Matt Lindeman

The GEN circuit breaker. However, the generator was replaced with an alternator in 2013.

64C. Troubleshooting an electrical issue. 12v system. This morning had barely enough juice to turn the prop (took ~5 minutes of trying to start the motor). After everything came online, noticed that the alternator only showed 13.1v when it normally shows 14v. Power gradually dropped to 11v and popped the circuit breaker. Shut down and called a mech buddy. 30 minutes later he measured the battery prior to start, showed nominal 12v. He also measured the draw on the battery during engine start. Only dropped to ~11v and plane started right up. However still lower than normal volts with alternator online, and power eventually dropped and popped the circuit breaker again. It was a pretty cold night last night and it was the first frost of the season. The plane is temporarily parked outside. Also just changed the starter with an overhauled model of the one I previously had. Flew fine yesterday during post maintenance test flight, however noticeably less torque during engine start. Also had a decent amount of moisture get in the cockpit during recent storms. Had to use DampRid to get the moisture out. Bad battery? Bad alternator? Resistance on the overhauled starter? Effects of moisture in the cockpit? Any ideas?

Did you make this? If so, can I order one from you? I need to replace the one on my 64 M20C. Matt

Update: Don called me this afternoon and described all the work he’s done on the plane since the current owner’s pre-buy in 2016. Only minor squawks. No red flags. She sounds like a good bird! Still planning on taking her to Lubbock Aero for the pre-buy for a second set of eyes.

Incredible advice. I’ll definitely be doing this. Thanks!

Thanks for the lively discussion and opinions everyone! Don and SWTA have worked on the aircraft before. I can’t overlook the value of getting a second opinion from an unbiased MSC. I’m pursuing Lubbock Aero at KLBB for the pre-buy.

This is what I’m thinking as well. I’m hoping for Lubbock Aero. They’ve worked with Savvy before, never worked on the plane, and it’s easy for the seller to travel back after the ferry flight.

Even if they have already worked on the airplane recently? Especially if it was for an annual, they’d have a vested interest to find it airworthy in order to protect their reputation. I don’t think they’d necessarily take a purely unbiased position.

For a pre-buy, do you think it’s more important to go to a shop that has never worked on the aircraft, or to a shop that has worked on it but also has a good reputation like Don Maxwell?

The plane has already been worked on by Don in previous years, I believe an annual or two. They recommend an impartial shop for a pre-buy, one that has never worked on the aircraft before.

Does anyone have experience with Broadie’s Aircraft at Fort Worth Meacham International Airport (KFTW), good, bad, or otherwise? Savvy Aviation recommended them for a pre-buy examination for a 1964 M20C. Apparently they used to be a MSC but aren’t any longer? I’d be interested to find out why they are no longer an MSC.

Thanks for the info Ricky. I’ll be based out of PVG or CPK in the Norfolk/Virginia Beach. I may use Weber or AGL as a “local” MSC. I found a potential plane in Indiana. Any MSCs or sound Mooney shops around that area for a pre buy?

Thanks for the SA. I will definitely look into Saavy.

I'm seeking a C,E, or F model. I earned my PPL about 9 years ago, prior to my senior year in college. After college, I joined the Navy where I now serve as an F/A-18F Weapon Systems Officer. I have not had a chance to do any GA flying, but have found availability now with my current command and orders. I only have ~50 hours GA, and am currently in the process of getting current with a BFR from a buddy who is a CFI. Overall mission is a time builder and cross-country workhouse to be able to take the wife, dog, and newborn to PA and FL from VA, as well as fly around locally with a group of buddies who all fly together. I'd like to be able to earn a majority of my ratings in the airplane, so IFR capable is a must. Thanks for the advice on the Pre-Buy. I will definitely do my research, and reach out to MS when the time comes. I am more than willing to wait for the right plane to come to market, and I am also willing to walk away if necessary. A few bucks spent now is definitely worth preventing a lot of bucks spent later. I will be flying out of the Virginia Beach area, and would love to get in touch with local Mooniacs in the future! Matt

MS, First time plane buyer here. My quest for a gem continues...however, once I find her, what is the easiest way to quickly identify the most qualified shop or individual near the aircraft location to conduct the pre buy inspection? Should I just use MS and say “I’m interested in a plane at XXX airport, who’s the best nearby?” Or should I have a shop in mind for general geographic regions around the country? Is there a directory at hand of the most qualified shops/inspectors around the country? Should I place a deposit before a pre-buy to ensure someone doesn’t scoop it up from underneath me? What’s your experience with getting a deposit returned if the aircraft isn’t up to snuff after inspection? Thanks! Matt

~260NM

Long shot here seeing as this is 5 years late...who is/was your mechanic in Virginia Beach? Do they specialize in Mooney’s?

That makes sense seeing as everything is going towards WAAS/RNAV/GPS. I don't need a crazy avionics suite, just basic IFR capability. I'm indifferent to auto pilot. Nice to have, but not a deal breaker for me. I know I don't have the budget to be super picky.

If you're referring to an Instrument Rating, not yet.

Yes I have GA experience. I want to fly more regularly, and I anticipate flying enough hours each year to make ownership more affordable than renting.

Thank you for your thought out response to my post. My overall budget is $60K. I am not a mechanic. I am currently an F/A-18 Super Hornet Weapon Systems Officer in the U.S. Navy. I like the C and E models because of the Johnson Bar manual gear. I hadn’t given much thought to fuel injection vs. not. Do you recommend fuel injection? Are long bodies more expensive to maintain? I plan on painting the aircraft if required, but I will hangar in the meantime. I will not be solo; however, my wife is not concerned with interior cosmetics. We plan on updating the interior if we can find a plane at a lower price point. I am not as concerned with mechanical times because I plan to exceed TBO as long as the engine is staying healthy. If logbooks are missing, I will insist on a 20+% reduced price or walk away. “Flown often, and hasn’t sat... important enough To you, to say twice...” … Yes. I am also aware of the ADS-B requirement. My mission is currently to carry myself, my wife, our dog, our soon to be newborn, and weekend bags to Philadelphia/South Florida from Virginia Beach for cross country trips, as well as to build time flying locally. I am open to honing in on exactly what I want in a Mooney. Again, my budget is $60K. I can reasonably travel within a 300-400 mile radius of Virginia Beach in a short notice, but anywhere in the U.S. is doable. I much appreciate your input and advice. If you are willing to assist in my purchase journey, I would be very thankful. -Matt

It seems like every aircraft I inquire about has already been sold! I'm looking for any M20 under $40,000. Preferably a C or E model, but I'm open to anything! I'm not concerned with interior or exterior cosmetics, engine or prop time, TTAF, gear up landings, or logbooks. I'd prefer something that is flown often, cared for and maintained well, free from corrosion, and hasn't been sitting for extended periods of time. Any level of avionics upgrades would be a plus. Please help me become a Mooney owner!

Thanks Paul. I called on this one a few hours ago as soon as I got the email notification that it went public. Someone had already placed a deposit. I think I'm next in line if they back out. Fingers crossed!

It seems like every aircraft I inquire about has already been sold! I'm looking for any M20 under $40,000. Preferably a C or E model, but I'm open to anything! I'm not concerned with interior or exterior cosmetics, engine or prop time, TTAF, gear up landings, or logbooks. I'd prefer something that is flown often, cared for and maintained well, free from hail damage and corrosion, and hasn't been sitting for extended periods of time. Any level of avionics upgrades would be a plus. Please help me become a Mooney owner!

Was this aircraft sold?