TWinter

Long story coming, but want to share this because I can attest to this plane. My other half has decided going with the E might be a little too tight for us (her) or just too much stress for her to handle again. I think in my 6 yrs of ownership she flew with me a dozen times or so, but she also has become comfortable with the twin engine and the safety aspect. Without World War lll I'm not sure getting back into 7741M is going to lead to a happy home. I wear the pants, but I'm a lousy cook and I need to eat. Even longer discussion was me reminding her how much she does not like to fly, but it was the whole investment in something she just does not feel good in. Darn twin spoiled her. Moral to the story, looks like I'm passing on the short-body E and most likely buying a Bravo from Jimmy G, not a twin, but a much more solid feeling, I think will go with that.. she's going to have to. We are very close to putting things together on the Bravo and I expect to have a signed deal midweek next week after the holiday. Jimmy and I have been talking steady on one of the Bravos he has in inventory and looks like it will fit mission well. My reason for the long post. If anyone is looking for the ultimate E model I would suggest you jump on 7741M. I spent tons of money on it and even after I sold it they put bladders in it. The plane needs nothing. Check it out in Controller. I assure you it's a sexy well equipped E and it's not being sold over-priced. I know what I put into it. If you want a E.... this is a winner! -Tom

Naw... I'm just glad to be back. Great to see names I know and a few I don't. MS is alive and kicking. Paperwork is being processed and waiting for the nod. The plane is at Dulles International.. A little out of my wheelhouse with several years of not being in a Mooney. Just have to figure a way to get it back to TN. I'm still current, need to update my BM, but Washington is feeling a little sketchy for me... I'm going to try and get the seller to bring it to a "Not so Intense" field for me to pick up.. Manassas, Woodbridge etc.. I lived in that area as a kid, be great to take a few days to sightsee and get comfortable with it again. -Tom

I know.. actually joined MS in 2012. I had both the PA30 and Mooney for a short while. I'm just glad to be able to get Mooney 41M back. Hoping all goes good getting it home. It will go right back in the same hanger it was prior. Always kept my hanger knowing there would be something else in there..just didn't expect it to be 41M. -Tom

I sold my PA30 Twin Comanche last year while the market was/is good. Wasn't using it for work or pleasure and even though the PA30 is one of the most economical twins it was still expensive to fly. Two engines, twice the gas, especially after owning a Mooney prior. Even though I missed my flying fix, I just couldn't justify the prices of anything that caught my eye. I've been without a plane for about 9 months now. We all know the Mooney is the speed efficient bird so I started thinking about another Mooney, but prices are pretty tough, and I still couldn't find the right fit for my mission and budget.. An occasional scan of the usual places didn't really pan out for me.... Until This!!.... I was doing a search while drinking my morning coffee last week and what do I see pop up.. My sweet old girl.. 7741M. Couldn't believe it!! While I liked the Twin Commanche and a super solid bird I always missed 41M. Lots of great memories, nostalgic trips from TN to New England, lots of learning and upgrades over my 5 yrs of ownership. Cutting to the chase.. I couldn't resist and made an offer to buy her back. The seller and I went back and forth a few times and finally came to terms. The contracts are in transit. Looks like she is coming back home in as good of condition as I sent it her. A few more hours on her, but she's got new bladders and that's a plus. Maybe some things are just meant to be.. I'll keep you updated as it moves along!! -Tom

I've been talking with a broker (friend of the seller) about this Missile. While I was looking and waiting to close on my Comanche it sold before I was ready. Last night I got a call and it's available now again. Long story about why that previous deal went south and between the seller and him, but it was only partially based on a few squawks found at last weeks pre-buy and the buyer/seller couldn't agree on a modified price. I've done my due diligence at looking at the logs and basic internet homework/research (actually tagged me to MS posts from years ago..who would guess.(lol). I think the broker is a MSer or was so I'll be very politicly correct and certainly don't want feathers ruffled. I'm not sure how regular or active, but I know I'm still sticking my head in once in pretty regular and touching base and keeping up to Mooney Speed. Cutting to the chase. There were some old posts about oil pressure concerns and even a few MS guys expressed interest and contacted the seller and also posted some EBay ads. This was back in 17' so of course the ads no longer show-up on EBay. I did read all the threads and never did see a solid conclusion about the oil pressure issue. Did anyone find out or hear what the outcome was. I do know it's listed for sale much higher now compared to the 2017 posts, but what isn't right now? Some of the current squawks (minor leaky tanks) are still apparent.. Anybody know much about the plane? PM me if you feel more comfortable. Apparently it did go through a pre-buy just recently from the other guy and there were a handful of squawks reported, but nothing just crazy bad. Anyone have some insight I might not have found? Thanks, Tom

David, Did this sell? My PA-30 has a new caretaker and I'm actively looking. Thanks, Tom

Well... that's about right. I get busy and miss MS a few weeks and miss a jewel!! Lol.. Congrats on the sale. This would have been a great fit. I might have a lead on something, but this would certainly been a great one. Keep me posted if something different happens. GLWS Tom

