Raptor05121 Posted January 2, 2015 Report Posted January 2, 2015 Hello guys. My name is Alex, I'm 23 and a long-time Mooney lover. My grandpa used to own a '67 M20F with a Rayjay turbonormalizer. Sadly, she crashed late Dec 2003, with his friend/mechanic losing his life in South Carolina due to fuel starvation (FAA report). I remember as a kid flying in this thing. I didn't realize how fast they were (didn't pay attention to those complex round thingies in front of me back then) but boy was she the prettiest thing on the ramp. Here are a couple of pictures of her. N2996L. I've always been a fan of the look and performance of Mooney's. I haven't flown in once since 2003. Right now I am chasing my private pilot in a C150 here in North Florida, and I also own a Cherokee 140 I am trying to get back into annual (last flown 2008). One day I have hopes of owning a M20J. Even so much I have a N-number reserved (In memorandum of N2996L and my initials) N296AM is on reserve until the day I can paint her on my dream plane. I've also designed my own paint scheme in flight simulator: I can't contribute too much but I will be lurking around and learning. -Alex 3 Quote
Hank Posted January 2, 2015 Report Posted January 2, 2015 Welcome, Alex! You can learn a lot hanging out here. Congratulations on your flight lessons, hope everything continues to go well. Quote
NotarPilot Posted January 2, 2015 Report Posted January 2, 2015 I think it's awesome that you own a plane at age 23 and are dedicated to getting it back in the air. I wonder if you'd get a little help by starting a gofundme.com page. Hey, any little bit would help right? Quote
Raptor05121 Posted January 2, 2015 Author Report Posted January 2, 2015 I've thought of it, but I have doubts as to how well it would perform. I've never been much for handouts, but there is no doubt aircraft ownership is not for the young. Basically my family has owned this Cherokee since the 70s. Grandpa, uncle, great uncle, and also my dad have owned it. My great uncle was the last to own it and just decided to not try getting his medical. So he let it sit for a few years and finally bought a LSA, then gave me the Cherokee. I've had a couple mechanics look at it so far and a few are worried about wing spar and camshaft corrosion. Best guesstimates to get it airworthy are $5,000-$10,000. I just got a full time job to help pay for it, but I think I should get my license first, that way I have incentive to get the Cherokee airworthy. Even if I have to get into debt, I think long-run, it would prove to be a wise move. Worst case scenario, $10k for a running airplane at 23-24 years old isn't bad. Cool tidbit- She turned 50 years young in November. Original Piper airworthiness was Nov 1964. She is also the 94th Cherokee 140 to roll off the ass'y line. Edit: It might help, so I've decided to set up a gofundme.com campaign. Every little bit does help. Quote
N33GG Posted January 2, 2015 Report Posted January 2, 2015 Nothing wrong with a Piper Cherokee... it's a great aircraft! Should serve you well for many years and will provide an excellent transition to Mooney flying in the future. Congrats and welcome! 1 Quote
pinerunner Posted January 2, 2015 Report Posted January 2, 2015 Though I'm not a mechanic, I would throw in a little mechanical advice. It looks like your Cherokee has been sitting for two or three years and will sit for at least a couple more. I'd go online and find some of the articles and videos on engine preservation and follow their advice for yours. Busch and Deakins have some good articles and Lycoming puts out some notes on it. Google gets you to this stuff easily. The basic idea is to close up the engine and use desiccant to minimize moisture and the resulting corrosion inside. There's also a special "storage oil" you can put in and use. I hope you're far enough from the sea down there in Florida so that salt doesn't enter into your equation. Aluminum aircraft can last almost forever in a very dry place but salt and moisture together make it hard to keep a plane airworthy. I'm not so sure how bad humidity alone is but I'd rather not have it if I have the choice. If you officially own the the plane then you have the right to do certain bits of maintenance yourself and the list is in the FAR's. You may need at least your private certificate; my mechanic showed me how to make an entry in the engine log for my oil change and it included putting in my certificate number. You've got plenty of time to get very intimate with this plane and inspect it in great detail and that's what I'd do while going for your private license; corrosion identification is the big thing to learn. I'd make friends with a mechanic and you might get lucky and find one who would help you and wouldn't overcharge you or try to discourage you from thinking for yourself on this stuff. Good luck. Quote
