duke851

Thanks again to everyone for the input. My CFI is arranging some time through his connections to get familiar with some local aircraft. My gut feeling after reading all the posts is to aim for an R while being open minded about other models. I am going to take my time and savor the experience while I wait for the right aircraft at a price I can live with. Colin.

I am simply amazed by the quality of the postings, thank you everybody. You have all given me a lot of very helpful advice to weigh. It is interesting to hear the views of actual Mooney pilots compared to the popularly held opinions, a large contrast. I also need to get some seat time in the various models and do some serious number crunching. I do find myself right on a price point that makes the nice M20Rs just out of reach at present but in this market who knows. Do I do long term financing and get the bird of my dreams or spend less knowing I will want to trade up at some point. It’s a big consideration knowing there is a 6.25% use tax on each purchase. Unfortunately (or fortunately) I don’t part with money easily, not my fault, I am Scottish which clouds my thinking. I can say though I have never regretted buying something nice even if parting with the money is hard at the time. As far as the flying goes, I have a great CFI who lives for GA. I know whatever decision I make he will work with me and make sure I get the training and experience needed to be safe. Bob I would love to buy you lunch and pick your brain, I'll PM you with my contact info. Colin

Great forum! I am a new member and prospective Mooney owner. I need to find my first aircraft and have come down to a couple of choices. 1. Late model M20J MSE – Makes by far the most financial sense 2. Early M20R Ovation – Makes by far the most emotional sense I only have 150hrs and am half way through my instrument rating. I have a complex endorsement and have 8 hours in a turbo Arrow IV. I talked this over with my CFI and he was of the opinion that most first aircraft should have fixed gear but he thinks the M20J would be within my ability if treated with respect. The Ovation on the other hand is just too much airplane. I was wondering what the forum members think. This is about as confusing as picking a mate! The long body is just so sexy but boy can the short one cook! Or should I wait until I get a lot more experience before I take the plunge? Thank you for any input Colin