I_C_Mooney

Thank you I sent you an email.

Hi, I might be interested in your 252. Is there a way to get additional information about it? Regards, IC

Yes, I am thinking that after I get used to the airplane I will start training for IFR rating. It will make me a safer pilot and potentially allow me to fly more days. Maybe I will knock down my 50 hours of cross country as PIC to qualify for IFR then start training for IFR. I have not taught more than in terms of details. I just know I will do it without much delay. This is one of the pillars of why I wanted to get a pilot certificate and an airplane. Driving between Houston and Dallas on the same day means about 7-10 hours of driving depending on traffic. In my younger years, I could do that and still function okay. Now, it feels like a big mental drain. I did fly commercial a few times but that is not very time efficient either just because I need to be at the airport about an hour before the flight time, flight schedule, etc. I am totally trying to do that by learning about these airplanes and deciding what are must-haves for me before I consider buying something. I am also almost regularly checking usual suspect websites for airplanes to see if something I like shows up. I am going to keep an eye on 252s. So far, I saw 4 252s on various websites, all of them say MB engines. That means it is not Encore, am I right? I found one Encore conversion in France with a USA N number but the listing seems to be a few months old so I am not sure if it is actually there anymore. This is a great point; I can only guess the benefits of dual alternators for IFR flight but I added it to the "must-have" list for 252s. Thank you very much again for all information and insights! Regards, IC

Thank you! Yes, I could drive there one weekend to check it out.

Well, my 8 years old is already in his own world with friends and soccer practice and matches. He seems to be excited about flying though so maybe he will get interested in flying and we can spend some quality time together due to aviation. Good to know that all 252s can be converted. Mike earlier mentioned that he accumulated the parts over time. Can these parts be found easily for potentially at higher prices or do they require really long-term planning? Thanks in advance!

Thank you I understand that with time comes a better understanding of any subject if you keep working on it. I thought about this a lot but in the end, I figured out that 90% of the time I will be flying alone. Considering the acquisition cost difference between 4 and 6 seaters, and the additional fuel burn, it seems like maybe it is not the best choice for me/us at least for now.

Thank you Mike for the estimate, what year is your Mooney? Carusoam, Unfortunately, I am not on any kind of fast track training. There are a lot of work and general life responsibilities. I was hoping I could get my private pilot license in 3-4 months but it has been about 6 months already. I can only fly on certain days early in the morning and weather does not always cooperate. I also want to get an airplane early and get more experience in it because I know if it is just another hour on a rental airplane to stay proficient, I might let it slip from my hands. However, if I get an airplane I will be able to use to almost regularly for work/business (weather permitting). The last time I kind of roughly calculated I could fly about 200 hours a year easily. That is just business travel (again weather permitting) I expect actual hours potentially being higher combined with family trips. Even with the covid I have driven over 30K miles a year and usually gets close to 45-50K miles a year. I always liked the idea of flying an aircraft but I see it as a tool to earn some of my hours back from driving. So, am I focused reaching my goals, I would say yes without hesitation. I am taking classes at the UFS, to the best of my knowledge they don't have Bonanza in the fleet. I am training with warriors. They have a cirrus and a twin engine airplane those could be a candidate for training for IFR. I have not asked about insurance yet but based on my reading it seems I may need to pay a lot in the first year. However, if I can fly my own plane that will still be cheaper than flying rentals, especially in the long term. As I could potentially accumulate more hours quickly. If I see you by luck I will say hi but due to work, I leave the airport immediately after I finish the class. Thank you everyone again, for the wisdom and knowledge you are sharing with me. Regards, IC

Thank you Mcstealth and Paul for the information. Paul, Can all 252s be converted to Encore and do you have any idea for the cost of conversion? Regards, IC

Howdy! I am currently working on my private pilot license, just got my first solo done. I am really interested in purchasing a Mooney M20K (252 preferable) or a Bravo. As expected, I have never been in a Mooney or experienced a flight with it. I was wondering if there are any Mooney owners in Houston, TX area who could show their Mooney. I just want to see how it feels to be in one of them and have a good idea before starting to really pursue purchasing one. I have driven a Prius for too many years and now drive another very efficient vehicle. I just like the idea of efficiency, and I like the idea of Mooney even more due to its speed and efficiency. Most of my travels are going to be between Houston, Austin, and Dallas in TX, once-twice a year to OH, and a few times to AL and NC. We are a family of four, kids are 8 and 6 and, I expect to fly alone 90% of the time. So, on paper, these two Mooneys seem to be perfect. I am also considering Bonanza and my instructor kindly suggests I should get a Bonanza . After the private pilot certificate, I will probably fly for a while to feel comfortable with the airplane then I will start working on my IFR. I am currently flying out of David Wayne Hooks (KDWH) in Houston but I will be also willing to drive to another airport to see the airplanes. I read these forums a lot so I want to put a disclaimer about my safety policy. I am planning to train with a Mooney-specific instructor as much as needed before I attempt to fly by myself or fly with loved ones. I believe I can fly safely and proficiently after some training in a fast Mooney. So, I have two questions, would you suggest these airplanes for my situation, and do you know anybody or if you are in Houston can you show me your Mooney? Regards, IC