152 or something similar and bring additional partners for those planes. I do probably have to do a little thinking to ensure a partnership would be the right fit for my situation.

I am looking for some general thoughts and/or guidance from this group on aircraft partnerships. I am currently the sole owner of my M20C but my schedule is making it more difficult to fly as much as I have in the past. Previously I would fly about 120 hours a year and would use it more to fly for work a couple times a month. Now if I get 60 - 80 plus hours a year, I am flying a lot. With the fixed costs, maintenance, and of course fuel going up, I am thinking it would make sense to share these costs with someone that would be in the same situation as far as the number of hours they fly. Obviously not having the sole use of my plane would take a little to get used to, especially trusting that someone else would take care of it they way I do. What are your thoughts and guidance, or concerns that I should consider? Also, how would you recommend I value the plane and would you consider a down payment and monthly payments?

I will definitely second for IcyBreeze. I fly out of Phoenix, AZ and I can tell you, taking off at 2:00 in the afternoon when it is 107 outside, having the IcyBreeze on extreme cold makes the world of difference. I did not originally purchase the remote extension but after a recent trip to Tucson, I realized when I was up at altitude, the air outside was cooler than what the IcyBreeze was producing. But since it was in the baggage compartment, I had no way of turning it off and saving the battery and the ice. I added Ice when I left Tucson back to Phoenix and the battery died as I was in the pattern at Deer Valley. I just ordered the remote and an additional battery ... bring on the heat.

Looks like a great flight. Flying over the southern portion of Lake Michigan is always beautiful.

Wise counsel as always ... you sure you are just a PP? Again, thank you for your help.

So I went back to the airport today and the plane started easily the first time. I flew it from KDVT (Deer Valley) to KIWA (Mesa-Gateway), and then returned and the plane started quickly both times. I agree with @Ragsf15e that I should be aware of a possible Solenoid issue, and will most likely get it checked sooner rather than later, but as for now, seems like the battery was the problem and it is holding a charge, so far.

Wanted to give a little update: I didn't get back to the airport until today. I put the battery on a charger and ensured it was fully charged. I reinstalled it into the plane and attempted to start it and after turning the ignition all the way and pushing in I only got a click. Tried it about four times with just a click and decided to stop. Had Cutter come out and try to jump it so I can determine if it is a battery issue or beyond the batter. After two attempts the propeller turned and everything started up normally. I taxied around the airport and did a complete run-up and then shut down. I decided to try to restart it after the shutdown and it started first time. I am going to go to the airport tomorrow and hopefully it will start normally so I can take it up and run it through some paces. But it seems maybe the battery was just drained down beyond the ability to start. THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR HELP!!!

Thanks @M20Doc this will be very helpful.

@PT20J @M20Doc @GeeBee Thank you for the information. I will use this to troubleshoot today and hopefully be able to narrow it down to the culprit. It sounds like it would make sense to charge the battery to 100% before putting it back in the plane. Again, VALUABLE information, and I appreciate your time and help.

I assumed the pre-buy in Chandler was done by Frank at Chandler Aviation. He is very thorough and knows Mooneys very well. I totally trust to identify all potential issues during a pre-buy.

Great advice, thank you. I will start with this list and what @Ragsf15e has recommended. I obviously am willing to learn and want to learn to do some more troubleshooting myself, but I know my limitations mechanically. Appreciate your help gentleman, I will report back what I find ... thanks.

Thanks for the description between the different types. Mine would be the the common Mooney one, turn all the way to the right then push in for the start. It is still early (8ish) out here, so I really should run out there but supposed to be doing a honey-do right now, but want to pick Mooney expert brains first. Sounds like the Solenoid that was mentioned and possibly now the Bendix ignition switch.

Actually I just flew it three weeks ago from Phoenix, AZ to Michigan and Ohio and returned - the plane performed tremendously. I try not to let it go more than two weeks flying, so rarely does it go three weeks just sitting. My wife and I were traveling in big sky country, at Glacier National Park for a couple weeks to celebrate 30 years of marriage. So it normally flies regularly.

It sounds like the starter solenoid would make sense - but as I said, I am definitely not a mechanic and do very little wrenching myself because of this lack of knowledge. How would I check to see if the solenoid is the issue?