Trow28

Thanks for the advice guys. I didn't realize that some of the "modern" avionics go obsolete. Helps put the picture together regarding the lower price.

Oh, also the 3 accidents. Indicates 2x gear up and 1x gear collapse, but the last one was 20 years ago. Also, looks like no records for the first 4 years 1970 - 1973

I'd love to hear thoughts on this plane. https://www.trade-a-plane.com/search?category_level1=Single+Engine+Piston&make=MOONEY&model=M20F+EXEC+21&listing_id=2405080&s-type=aircraft In relation to the current market conditions, this seems to be a really good value. I guess a few of my specific questions would be: What do you think of the GX-60 GMX-200 combination Fuel tanks stripped and sealed 2017 - I've read about fuel tank leak issues on some models. Does the re-seal happen at some sort of interval? How much does it cost Definitely need to contact the seller about the annual date and if it's been flown. Description says annual performed in January (but no year indicated). Details indicate annual performed June 2017. Same with IFR cert. Plane is in humid Mississippi and there's no indication that it's hangered. What are some things I should be worried about? Thanks for any insight you can provide. I'm just now cutting my teeth on the plane buying process and trying to absorb as much as I can.

Is it okay on this board to ask questions about aircraft listings on sites like controller.com and trade-a-plane? I often times have questions about listings, but I'm worried that the owner of the plane might be on here and I want to make sure no-one is putting down a fellow Mooney owner's aircraft.

Just look at the ashtrays, they'll tell you all you need to know, got it! Really awesome information all, I feel a lot better about looking at 50+ year old planes. A64, if I end up finding something in Florida I'm calling you for my pre-buy.

A lot of the aircraft I've been looking at on-line are late sixties model years. That's ~55 years on those bones. If I find a forever plane and I'm looking to fly for the next ~25 years that would be 80 years on the airframe by the time I'm ready to sell. Have their been any studies on the usable life of 60's era airframes? Is it safe for me to assume all will be well if I have an pre-buy inspection and then take care of the plane while I own it?

Thanks Carusoam. Nice summary. Y'all have opened my eyes to one thing that I hadn't thought about and that is IFR equipment that I learn on VS what I end up flying. Thanks for adding another variable to an already complicated equation I'm hearing C/E/J models to focus on. I've also heard good things about the F. This is a great segway to my next question which I will pose on a new thread.

Hi Wayne. Thanks for the info. I'll keep American Aircraft on my radar, especially since they are in state. Hey, just want to say that I hope you are doing well and have beaten the Cancer. Big props for pursuing your dream despite all that.

I would LOVE to go up. Sending PM.

Lots of great advice here! Thanks to all who responded. I like the idea of "Just keep going" and "Fly some different planes". @kortopates That's some good stuff to chew on. I hadn't really given much consideration to the IFR panel but that's a great point.

As luck would have it I'm with Spinks Flight Center right now. Not sure if you know those guys over there. I started with Stephen Tims. He went big time and hooked up with Envoy so I'm finishing with Zach Tomas. Their personalities couldn't be more different but I'm happy to have the experience of learning from both.

Local hops and occasional trips about nails it. Plan to use it for weekend trips to South Padre and Port Aransas. I have good friends just south of Denver that I'd like to visit a couple of times a year. My parents snowbird their way to Siesta Key each winter so will likely make a yearly trip over there. Also, want to see the country and hate spending gobs of time in the car.

Hi all, Been lurking here for a while, but just joined the forum today. I'm a student pilot flying 172 in final prep for my PPL check. My goal is to make some GA friends, gain experience, then eventually buy my own plane. Been spending a lot of time trying to figure out what make/model I would want and I just keep coming back to the M20. Maybe a 'C' or maybe a 'J' just not sure yet. Please be patient with me, just trying to figure it all out and have lots of questions. First question, want to start with the high level basics. How do I get from where I am now to where I want to be: IFR Rating Transition to low wing Complex endorsement Buy an M20 But is that the right order? I keep hearing that a 200hp plane is a lot to deal with for a freshly minted newbie and I totally get that. Would love to hear your opinions.