JoeB

Mooney owners, I am looking to buy a Mooney to go far and fast.... I am currently building an RV10 but I realize that it will be another decade before that ever lifts off for the first time. Previously owned a Cherokee 140 and a Piper Archer. Loved them both but slooooow. I am currently looking hard and trying to decide what is the best fit, M20F, M20J, M20K Looking to keep budget under 139K Mission: Live in Denver with a 4000 ft runway, about 5100 on field elevation and much higher on Summer High density days Will do A LOT of just local flying around since we live on an airpark and I want to get up as often as possible, but the REAL mission is taking wife and 2 kids (age 8 and 7 months currently) on longer range vacations, both coasts and anything in between we are in the "disney" phase of kids and frequent both California and Orlando, but we also want to hit every National park in America and go to the Bahamas, go far, and get there fast without spending the big fuel burns of other similar speed aircraft (Bonanza, Comanche etc). We want to always cross the Rocky Mtns without worrying about if we are going to have enough engine to get over safely, and will do it frequently, but we will be heading east often also.... so I need a jack of all trades. I think the I like the F due to the long body, I like the J cause long body and faster, I like the K since I feel it has both of the above and More than enough power....... however I don't know if the extra fuel burn and the complexity of the K is "worth it" can you share average flight planning criteria you use? SPEED/ALT/FUEL BURN/ ENDURANCE Can you all help point me in the right direction? if anyone is in Denver area I am based at Parkland Estates, in Erie, but Happy to drive around Denver to go sit in look and talk airplanes BUT what do you all think fits my mission profile the best?

HOWDY....... well I am dancing with the idea of being a bit crazy and joining the ranks of the "builders" I am thinking about trading my free time and money to build either a foxtrot 4 from Team Tango, or an RV-10... I was wondering if any of you Mooneyiacs have ever entertained such a thought, or had any experience with these 2 types of airplanes. I am open to your thoughts, whether they are GO FOR IT, or talking me outta of this crazy idea. thanks for them both. Joe

I don't if anyone else has been outraged as so many of our flight planning websites have been shut down as a result of the flight prep patent. I have found a online petition here is the link if anyone cares to sign it. I am not associated with the who started it, but I want to get the word out. you dont see banks patenting online banking, so why is online flight planning going down this path. http://boycottflightprep.com/ Joe

I am currently on the hunt for a good mooney F . As I have been reading I have discovered that Mooney has a less than favorable Stall, I have yet to fly in a mooney but after looking at all the numbers a good F model would fit my needs. does anyone have any comments on overall stall, or handling in general for the F models? the reason I am looking at F is I really want a J, but my wallet doesn't ..... C/E are better priced, but I still need that extra few inches in the back seat. anyways... thanks Joe

****What I meant to say was Ave. Mooney Annual Inspection Cost**** Typo.

Hey everyone, I started a post a while ago about Buying a Mooney F. I have found a few that I like on the market right now. The only problem is the one that I really like has Electric Gear, when I REALLY wanted Manual. so now for more questions. How much does the "average" mooney cost you, Insurance? How much EXTRA maintainece money and headache will electric gear cause over the good ol' Johnson bar? Are the back bucket seats removable? I am mid way though the IFR rating, is mooney a good platform to fly IFR or should I keep flying the Warrior until I finish the rating? thanks again for all the help everyone.

Clipper, I have been browsing around, I can't find the Mooneys you are talking about for sale here in Omaha, I was hoping you could point me in the right direction, thanks Joe

Good afternoon Mooney Folk. I am thinking of selling my 74 Piper Warrior and Joining the mooney Crowd. I live out in Omaha and I am having a hard time actually finding a mooney to go sit in and get a feel for how it fits, so I was hoping to pick your wealth of knowledge. I have been weighing the options, and my obvious choice is a BRAND NEW 2010 mooney........But since that isn't even close to an option, I started looking at the Vintage models. I have been weighing the mooney against getting an Arrow II, and commanche 250. I really like the amount of space I have in my Warrior, and that is somthing I don't want to loose. With that I have been focusing my search to F/G models. My budget is really driven off of what my Warrior sells for so I am assuming that I have in the ball park of around 50K to work with -ish. I have seen some C models in person before and they do look a little tight in the back seat and cargo area, Is the F/G noticable larger? Is it reasonable to actually put someone in the back seat with any comfort? My Current mission is me 180 lbs, my wife 130, our 2 dogs both lab/sheppard mixes at 65 and 75 lbs, a bit of luggage for us all. We do about 350-500 NM trips. I would like the climb ability to operate out of the Front Range of Colorado our family lives in Denver and Loveland CO. Working on that IFR rating so a good set of toys in the Panel if I can find it. and from what i understand I want that legendary Manual EVERYTHING flaps and gear, simple means easy to maintain. Our Warrior has been upgraded to 180HP and handles this mission great, BUT she is slow, and after our most recent trip from Omaha to Mt Rushmore, I am starting to think I want a few more kts in the air if i can get it. My Biggest concerns about the mooney is well the Size, I don't want to give up too much cabin comfort for speed, from my research I understand Mooney's have a shorter roof, but wider cabin. Any imputs on how the back seat area, baggage area is ?? How akward is the Overhead Baggage door VS the Piper lower baggage door? has anyone else made this Piper-Mooney switch? (JeffS , I know your out there) How do the insurance companies feel about mooneys? I currnetly pay 850 an year for my Warrior. How much down time have you all seen with the added moving parts of folding gear and Prop? I know it varies, but Ave. Annual cost?? anything that I should know about while shopping that says RUN! Thanks for all the info in advance. Joe if there is any F/G drivers in the Omaha area willing to let me come see let me know it would help out quite a bit. thanks