tjs45d

Thank you for the reply. You bring up extremely valid points. As far as waiting out the weather, my schedule for these trips is dictated by me, no one else, These aren't "business-critical" trips as there is unlimited flexibility in when and how I schedule these trips. With that being said, your point is still very worthwhile to consider, and is something I have thought about. The locations I travel to aren't really served by the airlines and I have no interest in using their services. It takes (2) full 12-hour days to drive the trip, and I would hope that even with a fuel stop, I could make better time than driving. I am sure that there will be many times that weather or timing will dictate driving over flying, and that the dispatch rate will be on 4 wheels more than 3. Another part of this process is finishing what I started 30 years ago. When I got my PPL, I went right into the instrument training, planning on working my way up through the ratings. Life and work got in the way and I never completed it. So, I am looking forward to training again, new to me equipment and airplanes, and learning all the new avionics and procedures as the LORAN was the big deal back then! Another aspect of this, is that I have no time constraints on this process, I plan to casually shop for a possible airplane over the next year, while refreshing my skills at my local airport. I am approaching this endeavor of getting back into aviation as another long term journey, not a rushed destination. Thank you again for the thoughtful reply and I appreciate the concerns as well.

Thanks for the detailed response, I have actually been looking at the Bonanza 33's as well. To be honest, I'm enjoying the process, conversing with people and learning more about the different options out there. This is a great forum, and I want to thank everyone for welcoming a newbie, and all the amazing input and information. Thanks all!

Thanks for the reply and the great links to info! I appreciate that! Yes, most of my time has been in stiff leggers, although I had a few hours in an Arrow a lifetime ago, so I am expecting stiff pricing for insurance. I have around 600 TT. Higher costs are definitely a factor, but 99% of the use of the airplane will be for business trips. The airplane will be owned by the business LLC (pending accountant's approval), thus there should be some tax advantages.

Thanks for all the replies everyone! Learned a lot, had some laughs, all is good!! Looks like my budget may need to increase slightly!! The 252's are starting to look pretty nice!

Thanks for the reply, I would probably budget $150K +- depending on the plane and equipment, I have been leaning toward the K models. Thanks also for the detailed description of the turbo advantages, one thing I hadn't thought about was the faster climbs in hot weather, that would definitely be a plus!

Hi all, new member here. Currently considering getting back into flying after a 15+ year hiatus. Learned to fly in my C-150 in the 80's, last airplane was a nice '77 Cardinal that was sold back in the mid-2000's. I am currently traveling more for business and I have numerous trips to TX, AZ, NM. I'm located in northeast Indiana. Looking to get back into a decent cross country machine. My trips would be with 1-2 passengers at most, planned around VFR conditions. If I end up with a nice IFR platform, I would like to finish my instrument rating that I had almost finished back in the 80's, until I ran out of funds. Looks like it will be starting from scratch now with all the regulations and technology improvements. Had some flight time in various aircraft over the years, Pipers, Luscombe, C-140, Decathlon - Aerobatic Training. I have always liked the looks, speed, and economy of the Mooneys, but the practical side of me says just get another C-177 or a boring C-182. I'm not in a hurry to buy, just researching the markets now to see what is available and educate myself on the current state of general aviation. One question I have on different models of Mooneys, is it necessary/ideal to have a turbo version over the naturally aspirated versions when flying in the desert southwest (4500-5000 ft. elevation)? I would imagine the elevations and density altitude conditions would make the turbo version much more user friendly in those environments? But is the additional expense worth it for ~10-12 trips a year? How do the turbo/TSIO-360 engine maintenance costs compare with a naturally aspirated IO-360? I'm also looking for general advice for a prospective new Mooney owner, like insurance expenses, Airworthiness Directives to watch for, maintenance issues to inspect, etc. Basically anything that someone new to the brand may miss. I'm leaning towards later models, M20J-K and newer. I would rather buy one that is well equipped, that has had excellent, up to date maintenance than a fixer upper that I don't have time for. (If there is anyone close to FWA that has a nice one, I'd be glad to pay for demo ride!) Thanks for reading! Any and all critiques and advice welcomed! Thanks, TJS