BigTex Posted January 2, 2015 Report Posted January 2, 2015 Any thoughts about getting it airworthy to use for your primary training? I personally think that the piper Cherokee (140/151/180) is one of the best trainers out there. You could use that to get your PPL and depending on how it's equipped continue on and get your IR in it. Then decide if your mission calls for a Mooney. If it does, you'll have a plane that been flown on a regular basis to use for a good down payment. Good luck with your training. Quote
carusoam Posted January 2, 2015 Report Posted January 2, 2015 Welcome aboard Young Buck! it may be helpful for you to know that we have at least two other Mooney owners here in the Under 30 category. I wish my parents had some aviation in them.... It is a bit challenging to own a plane without support. It may take a long time to get your first Mooney. It's even further away to get your last... Go get 'em tiger, -a- Quote
DonMuncy Posted January 2, 2015 Report Posted January 2, 2015 Welcome aboard. Most of us here are old geezers. Good to have new young blood. Quote
N33GG Posted January 3, 2015 Report Posted January 3, 2015 Also, Cherokees tend to hold their value very well. Quote
Raptor05121 Posted January 3, 2015 Author Report Posted January 3, 2015 Though I'm not a mechanic, I would throw in a little mechanical advice. It looks like your Cherokee has been sitting for two or three years and will sit for at least a couple more. I'd go online and find some of the articles and videos on engine preservation and follow their advice for yours. Busch and Deakins have some good articles and Lycoming puts out some notes on it. Google gets you to this stuff easily. The basic idea is to close up the engine and use desiccant to minimize moisture and the resulting corrosion inside. There's also a special "storage oil" you can put in and use. I hope you're far enough from the sea down there in Florida so that salt doesn't enter into your equation. Aluminum aircraft can last almost forever in a very dry place but salt and moisture together make it hard to keep a plane airworthy. I'm not so sure how bad humidity alone is but I'd rather not have it if I have the choice. If you officially own the the plane then you have the right to do certain bits of maintenance yourself and the list is in the FAR's. You may need at least your private certificate; my mechanic showed me how to make an entry in the engine log for my oil change and it included putting in my certificate number. You've got plenty of time to get very intimate with this plane and inspect it in great detail and that's what I'd do while going for your private license; corrosion identification is the big thing to learn. I'd make friends with a mechanic and you might get lucky and find one who would help you and wouldn't overcharge you or try to discourage you from thinking for yourself on this stuff. Good luck. Yes, I've read on pickling the engine, but then again I've been given two schools of thoughts on it- pickle it or run it. Some people say running it on the ground isnt good enough and I should pickle it, and others say that running it once a week to operating temp is fine. I'm about an hour and a half from the coast. Some has said salt is still present in the air at this distance but others disagree. I am based out of a small field with one mechanic on scene. Local pilots advised me to stay away from him as he likes to gouge and hold new customers aircraft. I'm going to begin throwing out some fliers around the area and see if I can't find a mechanic that wants to help someone get a bird back in the air rather than throw a bill at them. Any thoughts about getting it airworthy to use for your primary training? I personally think that the piper Cherokee (140/151/180) is one of the best trainers out there. You could use that to get your PPL and depending on how it's equipped continue on and get your IR in it. Then decide if your mission calls for a Mooney. If it does, you'll have a plane that been flown on a regular basis to use for a good down payment. Good luck with your training. Oh I would so much love to use the Cherokee as a trainer. The problem is the problems it has, its much cheaper for me to get my license first. Plus the timing thing. If I threw it in my local mechanics shop right now, I figure it would be a couple months (and many AMU's later) before she sees daylight again. She needs new tires, brakes, all the windows are oxidized, static port is clogged, she has an oil leak off the oil pressure gauge, wing tanks are leaking at the seams (need to be pulled), all fuel o-rings are shot (previous owner, my great uncle flew on ethanol auto fuel for the better part of 5 years straight). struts are shiney and have new o-rings but need nitrogen. control pulleys are frozen, and there are several ADs on the control yoke and elevator cables. That's without even looking at the engine (spark plugs, camshaft corrosion, right mag needs overhaul, etc, etc). A few people scoff at it and told me I'd be better of selling it and buying a cheap, airworthy C150 or something but I much prefer low-wings and the family history behind this plane is to great to watch it go to the scrappers. Welcome aboard Young Buck! it may be helpful for