Good morning all.. I've been out of pocket for a few weeks and have not had a chance to visit MS. I'll follow-up on all suggestions. The original buyer did come take a look. She was not multi-rated or current. Still wanted it, but wanted me to fly it 250 miles and leave it with some shop for a pre-buy. All the local reputable shops are 3 months backed up. I wasn't feeling comfortable with taking it to a shop that had a immediate pre-inspection vacancy and then wanting me to leave it 250 miles from home. Wasn't a shop that was well known and why did they only have a week wait list? Seemed odd to me (possibly very good shop, but didn't make me feel warm and fuzzy). Had a second buyer the broker lined up from Alaska.. Looked like a done deal, but the guy found insurance rates in Alaska quite a bit (3x) higher. Lastly, a third possible buyer showed yesterday and did a thorough inspection (4 hrs) and we took it up for about an hour. He is a professional pilot for one of the major cargo airlines. Nice guy and a good poker face. Said he and the wife would talk it over and get with the broker. He didn't say anything negative. It was a long hot 4 hrs waiting while he looked it over, the bright side was he did a compression check and everything was above mid 70s. Should know more Monday. I'll finish reading comments, but thought I'd toss a update. Tom

I posted a few weeks ago that I was selling my PA-30 and taking a hard look back at the Mooney. My Twin Comanche sold on paper the first day it was listed (contract done, deposit done and pre-buy lined up for Saturday). Assuming all goes well I'll have a little leftover to pay a few bills and put down on my next bird. I'm leaning toward the Ovations. I've found a 2006 M20R Ovation 3 GX. Stunning plane. I had my classic 1973 M20E and upgraded that plane as far as I wanted to go. I went to the twin thinking we might be able to take advantage of more family trips etc.. That time has now passed and I'm back to flying solo or +1. I'm looking for something newer. If I do put something together on this of course I'll have a Pre-Buy done etc... My question for the forum. Any issues or anomalies that I might want to watch out for on a 2006 Ovation 3?. This is a huge leap for me going from my E and a totally different animal compared to the PA-30. I really like the look, cabin size and of course speed. I'm far from a pre-buy and still looking to see what's out there, but the Ovation sure is sharp and would fit my mission well. My PA-30 sold at full asking price and we all know the market is crazy right now. I may wait for the bubble to bust and the market comes back to planet earth, but you never know, this one might be a great fit. Thanks in advance, Tom

Can you check my account status. I'm back on the field and made my PP. Still getting ads and limited posting. Thanks, Tom

Been out of touch on MS and just pulled this thread up. Hate to hear the latest Mooney updates. Always will be a Mooniac. As I read page after page the common comment was low or reduced production of most all GA piston aircraft. Is it that the pricing has just gotten so ridiculous high for new GA piston that nobody is really buying or buying at a pace that will be economically realistic to maintain ?. Seems like the only active production is the business class turbo props and jets. Is this just the start to the end of GA piston? Maybe the writing has been on the wall for years and Mooney being in a recovery phase has just suffered the final blow before the others because they were a minority market coming out of recovery. Somebody posted Beech is down in production on singles and light twins, but business class was producing heavy. Don't know the answer and might be well off base, but one has to wonder is this just the cusp with more to follow. The thought of so few new single or twin piston in production, but it does make you wonder if we are headed down a dark path in years to come and the manufacturer with deeper pockets will last the longest. Don't know? Tom

Supertow ll that was shown has the "LazySusan" concept that allows the tug to swivel. I've got one for sale $1700. She's a big beast.

A few items I came across; 1. (2) POH for M20E $15 shipped each (one in good condition, the other "okay" condition) 2. Control Shafts *1 set for - Pre-J model and 1 set for J model and up. Take $135.00 a set. shipped. BOTH SOLD 3. OEM Landing light for E model $15 shipped 4. I've got a PVC fuel-tank switch rod (home-made) $15 shipped. (SOLD-Josh) 5. I'm also selling my modified center console arm-rest. Some of you have seen it in my gallery and asked about it. Comes with arm rest extension and cup-holder. Not professional level, but very functional. $115 shipped with all three pieces. (SOLD-Josh) 6. Also have a Garmin 796 Portable GPS with the GXM 40 antenna and all accessories including the home docking station. $1100 shipped. Great condition. 7. Trim wheel and chain set up. I bought this as a spare a while back thinking if the trim cogs. teeth or chain gears ever wore out I'd never find parts. Bought as a back-up. Good working condition. $125 shipped. PM me or send a regular email: ultimatefitne379@bellsouth.net Tom

Just renewed my donation. 7741M is long sold and gone, but this site has provided me a wealth of information over the years and certainly gotten me out of a jam more than once. I hope to see it continue to help others. Never know when another Mooney might be parked in my hanger.. Sometimes I sure miss seeing the backward tail, or maybe tired of everyone else's tail being backward . Tom

