scottfromiowa

I paid .7AMU for my aluminum panel "custom cut-out" and 1AMU to install. Hendricks did the panel. He is on Mooney Space and owns an E model with his conversion. I was/am very pleased with mine. Scott

Thank's Mike! Great summation. Thanks for everyone's contributions. I continue to learn from this site...

I purchased a used Accu-Trak system (complete with controller, servo, cans and TC-100 for $700 on Ebay. I too had/have a functional PC system and wanted the capability of GPS tracking. I sent the controller and servo into Brittain (Jerry was helping me) and they turned around the inspection/testing and set-up in three weeks. Both are yellow tagged and ready for install. The work was $200. I elected to NOT use the TC-100 (which is an electric and pneumatic turn coordinator as my PC system was/is functional in the plane. I Would sell this (AS IS) to someone interested. I plan to install the Accu-Trak and servo (the servo essentially takes the existing pneumatic system and allows the electric integration of signals from the GPS) when I get funds saved up. I am recovering from purchase of a MD-41 and installation of my 201 style yokes and electric PC cut-off in my plane. I have had VERY POSITIVE experience with Brittain and am glad to hear the reviews regarding the excellent tracking capability of the PC system in all types of wind. Good luck Seth, I will let you know how my installation goes. Anyone else done my installation? Where did you end up putting the servo?

I wish that J would have been available at THAT PRICE when I bought my '66 E in 2004. (refering to the post Parker provided) The shortbody aircraft will NOT ever achieve the pricing of the J's. For the money you are talking I would by a nice early J over any shortbody...C or E.

Aviation Consumer recently published a good article rating shops and plus and minus's on overhaul vs. facory new or factory Re-man engines.

I am putting a couple of kids through college and am sole owner of my '66 M20E. Since buying my plane I have attempted to update my panel on a budget. I have no dreams of a flat panel or flying to minimums. I have purchased the following avionics "used" 1. Comm panel 2. Intercom 3. Garmin GNC300XL 4. Garmin 496 5. Gem 602 (new probes) I have experienced no problems with any of the equipment which was tested prior to installation. What are others experiences with purchasing "pre-owned" equipment? I personally am VERY happy that many are continuing to update to the latest and greatest, as it give a bottom feeder like me the opportunity to obtain functioning improved (over my existing) avionics at a nice price...

or just panel mount a 496 for $2,000 and get terrain, xm and weather in a small footprint...

Does the 430 do weather? No. Will you be flying at minimums where Waas is valued...? The GNC300 isn't produced, but it's still supported and is affordable. It IS a better capability than the 250...as it's certified for IFR, just like the 430. If I was you and didn't have a GNC300 I too would sell the 250 and buy a 430 as you don't need the MD41 annunciator. Have fun getting your stuff and ticket.

I believe your 250XL is VFR only, right? You need 155XL or GNC300XL with KI202 or Garmin indicator for IFR...you would also need a MD41-1444 switch/annunciator. Re-manufactured 300gnc's are still available from Garmin. A KI209 with glideslope would be nice for the KX155. I can not justify an ASPEN or even a 430 as I already own and am flying the GNC300XL (VFR) until I save for other updates. If you want to do it up big and can afford it...do it, but understand that you will NOT get the cost of equipment and installation cost back at re-sale. I plan on pursuing my ticket next year and have discussed installation costs with my avionics installer/shop. I will NOT be doing hard IFR, just want ability to get up and get down through a layer NOT at minimums...I will have my dash mounted 496 wired from the GNC300XL. I would love to have your auto-pilot in my '66.

Great post RJ. Thank you for correcting my "Rocket" error regarding PFM conversion. I believe I remember Coy talking about the Punta Gorda Hurricane and the demise of the PFM's in his magazine several years ago. Thank you also for your discussion on the PFM vs. modern Ovation's etc. regarding gear and weights. Exactly the info/discussion I was looking for. That's a nice useful load you have in your MSE too!

I have a quick drain on my plane. One minute to remove lower side cowl panel. Thirty seconds to put hose on quick drain put in bucket and push...Oil drains in an hour while I am cleaning bugs and/or cleaning belly...Remove hose/close quick drain 30 seconds. Put six quarts of Phillips X/C & Camgard in engine and re-cowl (5 minutes). Put lid on bucket and drop off oil at Advance Auto Parts...5 minutes. 12 minutes of time and about $50 for oil and Camgard. I don't mind changing my own oil in fact I enjoy being around the plane so my answer is: $50 bucks...and I get a clean plane and a little work out getting the bugs off

My nineteen year old college Sophomore has a life moving faster than our Mooney...so dogs fly free Don't blink Brian...your back seat will be overflowing.

