blacknchrome

Quote: Parker_Woodruff If you can settle with 10 knots slower than 200 KTAS, you could get an Ovation and not have to deal with the operating cost of the Bravo. But if that's not a concern, Bravo all the way.

I wouldn't worry about the taller panel. The seats are vertically adjustable, so just crank up the seat, and you will be fine - then it's just a 'longer, more spacious' panel.

Look at Bravo's. There are several on the market right now starting in the 160range to 260+ for a super nice one. They will give you 200kts once you get into the teens, are all equipped with onboard oxygen, speed brakes, etc. 1989 was the first year, you won't find many, and for your price range you should be able to find something in the early to mid 90's. They do like fuel, but nm/gal is probably the same as your Cherokee was, but you are going 60 knots faster, in style. TKS will cost you $$ and a few knots, but if you need it, get it. One encounter and I bet you'll think it was worth every penny. You may look at M20K's: the 252 or Encore. They are going to be in that 185 knot range or maybe a little better up high. But, I am no expert on them. As for the Rocket - it's fast and cheaper, but I prefer having a factory machine the Bravo is versus dealing with STC's, unknown support, etc and the extra size of the long body. We just transitioned from a Saratoga to a Bravo, so PM me if you want more info. Talk to the guys at All American Aircraft Sales, they will treat you well and probably have what you want. http://www.allamericanaircraft.com/

Quote: ILXLR8 When I purchased my 231, the owner mailed me the POH before I picked it up. I ended up going to a Office Depot or Office Max with it. They scanned it into a PDF file for about $20. This allowed me to get a copy to my instructor fast, in another state. Maybe someone has a Bravo POH and is able to help you this way?

Hey, I am starting to study for some up-coming training in a Bravo. Does anyone have a checklist for a Bravo on their computer that they wouldn't mind sharing. I haven't been able to find a POH online yet either for the Bravo, I've found it for a few other aircraft though so does anyone know of a good resource I am missing? Thanks

Quote: RJBrown I had a contract to buy this plane a year ago Christmas. I chose to do the Pre buy at the MSC in Denton. I guess they later did the annual there in Denton. I am sure US Aircraft has records of my prebuy. They were great to deal with and could give straight answers about what was done for the annual. The plane was far from airworthy at that time. They refused to get it airworthy and they backed out of the sale, I still would have bought it. The original N Number was N808MS. It had been owned by a lawyer in California for a long time and had just sat outside for years getting nothing but paper annuals. It appeared to be a solid plane just a bit neglected. I see they replaced the pilots side interior panel since I saw it. Paint looks better in the pictures than in person. The story at the time was "Divorce forces sale" Engine Overhaul was A long time ago. Garmin install was done by this owner and the antennae poked through the headliner. The fact that the avionics shop didn't have the forethought to center the antennae made me question their professionalism . I have pictures on my laptop at home if any want to see I will post tonight.

Quote: 16LPilot Yeah, but doesn't the annual operating cost run around $24k?

I figured I'd post this in case anyone was looking for a screaming deal on a Bravo. I found it during my search, unfortunately it doesn't work for our mission, but thought I would share the info. Super low engine time because they overhauled the engine when the Bravo mod was done on it instead of just doing cylinders, etc. It was at 169,000, now 155,000, but the owner is trying to figure out what price it would take to sell it in a week or less. It sounds like it could be had in the low 100's. Wow - that's one heck of a buy for that much airplane. Especially when there are 30+ year old airplanes selling in that range. It's brokered in SAT, but they don't own it. http://www.controller.com/listingsdetail/aircraft-for-sale/MOONEY-M20M-BRAVO/1991-MOONEY-M20M-BRAVO/1161747.htm

