b2002

OK, here she is. Based at KPTW.

In case anyone is interested, I ended up buying a B55 Baron with non-FIKI deice. After re-evaluating, I decided I wanted that second engine for night and low ceiling ops. The extra operating and maintenance costs are worth it to me. Thanks to all who offered help to me here. You have a great group.

Ok good luck!

Exactly. I didn't mind the sports car seating more the vis issues along with the other things. It's just personal preference. Mooneys are great airplanes.

I don't know. I was close to buying one without ever flying one. Once I did, I found I didn't like it. That's it.

In a nutshell, personal preference. I have several thousand hours in GA aircraft, many types, trainers through MU-2s, but had never sat in a Mooney. I realize many folks love their Mooneys and that is great. For me I didn't like the way I sat in it, the forward visibility, the handling, and the way it took off and landed. Probably some of the exact things people on this forum like about their planes. I could have made it work but I want to really enjoy flying my airplane and for me the Mooney didn't do it. So, it is important to try an airplane on for size to be sure it is a good fit (literaly and figuratively) before getting too far into the buying process. All the good specs, maintenance history, etc. don't really matter if you won't be happy flying it (if one cares about that). Don't mean to step on anybody's toes here, you've all been great. Good luck with your purchase.

Yep, bonanzas and debonairs are still in the running. Since I'm not getting a Mooney, the FIKI is likely going away.

Actually I was interested in that one before I discovered I'm not a Mooney person. I knew of a great mechanic right on the field where the airplane is located and was considering scheduling a prebuy. Then the broker began the high pressure techniques (must sign a 10-day limit purchase agreement, brought up their carrying charges, etc). That sales technique doesn't work with me so I moved on. BTW that experience was the opposite of the service and consult I've received from a broker who specializes in Bonanzas, Neal Schwartz. He's on BT and has sold a Mooney or two along the way. I didn't buy an airplane through him only because what I wanted wasn't available at the time.

Both but mostly figuratively.

Yeah a 210 is worth looking at. Thanks.

Nothing yet. I now have to continue to learn about and look for other airplanes. Might end up in the homebuilt area.

Thank you to all who responded. Hate to say it but I have discovered that a Mooney is not in the cards for me after flying in one. Just not my cup of tea, not a good fit. I wanted it to work, FIKI and all, but no dice. So I will continue my search for an airplane that will be a better fit for me. From this experience I will offer one piece of advice to others who may be considering buying an airplane of a type that you haven't flown before: go fly it or one like it before getting too far into the buying process. Could save you time and money. Thanks again.

Thank you

Nice plane Chris.

Thank you

Thanks Chris. Do you have a Mooney?

May just do that. Unfortunately out of town for a couple of days. Still interested to learn about more Mooney mechanics\shops in the area that forum members use and like.

As soon as it can be worked out.

Hello everyone, I new to Mooney’s and recently started a thread WTB TKS Ovation or Bravo. I have found a Bravo near me (Philly area) and am ready for a pre-buy inspection. I prefer not to take it to Weber’s in Lancaster because it has been there for annuals in the past. Air Mods in Trenton, NJ has been suggested, but I really am shooting in the dark here. Any recommendations or other guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Thank you.

OK I’m back and appreciate all the info everyone has provided. It’s a shame there aren’t more of these airplanes in existence in my price range. Seems like a TN 300hp 550 with a FIKI Bravo airframe and an STC gw increase would be unbeatable. But I digress... Your input and my research has moved the needle toward a Bravo but still need to look at the Encore option. I failed to mention that another plane I was looking at was the Glasair III. But then practicality set in as usual.

Thanks for all the replies today. I have to sign off for a while, just got called in to work.

I might take you up on that. Thank you.

Thanks Brian

Not a cheap hobby...but my wife is all on board so green lights ahead! Thanks for the insights, very valuable to me, hope to pay it forward someday.