rlbowley

Just landed 17 minutes ago! Wow.

I too am trying to get my brain around some of the prices. I think that in general the prices I have seen are in line with the average for similar airplanes, but there are always a few oddballs. An example, I went to look at a 64 E' with a "shotgun" panel, 3/10 paint, 3/10 interior, low time motor, and a 1991 gear up. It did have a some mods to include 201 tips, flap gap seals as well as a 201 windshield, 3 blade prop and tail fairing. Still, the price was pretty high (50K). Maybe VREF is very misleading, but when I valued the aircraft, then considered the value of the mods by depreciating the original cost of the mods by 50% (maybe this was too much), subtracting ~6k for bad P&I and another ~5k for the gear up (maybe this was also too much, and even though it happend almost 20 years ago, its a stigma and I would guess it affects the value forever to some extent), I come up with a figure that is at least 10k lower than the asking price. At some point, the offer becomes more of an insult, and it was the first airplane I looked at, so I never made an offer. I would be interested in other's opinions of my valuation process. I'm still in the process of understanding the market as a whole, so my numbers may be way off.

George, I was up at ELP on Tuesday, taking a look at Roberto's screaming Eagle, and he mentioned that I should contact you since I'm probably more in the market for an E or F model. Looks like you beat me to it. Anyway, I just sent you a PM about your trip through LRU. Thanks! -Ryan

Quote: RobertoTohme You're more than welcome to come and see mine in El Paso... Which kind of Mooney you're looking for? PM or email me at your convenience.

Quote: HRM The second is that this is a DIY thread, but since I haven't done any of it yet (still trolling for ideas and waiting for time) the notion of using vinyl if it is something anyone can do is intriguing. On the other hand, if LC Aero can do the whole thing in leather and vinyl for 5.5 AMU, that would be a bargain and worth consideration--strong consideration. Another plus is that I would not mind a trip out to Las Cruces, location of one of the finest universities in the world. Last word--those guys must be hosting their website on a Commodore 64!

Quote: Rustler rlbowley-- Apparently you haven't provided an e-mail address. If you want to make the trek to Taos, I'd be glad to demonstrate a 1980 J for you. Won't even charge you the gas for the flight. It'll give you a good idea of how the aircraft performs at 7100'. I was fairly near you last week on a Grace Flight and wish I'd known then of your interest.

Ricardo, I had thought about a partnership, but the funny thing is my wife doesn't like the idea. I think once I sold her on the idea of aircraft ownership, she wants sole control. I guess that's a good sign, as in she seems ready to take a small plane on trips etc. Anyway, just out of curiousity, do you guys have an airplane in mind yet, or still looking?

I am considering purchasing a Mooney. I have never actually flown in one though, so I would like to know if there are any Mooney pilots in Southern New Mexico/ West Texas that would be willing to show their airplane off to me. I am based out of LRU, and will drive/fly to you, and split fuel etc. Also, I would love to pick your brain regarding CFI's, A&P's etc. Thanks in advance. BTW - I'm glad I found this forum. Its already answered several outstanding questions I had, and I just registered about 30 minutes ago.