S.C.

I went with the dual G5s and GFC 500. No question, one of the best decisions I’ve made.

A64Pilot is spot on. The corrosion is key. If the pre-buy goes deep enough it will help you avoid unnecessary heartache later. I have a 65C and have needed to reseal the tanks and do some corrosion repair. Both were missed in the pre-buy and it has delayed some of the other things I’ve been working on to bring my Mooney up to date. (Both have been repaired). As for the mission, what you’ve described is a perfect fit for the M20C. It’s a great light IFR plane and getting from here to there in a Mooney is a pleasure. Take your time in transitioning over, lots of pattern work to really nail the landings is important. Energy management in the pattern will take some practice.

As many have stated, it’s a process. I removed the vacuum system when the AI and HI went for dual g-5’s and added the electric step and have had zero regrets. The autopilot is the next step and will soon be upgraded too. I think it is investing in the future of the airplane and the integration of components from the same era really reduces my workload. I don’t recall exactly how much removing the vacuum system saved me in weight but every little bit helps.

Van - great question, I’m glad you asked it. I’m about to embark in the GFC 500 M20C experience myself and had similar questions. Skates - great descriptions and recommendations. Thank you for sharing them. for those who also have experience with the GFC 500 has yours ever started unnecessarily adjusting trim? I used an older auto-pilot that periodically decided to start trimming for no apparent reason. More of a pain than a problem but annoying none the less.

I tried getting the old ones overhauled in my C. Paid a few hundred dollars, put them back in and they still were jumpy and inaccurate. It was frustrating. I put the EDM 900 in, it was better, but the old senders were still telling the same inaccurate story. Last year, I had the tanks resealed and put in the CiES. Now I am very confident that the gauges are accurate. EDM reset was not too bad, they were very helpful and worked directly with my mechanic. I still fly by timing the fuel but know that now the indicators in the cockpit are matching the math on my flight plan. I recommend going all in and not doing it piece meal if you can afford to do it now. Upgrades are a more expensive up front but less stress and recurrent headaches in the long run.

Congrats on getting the plane. I hope all goes well. Are you going to keep her at KBAZ? I’m down there monthly for the IMC club. The guy who runs it flys a Mooney too, it’s a good community.

I just had my tanks done in Willmar and couldn’t be happier. Paul was great! He is very busy and there is a wait list but definitely worth the trip. He is meticulous and within budget and schedule. He told me the price (approximately $6500) and the timeline (approximately 2 weeks) was within the margin of error on cost and spot on with schedule. IMHO Weep No More is worth it!

When I bought my M20C, the guy I bought it from recommended that I find 5000ft runway's flying from Virginia to Texas. It was really good advice. (like many new owners, I tended to float and was happy for the extra space) I've landed on shorter than 3000ft since but prefer to keep it at 3000. Short field take-offs are no problem, landings are all about having the numbers dialed in and being ready to go around. I'm working on Advanced WINGS and having an instructor with you while you build confidence in your short take-offs and landings is a big help. I have a lot of respect for y'all who can go shorter than 2000'! I hope to join you soon.

My shop allowed me to remove the old instruments. It was great sweat equity for me and helped cut down on the shop hours. They installed the EDM and certified. It was a good balance. I agree with PT20J once the install begins best to leave it to the professionals then there are no mirrors involved.

My 65C has been gradually updated. I don’t have an autopilot but I am a huge fan of the GTN 650 for navigation. I have used it for years and it pairs very nicely with the dual G5’s. It was on the reasonable scale for price. The upgrades are worth it.

I will, it will be an interesting experiment.

Junkman and A64Pilot - thank you both I appreciate your responses. @Junkman- really appreciate the link, answered my question and leads me to believe for my flying the concentrator is the way to go.

I wanted to open this up to the quorum and see what the consensus is on tanks vs concentrators. I don't fly in the mountains regularly, but like most of you, I have read that even flying below the required altitudes, many are now recommending supplemental oxygen. I've not experienced low O2 sats (I have an oximeter and do check it on long trips) but I'm intrigued by the possibility that by adding supplemental oxygen could be beneficial. Normally I cruise between 7-10K, mainly during the day (I'm an insufferable morning person) and when I do fly into the evening or night, I do have Boost Oxygen which I use periodically. So here's the question, which do you use and why? Third option... none, you just don't need it. As always, I do appreciate all responses.

I agree with IFlyifr Gafford Areo (Michael Medcaf) is top notch. You’ll get a very through pre-buy and if you’re staying in the area he’s excellent for all airplane care.

There is value in doing a lease back for the 172, lots of flight schools use them and love them. They are a great plane and could be less overall operation cost if you don’t mind sharing and cleaning up after renters. If you consider holding on to it. Sale price is definitely to your advantage if you want to sell I bought my C in 2018 for around $35K. It was very basic and since then I’ve upgraded to ADS -B in and out, Garmin 650, JPI and dual G5s. There are a few more things to do before I get to the cosmetics (paint and interior) but the journey has been worth the investment. Each incremental step has made my connection to the plane grow. If you are looking for a ready for an AOPA magazine cover model, $35K is a before picture. If your timeline and budget allow for incremental upgrades, you’ll be happy with $40K for a “good” C. just my thoughts.

I found this site useful. I have an M20C with Johnson bar and these control locks are great! Works well with my system and it has a built in reminder. https://airplanethings.com/#locks Hope this helps

Add another vote for the EDM. I placed mine where the Tach/MP was and found little difficulty getting accustomed to it vs the old gauges. I’ll be using it for diagnostics like Mark942. Being able to download engine data and share it with your mechanic is huge!

I faced the same dilemma last summer. I went the dual G5 option and pulled the vacuum system. It easily integrated with my Garmin 650 and shooting approaches is much easier. Originally asked my A&P (who, like me is no spring chicken) about getting a refurb and he said you might get one year or five but something else will go wrong. Spend a little more and upgrade your technology. For me the investment was worth it.

I faced the same dilema this past summer. I went for the G5 upgrade. I discussed it with my AP and he was willing to chase the vacuum gremlin if I wanted to pay my way to getting the upgrade. I'm very happy I went straight for the upgrade. I do have a Garmin 650 so it’s fully integrated and no glitches. Avidine makes a great system too. Look at both and see which makes more sense. I’m a proponent of modernizing the avionics.

Welcome! Will.iam is right! I took the plunge 4 years ago and this forum is great! Just reading the responses from other mooniacs is very beneficial.

I’ve been looking to do something similar. I found this site but won’t be able to get it installed for a few months. http://flightenhancements.com/index.html

Good advice, thanks. I’m adding GEG/COE/HLN/MSO to the list.

Thanks for the additional details. Looks like I’ll be going mid-august so we’ll definitely be getting up early.

Haven’t finalized this just yet. I was asked by my brother if it was possible and I wasn’t sure. I knew this group would have the answers. Do you have any recommendations?

Thanks! y’all are quick! Great insights. And I really appreciate the routes. I like the “IFR” approach. Probably going to be an early fall trip to avoid some of the warmer summer temperatures.