Brian E.

Thank you BoilerMonkey--I do want a plane to fly to start, there's a world to see out there Dave - I wish I knew what I needed for a reasonable IFR platform. Is an ILS/VOR combo enough w/foreflight (etc.) for SA. I don't see myself flying hard IFR but I do see doing an IFR let down or pushing through a low ceiling on departure. Once I get through buying a plane and exploring New England this Spring and Summer an IFR rating is certainly next. And I recognize this aircraft is marginally equipped for IFR ops. However, does a GNS 430 (or similar) provide that much additional capability other then enroute navigation and LPV approaches? Probably beyond the scope of this thread. As with most, I'm trying to find the sweet spot on this initial purchase.

Colleagues -- I'm a freshly minted private pilot that's been lurking for some time. I've read as many threads as I can on here (especially the most recent Nate Lively thread on his quest), looked at buying guides such as Mooneyland, admired all the planes I've missed in the Classifieds here as well. I've currently narrowed my search down to a couple of M20Cs and a M20F that I've scoured from ASO, TAP, Controller, Barnstormers and the MS Classifieds. Before I get to the current aircraft that I need your counsel on, I've very clearly read that I need transition training and have found a Mooney CFI in the state at ASH. Additionally, I fully understand the need for a thorough PPI and we have a MSC at ASH as well that I will ask if I can have the PPI done there for aircraft in the local area. With that out of the way, the current plane I am contemplating is a 68' M20C on TAP. I've spoken to the broker about it and am a little more enthusiastic after talking to him. The pictures clearly don't present well. I plan on looking at the plane on Friday which is why I need your counsel. He's sent me all the logs from new and here are my concerns based on my review that I would appreciate your feedback: Concerns: - Only flown ~10 hrs the last 3 years (looks to be mostly annuals) - and, only flown <150 hours in the last 8 years - I'm told the interior is "rough" - Been/is stored outside - Engine has 1360 hrs (2k TBO) but was redone in 90 or 92 (I don't have that log with me) -- Compressions are: 74, 76, 74, 80 (2018) -- In 2016 compressions were: 76, 70, 74, 70 (same shop) no engine done in between--this is curious to me Perceived pluses: - local, can put eyes on it - L3 Lynx NGT-9000 (w/wifi) ADSB In/Out installed (2016) - Fresh annual (12/18) - Will likely use same shop for next annual to avoid new shop getting to know you costs - ELT, Altimeter, are all good. Unknown how to evaluate: - Prop log starts in 2008 with and overhauled Hartzwell HC-C2YK-1B prop (only 210 hours on it) --Is this subject to ECI inspections? So there it is. The plane has been on the market for a long while. Regardless, $39k seems like a lot to spend on a plane with a run-out engine (yes, it is still signed off by the IA annually). As I mentioned there's a couple of other planes I'm interested in, specially the '67 M20F pineapple express that Nate mentioned in his thread. Am I better off buying the local plane that I can put eyes on and send to the MSC or getting a slightly better equipped, mid-sized M20 with ugly but functional paint and interior? I know these are only thing that I can decide, but I appreciate your perspective as I buy my first aircraft...

Spoke to Brett today and this plane is as good as gone. Apparently he listed it on Facebook as well leading to 50+ interested people. If you know of any M20's in good and clean condition in this price range please let me know.

Beautiful ride, GLWS. brian

PM'd.