Hate to see it was purchased to be flipped. It was brokered and I never met the buyer. I was hoping it was to someone who just wanted it because they wanted a nice Mooney. I guess the key was getting it sold, but I'll admit if it sells for $135k it will hurt my financial feelings greatly. Apparently, I settled for far less than what I could have gotten for it if she goes for near the asking. Regardless, If money was no object I'd buy it back in a minute, but not at 135k..She's a great bird. I like my twin and that is what fits my mission right now for business and personal, but 41M had a lot of memories. I'd keep her as my weekend ride if I was financially able. -Tom

Are they the same height as J seats or E?. There is enough room in them to fold forward and back.. You might check the Rocky Mountain site. In all honesty...they might say there are particular measurements for "correct" fitment among different planes, but when I bought the Twin Comanche it had tan sheepskin up front. I took them off to wash them and compared them to the "special order" tan Mooney ones that I had in my E..They were darn near the same in pattern and color. I put the Mooney tan on the rear seats of the Comanche and kept the tan ones that were already on the Comanche up front. I'd give a hundred dollar bill if someone that didn't know could tell what was what...When the day is over I don't think there is a big pattern difference after they are installed and strapped up. -Tom

Looking at flight tracking my old gal has found a new place to nest in Denver, Colorado. Wednesday 07-Nov-2018 04:40PM CST Joe Foss Field - FSD 07:03PM MST Rocky Mtn Metropolitan - BJC M20P

PM sent.

Thought I'd toss this out there and I will get pictures up this weekend. Mooney has been sold so I have a few things left that won't do me any good in the twin. SIDEWINDER TUG asking $1030 shipped to lower 48 SOLD New Skytec Starter.. $215.00 shipped SOLD Shower of Sparks Box. 9 months old. Mooney Cabin/Engine Cover. Was from a K model, but I put it on the E and looks and works fine. Has a slit cut in the top for my boomerang antenna. Very Heavy Duty. $275 shipped SOLD Mooney Sun Shades. $50 shipped SOLD Black Sheepskin Seat Covers with headrest both pilot and co-pilot side. New $245 shipped SOLD Tempest Plugs $175 shipped Trim Wheel..bought as a spare, you know, just in case.. $95 shipped Lasar Plexi Landing Light Cover. Lens only, probably fab your own or get the little L brackets from Lasar. $50.00 shipped Ignition Switch and Cabin Door Lock. $100 SOLD Prop Covers. Never used.. $25 shipped. Cowl Plugs $75 shipped SOLD Fuel Senders Unit R/L $75 shipped -Tom

I don't know who he is. The broker put the deal together. I have not met him or spoken to him. All I do know is we have a deposit and signed contract. He plans to pick it up Thursday. -Tom

I still have 6 days to have seller's remorse. My feet are already kind of chilly (cold feet coming). If he finds something he does not like...well, I'd honestly be okay with it. I think I've tried every possible reason to keep it. The struggle is real -Tom

I have a black set that are brand new if someone needs a set. I came across a EBay auction and they showed two sets available. I offered to buy both sets as it was cheap enough. They did not know what model other than low back seats so I took a chance since they looked Mooney size. I already had a set and thought they looked just like what I had...Bought a tan and black set. I sold my original from Aerosheep. I had probably 4 years in them. Replaced the old Aerosheep ones with the new tan ones I got on EBay and they fit perfectly. I still have the black left over. If black will work for someone I'd let them go pretty cheap. I think they actually are Aerosheep or the other main company. If I get a PM I'll get them out of my closet and get more details. These are brand new and I think they have the headrest for pilot side. ultimatefitne379@bellsouth.net On a side note if the sale goes through on 41M this coming Thursday I'll have a Mooney Sidewinder Tug for sale also. -Tom

As of yesterday there is a contract and deposit on 7741M. The new prospective owner will check it over next Thursday and probably fly her home. It's been a pleasure to be the steward of 41M for the last 7 years. Lots of great trips, memories and fun times. MS has been a wealth of knowledge and I've made lots of new Mooniac friends. She has taught me a lot over the last 7 years and I can honestly say made me a better pilot. Assuming the deal completes without a hitch I can only hope she treats the new owner with many more years of safe flying and memories. It's been a fun ride. I'll be flying the Twin Comanche for a while, but can't promise there won't be another backward tail in the hanger at some point later down the road. Once you've had a Mooney I'd say it's an addiction of sort. -Tom

The avionics I think would justify the price delta between the E and the J. I actually have far, far more money invested in the plane. The avionics alone are worth more than the plane itself. When Adam and I talked about it and he and I came up with a listing price I was well aware upfront that I was not going to get any real return on all the glass in it. I'm into it well over the $175k mark and probably could back it up with receipts, but we have to be real and I know it is a 1973-74 E model Mooney. You will wait a very long time waiting for a buyer at $175...probably never happen. While it hurts to take a hit like that I'd rather market it at a 'market value" and see someone get a great plane and know it will sell in a realistic time frame. -Tom