Thanks. I've seen the Bravo they were selling a third of, and I think it was sold by a member on here - that's part of the reason I am posting. N553C is the tail of the ADS-based bird - it's beautiful. I'm guessing at this point they don't want to sell it whole, as they just purchased it (two guys, looking for a third owner) And we want the turbo-charged, fire-breathing screamer that makes the Bravo a little more capable than the Ovation. Quote: N223MM Check http://theapa.com. There was a gentleman selling a half ownership in a Bravo and I think the other half would also be for sale. If I recall, it was at Hicks, just north of Fort Worth. < edit > It looks like the Bravo I had seen does not come up in the search anymore. There is someone looking To co-own an Ovation out in Dallas though.) Looks like he flys about 75 hrs a year so the availibility should be good. 1. [ F. C. (APA ID: 1890) (30.4 Nautical Miles) ] Purposes: Selling a share or shares in an airplane I own solely (Selling) Models: Ovation1, Ovation2 & Ovation3 (Mooney) Year: 1995 Current # of Partner: 0 Desired # of Partner: 1 Characteristics: Complex (Class)High Performance (Class) Single Engine Prop (Class) All Metal (Construction) Retractable (Gear) Low Wing (Wing) Airport Identifier: KHQZ Organization: Cinatl IV LLC Aircraft Description : Mooney Ovation based at KHQZ- IFR aircraft with most of the bells and whistles - dual Garmin 430W; dual glideslopes, XM Weather; Altitude preselect; long-range tanks; Bose headsets. Maintenance : I have most of my maintenance done at Cutter Aviation at Dallas Executive (KRBD). < /edit >

Right now, we want a turn-key FIKI aircraft. It would be alright if we had to update the panel (to a 530W), but we don't want the downtime and major expense of adding TKS (~40g). Quote: Parker_Woodruff What's your budget? I know of a couple Texas Bravos for sale but you might have to pay to add FIKI.

A 252/262 TKS would be a fast airplane, but we are really looking for a long-body for the size. And, the Bravo's have a Lycoming vs the Continental (not trying to start anything, but.... ha). It should be FIKI too - there are actually some Bravos out there that are the inadvertent TKS system. We're moving up from a FG Saratoga - it's for sale. Nice airplane, & extremely well equipped. We think a Bravo is the way to go next time for the capabilities of ice and the speed.

Hello everyone, I was just going to drop in and see if anyone happened to know of a nice Bravo with TKS for sale that isn't advertised right now on any of the big three. There are a few on the market, but they all have their issues, and maybe there's something better out there. After reading about some of the sales made here, I figured I'd throw it out there. Anybody have one? I'm in TX, so would prefer one in the central US; northern would work too.

If you don't mind sharing, what did N553C sell for? I am interested to know as I'm trying to learn the market of these airplanes right now. I don't see any ads for it online. Thanks

I think if you can afford it and there's a chance in your type of flying that you may encounter it, add the TKS. One time in a bad situation would make it worth every penny. If it's something you're flying in or around from time to time, I would consider it.

Any update on what you found? I'd like to know........ Thanks

I have got to jump in on this one too and say that is an abolutely gorgeous paint job. Nice choice in design and rich colors!

How about some details on the airplanes you are looking at? What models? specs? I'm curious what's selling.

Thanks for the info. For us, it sure looks like a good all around package. We were just not excited about the Century IIb's we were finding in 80% of the airplanes. Hopefully the prebuy discovers any corrosion issues. Quote: Jeev I did not do a prebuy. That aircraft looks really nice and the Stec 55 is a huge plus, if I remember correctly the 430 is not WAAS. To tell you the truth I didn't do to much research on the 77 you are looking at. I did speak with the owner and he seemed like he was on the up and up. I didn't go forward with it because one: it is geographically far from me and two: it has been "sitting" in a humid climate with not a lot of use. May turn out to be a non-issue, if it was closer to me I definitely would have gone and taken it for a flight. When I spoke with him months ago he said he would not take lower than $85k I say if you can get him down to $75k, good prebuy at MSC with owner fixing airworthy squawks, and expect that you may need an OH in the next 5 years its a good buy. KSMooniac, Parker, and LFOD on this board were and continue to be a HUGE help. Go look at it in person and fly it before getting a prebuy. I have been looking for about 6months and have seen aircraft that are beautiful in pictures but oxidized, chipped and nasty in person. Good luck and PM me if you want to talk live. I do think if you get it for $75k its a good deal.

Ok. Did you do a prebuy on the other one? The reason I ask is I am in the same market and am working on lining up a pre-buy for that airplane. Did you do much research on the other one that you mind sharing with me before I get too much money tied up in it myself? Nice looking airplane, by the way. We were considering that aircraft ourselves. Quote: Jeev I decided not to "risk it" based on the that the lack of recent use / maintence. I went with this instead: http://www.aso.com/i.aso3/aircraft_view.jsp?aircraft_id=123973 Higher time but good maintence history and it has been flown at least 100hrs per year for the last 4. Just passed prebuy and I should have it mid next week

So what did you find out about this aircraft? Did you bring it home or did you find a reason to leave it on the market?