Thanks CarusoAM...That was a creative link. Yes, that PFM load would seem reasonable. Brian, why not just put 20 lbs of weight in backpacks...on second thought having seen them in action on your trip to CR that wouldn't slow them down or stunt them in any way

Not if she's like me over the last 30 years Hornet driver...;<)

Glad all are giving feedback regardless of model year. Jose, looks like your 900-1,000 is right on target. I didn't know the M20A had such a high gross weight! Having over 1,000 pounds is really nice capability. I was shocked when oggling the Mooney PFM Rocket conversions to learn that their useful load is only about 650lbs! Anyone know why? Is this because of the lighter Porsche 3.2 litre engine being replaced and the lower certificated weight? Any beef-up of the gear in later Ovation's or just a paperwork deal and later certificate with increased gross on Ovations? I just find that PFM conversion beautiful...Any F's and G's and K's out there? What are your Useful Load's as equipped?

I just moved my Flight Manual into a 1/2 inch binder and was curious what everyone's useful load is on their bird? I did a lot of removing of avionics (older Loran/ADF and Indicators) and am currently at 935.94 pounds. With 30 gallons of fuel (two hours and healthy reserve I can load just over 750 pounds of people and stuff...Curious how this compares with other Vintage Mooney's 1966 M0E USEFUL LOAD@Gross 935.94

Normal landings with just me on board I will only occasionally use flaps...and if I do only 1/2 (two pumps on manual flap arm. I only apply flaps on final and fly downwind and base at 100 mph 80mph over the fence...If I do full flaps when light I float and float on a hot day. No flaps in flare has nice energy and a squeeker on the mains...If I have one passenger always 1/2 flaps if two passengers always full flaps. I am always power off (idle) when landing is made regardless of wind unless strong crosswind I may carry a little power into the flare (exception). As a member of the GUL club (touch & go's with a CFI during Bi-annual flight review w/ simulated power loss down wind by instructor) I HIGHLY recommend NOT doing touch and go's. GUL's do happen...and it CAN happen to you. If you don't do a GUMP's check AGAIN on short final...you should consider it. My mantra is to grab Johnson bar and tug (again) to ensure down and LOCKED.

I use my Ram Air ALL THE TIME IN CRUISE, unless down low where I am not at full throttle and get 25 inches without the Ram-Air. I get a nice boost on my '66 E. Make sure the gasket is functional and don't open down low or in moisture. End of story. The lite is a nice reminder...as well as my decent checklist...I have no fear of a phantom grasshopper at 7500 feet.

I had to log in again...and then I could see all the posts...but could not post a reply?

Jonathan, CONGRATULATIONS from another '66 E owner. Thoroughly enjoyed reading your trip (successful) (and initial attempt that in my mind was an excellent prep with the modifications you implemented...lessons learned) log. I wish you continued safe and exciting...in a good way...flying in your beloved Mooney. Your description of the moonrise was awesome...THAT must have indeed been a moment. All my best, Scott Thompson

I have a pair of yokes and control shafts that I will be listing on Ebay this weekend. (photo attached). Clock is gone, but nicely covered. Push to talk included. I am selling the PC dis-connect (in GREAT SHAPE) on a separate auction. Reason for selling? See photos of my replacement yokes in the photos section.

I have the "portable" cushion in my '66. Includes a lower lumber pad (with zipper for easy removal). Even though I just had my seats done I still sit on the cushion for the height and added comfort of the memory foam. A more cost effective solution to comfort and "raising" your exterior view.

I have 26 gallon tanks in my '66 E. First owner did what appears to be a very accurate fuel in gallons count on a wood paint dip stick. I would be happy to photograph if relevent or helpful. Scott

Why not the M20L PFM (Porsche-converted)? Acclaim size, engine and speed with beauty of Porsche integrated interior. There are a couple on Controller (one with re-paint in Ovation paint scheme) that look absolutely beautiful.

Find out who did the major. Did this include new jugs? New hoses? Re-built exhaust? Re-Built mags? Re-built generator?, re-built oil cooler? Tanks tight? SB-208 (corrosion in cabin tubes) complete? If all boxes are checked this plane would be right on with mods and paint...five years ago. Now without a panel mounted GPS I think the price is high and would go for less. Tell them to remove DME and ADF and put in the 430 and it is priced right. (for you to get a good deal). This seems to be a lot more plane than my '66 E that I paid $54k for five years ago...I'm NOT saying...I'm just say'n