chrisk

I think I have finally found the Mooney for me. It's in El Paso and I need a good mechanic for a pre-purchase that is not associated with El Paso Aero, since they are the ones brokering the plane. Thanks!

I went to look at a plane this last weekend. It was a very nice plane, but it had a few spots where the paint was missing and the skin was exposed. And on the exposed areas, there was white powdery corrosion. Some on the tail area, and some on the belly. I was wondering if this is normal, and something to be concerned with? The plane was supposed to have been hangered most of its life.

If you want a turbo Mooney, why not go for a M20K? There are plenty that are nice and within 10K of asking price.

Hi All, I'm thinking of buying a 231, and this discussion seems to be very appropriate. The plane I am looking at has about 900 hours on the engine and all cylinders are around 75/80, except one. It is at 60/80 and has been this way for the last 3 annuals. The owners mechanic says this is nothing to worry about. Opinions sought. Thanks Chris

My take is the NTSB will put the blame on the student pilot, instructor, and the airport, and in that order. The airport facilities directory lists a 400 ft displaced threshold for this runway. The student should have know this. The instructor always seems to be blamed. And the airport is really poorly marked. Take a look on google maps. http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=33.049844722,-97.232237500&t=h&z=16 It's runway 17. I think the facts are simple. The approach was low (about 4 feet off the ground) for a landing that should not take place any fewer than 400 feet down the runway. It's a cessna with giant flaps and a high wing that does not float like a Mooney. For me, this a lesson. They have displaced thresholds for a reason.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xU2HxqXUtk This is a different report that might give a better idea of the area.

I visited this airport 2 days ago. The road is very poorly marked. The runway is also poorly marked. A displaced threshold would help. Real signs on the road would help too. Being a pilot (driving a car), it was not clear that I should look for planes at the crossing.

Actually what got me thinking about this was the other thread about flying to Cancun across the gulf. It's something that I would probably not do, but even if I were to fly over land, I would want to avoid stopping in Mexico as much as I could.

I was looking in the manual of a 1967 M20F and noticed it specified an operating point of 1950 RPM and 16.9 MP. It gives a range of 1300+ NM and 11 hours of endurance @7500 MSL. Obviously true air speed isn't great, but gets a little better if you fly higher. I'm just curious how many people fly with these settings?

So far, I have found only one mechanic that seems somewhat knowledgable on Mooneys. A guy named Trey who works for Savannah Aviation. I'd love to get feedback on him and Savannah Aviation. Also, any other recomendations for a mechanic.

The last two planes I looked at didn't work out. I'm crossing my fingers this time. I need a good Mooney mechanic for a pre-buy in the Charleston SC to Savannah GA area.

I'm looking to buy a Mooney that is located in Omaha NE. Can anyone recomend a good mechanic for a pre-buy? I called the Mooney service center in Lincoln, but wasn't really impressed with what I heard. Thanks Chris

Thanks all for the advice

Hi, I'm looking at buying a M20E. It's in Conroe TX. It would be great if there was a qualified Mooney mechanic some where in the Houston area. If not, I guess it will go to Don Maxwells. Any recomendations would be appreciated. Thanks Chris

I'm considering the purchase of a M20C. I'd like to have a mechanic familiar with the model perform a pre-purchase inspection. So, who are the guys to talk to in central Texas? Thanks Chris