Shaark92

Thanks. That’s encouraging. OH ... meant to ask in my first post ... does mooneyspace prefer more threads and stay closely on target ... or longer threads with allowance for a few rabbit chases? Sorry for the omission. I’ll start my own, so as not to dump on the OP ... but I’ve been “debriefed” on other BBSs ... starting what is likely a repetitive thread for the graybeards here. Al

47th FS, BAD. They got “BRAC’d” in ‘95, turned into an RTU. I then went on EAD to no hope Pope and the 75thFS

..... Thanks Hank! Great info. 100 gallons! Wow! That should do it! If I pull the trigger, non-stop is a must. Will keep my ear to the ground here and contribute when I can. Al

Excellent Summary sir. Newb to MooneySpace. First post. To the OP, good luck. I was where you are ... starting out. USAF cutting pilot slots left/right post Gulf War. Just count the cost ... which is what I’m doing now. It’s been nearly 30 years since I owned an airplane and it was just a time builder as I flew the A-10 in AFRES. @carusoam I especially appreciate the comment about grandkids. This is what brought me back to considering airplane owner/operator again. First grand baby is about 80 miles west of SDF. We are just north of Hamilton Texas. 17 hour drive day ... or almost 8 hours via commercial out of DFW. 4- 4.5 hours door to door sounds really nice ... but I’ve been out of this game for a long time. Pops hangared a ‘67 C model and as a teenager with Pops, I flew it a bit, though never solo’d. Pops was an aircraft mechanic. So I have unofficial background though I do have my A&P, too. Never used it professionally, only on my own C150 time builder ... and with his supervision for the more complicated tasks. But I’m a pilot. As Imentioned, the A-10 ... and T38 Instructor ... currently a 26 year pilot for a major airline. So ... I was raised with airplanes in my backyard. Dad had a 2000’ grass strip on his place and I’ve operated out of it quite often ... 30 years ago. But before memory plays tricks on me ... seems like that M20C did just fine ... even with power lines on the north end and trees on the south end ... with (as best as I recall) 100-150’ elevation change with the north end being the top of the hill. Wifee and I have a small acreage, too. I think I could comfortably get 1800’ formed-up with no obstructions, but also has elevation change similar to Dad’s, after some clearing and landscaping. Getting reblued with the Mooney’s ... and I’m liking what I see in the J model. Able to travel all over the US to see an honest prospect ... what are operator’s “top (5)” things to check .. .not just the ADs which I can find. 630nm distance from my farthest proposed muni (to start ... while the airstrip is being built) to the muni in western KY we’d use up there. I know there’s a difference in advertised range and USEABLE range (Boeing and Airbus inflate their numbers significantly for my professional responsibility) ... no wind ... is this a legitimate non-stop? Has any done a -337 major alteration with extended range tanks? I know the Mooneys are known for their relatively small cabin ... contributes to their relative speed on a relatively small engine. But I think for me and she we could do well with this. What’s the real current market? the $19K C150 is long past in annals of history, so I’m expecting a “ready to fly”. Low to mid time engine/prop to be 6 figures? But how far into that? 150 ... 200? 250???? Any specific problems with the electric gear? (As y’all know, the -C is mechanical) ... is there an alternate extension? Many thanks for tolerating this old has been/wannabe ... Before they left Kerrville, I had the pleasure of seeing the manufacturing plant. So ... I’m interested. IDK if my counting the costs will result in actually BEING an airplane owner (infrastructure at our place will likely be at least as much as the aircraft purchase.) ... but events start with a dream, right? Al