gjkirsch

I can't comment on how long the pump lasted or the reaon your friends pump failed. I had a failure about 6 years ago and I think it was between $2 and $3K to get it overhauled. I seem to recall that there was an AD on the fuel pump at the time. Fuel was pouring out from the pump.

Jim I have owned two 231's and am on my second Bravo. I am a nit picker and fix everything. Get the best prebuy you can from an independent and experienced service center. I moved up to the Bravo to get TKS after nearly scaring myself to death in icing. You will spend money on any used plane in the first year if you want every defect resolved. After that, the biggest differences I saw were fuel burn (13 to 19 GPH) and exhaust systems. The Bravo appears to be tougher on the exhaust system. My annuals have ranged from $2400 to $12,000 (7,000 was the exhaust system). I would have taken the Ovation over the Bravo but could not find one at a reasonable price with TKS. A highly modified Eagle just came on the market with TKS that may be worth a look. They are faster down low and use less fuel. I like the longer and newer airframes and avionics of the Ovations and Bravo's over the 231's. http://www.aso.com/listings/spec/ViewAd.aspx?utm_source=Alerts&id=138226 Bottom line, I am a happy Mooney Owner! Gordon N32CG

After 185 hours in various cesenas and pipers, I bought a 1980 231. I guess I did not learn my lesson, because I bought a 1985 231, then a 1996 Bravo and a then a 1998 Bravo. All have been much better planes than the pilot!

I had a mouse problem with the last plane that required quite a bit of electrical work. I now have sticky traps on the floor at all the corners in the hanger. I have caught 2 so far this year. I have the belly pan pulled at every oil chnage to check for any sign of mice. Gordon 98 Bravo KGRR

I have the Bose X and Lightspeed Zulu 2 and prefer the Zulu 2. Have not tried the new Bose model. Both companies stand behind their product

All Mooney's reward those that fly the numbers with the opportunity of a good landing. Unfortunately, the for sale adds today are full of planes that have had a prop strike.

Don't despair, I am on my 4th Mooney and 2nd Bravo. It has been the same with all of them for 15 years. Buy the plane with a new MSC annual and then spend a small fortune the first year getting everthing fixed! I have had this one for 5 months, fresh out of a MSC annual and have put 11K into maintenance. But if this one holds true to the others, once it is sorted out, it will prove to be very reliable and trouble free. FWIW, I have never had any airframe or real engine issues, it is all the electrical and those damn autopilots that drive me nuts.

Don't despair, I am on my 4th Mooney and 2nd Bravo. It has been the same with all of them for 15 years. Buy the plane with a new MSC annual and then spend a small fortune the first year getting everthing fixed! I have had this one for 5 months, fresh out of a MSC annual and have put 11K into maintenance. But if this one holds true to the others, once it is sorted out, it will prove to be very reliable and trouble free. FWIW, I have never had any airframe or real engine issues, it is all the electrical and those damn autopilots that drive me nuts.

I have a carrin tarrier and a dog seat that hangs on the back seat. The dog wears a walking harness that attaches to the seat. The dog sits in it nicely and tyically goes to sleep. Had a minitaure schnauser prior and did just as well. FWIW my wife sits in the back with the dog.

Economy Cruise of 26/2350 leaned to 17 GPH = 175 True at 10K Power Cruise Figure 155 Indicated at 32/2400 peak plus 50 add 3 knots per 1000 feet of altitiude I have TKS so I am slower!

Glad to join. I am on my 4th Mooney and 2nd Bravo. I have never had any real engine or airframe issues (well there was that fuel pump and crank AD) but the damn autopilot and the other electronics drive me nuts. I have yet to find a mechanic I trust. I used Wilmer for annuals before Bruce left there but am not sure of them any more. Gordon N32CG Grand Rapids, Mi

Glad to join. I am on my 4th Mooney and 2nd Bravo. I have never had any real engine or airframe issues (well there was that fuel pump and crank AD) but the damn autopilot and the other electronics drive me nuts. I have yet to find a mechanic I trust. I used Wilmer for annuals before Bruce left there but am not sure of them any more.