tracer773

I said FIKI, and would prefer FIKI, but would be ok with inadvertent TKS. I don't have the illusion of intentionally flying in icing conditions but I have been in 'helpless' situations before and don't like the feeling. Having a turbo that can potentially climb out and TKS to give me the time to do so would likely be good enough. My budget is likely going to be $300k for purchase price plus first year squawks. Which sounds like it will be doable but I will need to jump on the right opportunity quickly. I noticed this one but had concerns about the ability of a single alternator to keep up. The 231 or a 305 would likely fit my needs, even with load restrictions. But I would want to modernize the panel and it seems like the system would be easily overloaded.

My mission will mainly be to visit clients and sales leads by myself. Sometimes I may have a second passenger and very occasionally a third. These meetings can be done via Zoom or postponed for weather, but I want FIKI just to be safe. I have clients coast to coast and am out of Kentucky. I probably wouldn't fly more than 3-4 hours one way in the personal aircraft. Long-term I want to start a non-profit part 135 and buy a Kodiak or Caravan. So I want to use this airplane to fly more frequently and polish my skills. Both my wife and I have friends scattered around the US, so we'll use it for that too. (Lot's of long cross country time, hence the desire for speed and FIKI.) I wouldn't describe myself as cost-averse as much as cost-aware. I am more utility minded and will pay if it makes sense. Thanks for the info on the number of planes up for sale. That is the type of info I was hoping to get.

Hey Everyone. I just started to look into airplane ownership and I am trying to put together a budget and get an understanding of the current market. I have read past posts discussing the increase in pricing but I haven't seen any recently and I couldn't find any that answered my questions completely. 1. What was pricing like before COVID compared to now? Most M20K or Bravo that I am looking at are in the $150-200K that need some modernization, or $250-300K that are ready to go. What was that like before? Most posts just say its more expensive, but does that mean double or like 20% more? 2. Are there more aircraft available for sale now than two years ago? Is the supply returning to normal? I read lots of estimates that 2023 was going to be like that, but nothing talking about what 2023 actually turned out to be. 3. What about parts and average yearly maintenance? Seems like before was $20-40k and now for a turbo its likely $40k+? 4. I get there is no 'correct' answer to this question, as it is anyone's guess. But what is the trend looking like going into 2024? 5. This is kinda related, but what is the general consensus about the ongoing viability of maintaining Mooney's given the state of the company? I appreciate everyone's help. I am a detail oriented researcher and looking to buy mid-late 2024, unless the perfect option comes up. I will be selling this aircraft in 5 years, so I am a little more concerned about long-term value. Thanks. Adam