exM20K

Financially, it is probably better to trade for a FIKI aircraft rather than to do an installation. Used values are bumped by maybe $20k for TKS, and you can buy a discounted avionics upgrade at the same time or at least find a similar setup to what you've built. Or you can convert yours knowing that you won't get back more than half the spend. I installed non-fiki on my 231 20 years ago, and IIRC, it was something like $17,000. It was worth every penny to me since I commuted in the Northeast in the Mooney. There is a speed penalty of 8-ish knots that I've observed on both the Acclaim and the 231. That speed loss seems less at high altitudes, which makes sense given the lower IAS up high. TKS is also a leading-edge paint saver. The panels take the hit from rain, so you won't get the bald spots many Mooney's have on the leading edge.

I saw yours come and go from controller very quickly! Congrats on your hangar and being able to keep the plane. I bought a very similar 2009 acclaim within the last six weeks and am thrilled to be back in the mooney fold. Illinois is brutal in their use tax collection and enforcement, and trying to game it is likely to yield treble fines. There are services that specialize in gaming the cali taxes, and it is worth a few dollars to see about legal avoidance. -Dan

The G1000 planes had the gear switch tucked up behind the yoke, below the PFD. That was unfortunate, because one of the great things about the Mooney panel has always been the high / center gear lever. eg: this from a new Acclaim.

...and they got the gear lever back up where it's supposed to be!

Lasar did mine many years ago - they covered repaired, formerly cracked mess with fabric, and the result was excellent.

Derek, My home drome is 2250x30. I operated a 231 here for four years w/o incident. A friend brought a Bravo in landing to the south (2500') with no excitement at all, and I believe the Bravo is probably the worst short field mooney. Maybe the 2-bladed Ovations are worse. Search YouTube for "Mooney Landing 36 @ Naper" for proof! We also had the 231 and a 201 into North Captiva, FL (FL90) a number of times. While the field is only 1800' of grass, the approaches are clear, so you can drag it in with power. Practice, practice, practice and you should be able to get the mooney in most places.