you to know that we have at least two other Mooney owners here in the Under 30 category. I wish my parents had some aviation in them.... It is a bit challenging to own a plane without support. It may take a long time to get your first Mooney. It's even further away to get your last... Go get 'em tiger, -a- Thanks. I think owning a Mooney before the age of 30 is one of my long-term goals. Welcome aboard. Most of us here are old geezers. Good to have new young blood. I much prefer learning from you older fellas. Several of the newer age guys look at it too serious. I stopped by KCRG in Jacksonville and all the 20-somethings are wearing captains uniforms with epaulets and acting like they've been flying 747s for years, and they're just there for a paycheck. I can't stand it. Also, Cherokees tend to hold their value very well. Well hopefully that won't influence my decision to keep her around for a long long time. Quote
N33GG Posted January 3, 2015 Report Posted January 3, 2015 The fact that a Cherokee holds its value would make me willing to invest in radios and other upgrades, knowing there would be strong resale in the future. This is assuming the airframe is straight and free of corrosion. It would not hurt you to get several hundred hours in a Cherokee before moving to a Mooney. Good luck. Either way, you are living the dream many never get to enjoy! Quote
Hector Posted January 3, 2015 Report Posted January 3, 2015 Alex, welcome aboard. I'm based at Craig, one of five Mooney's there. One C (mine), a B and an E (my hangar neighbors), an F and an MSE. We try to help out young guys like you, specially if they like Mooney's. We routinely go out for the proverbial $100 burger so if you want to come along just PM me and you can tag along. You might even learn something . Quote
Guest Posted January 3, 2015 Report Posted January 3, 2015 Welcome aboard. Most of us here are old geezers. Good to have new young blood. I'm not sure I can agree. I'm the same age as my plane and its not that old! Clarence Quote
ryoder Posted January 3, 2015 Report Posted January 3, 2015 You might want to get an inspection and list of discrepancies to work from. That might cost 700 bucks and you would know where you stand airworthiness wise. Maybe get a partner too and ask them to foot the bill for half ownership. Quote
NotarPilot Posted January 4, 2015 Report Posted January 4, 2015 DonMuncy, on 02 Jan 2015 - 09:55 AM, said: Welcome aboard. Most of us here are old geezers. Good to have new young blood. I much prefer learning from you older fellas. Several of the newer age guys look at it too serious. I stopped by KCRG in Jacksonville and all the 20-somethings are wearing captains uniforms with epaulets and acting like they've been flying 747s for years, and they're just there for a paycheck. I can't stand it. Under most circumstances, I personally believe no self respecting pilot should wear epaulets or any kind of flightsuit unless you're putting Jet-A or JP-4 into your aircraft, otherwise you just look a bit goofy. Kinda like the guy I saw wearing a green flightsuit while piloting a 152 once at Camarillo once. 1 Quote
ryoder Posted January 4, 2015 Report Posted January 4, 2015 Some of the flight schools require students to dress that way. The guys at rotors of America in Zephyrhills all wear jumpsuits. I think it makes people feel like they are getting their $350 per hours worth for dual. Quote
Bluevalley Posted January 4, 2015 Report Posted January 4, 2015 Well this "older fella" who did fly 747's for years (my first real flying job was in the B707) thinks it's great you are starting flying at such a young age. Just remember to stay proficient and know your limits,(and the aircraft's) there is always tomorrow. The biggest hazard I have seen is a pilot with just enough experience to start pushing the envelope. You may get away with it a few times, but chances are it will eventually "bite" you. Looking back over the years there has been a few times when the situation could have gone either way, and I learned the meaning of "there are no old bold pilots". You are smart to learn from those who have made the mistakes and lived to talk about it. It's been my experience that the greatest joy in aviation has been flying the 'little airplanes". Have fun and stay safe! Quote
Raptor05121 Posted January 4, 2015 Author Report Posted January 4, 2015 Thanks for the warm welcome, guys. Alex, welcome aboard. I'm based at Craig, one of five Mooney's there. One C (mine), a B and an E (my hangar neighbors), an F and an MSE. We try to help out young guys like you, specially if they like Mooney's. We routinely go out for the proverbial $100 burger so if you want to come along just PM me and you can tag along. You might even learn something . Wow, I would enjoy that very much! I bought my nephew (15) an intro flight lesson there at Sterling. He loves airplanes as much as I. My brother and parents live right down the road on Beach Blvd, so I might take you up on that. You might want to get an inspection and list of discrepancies to work from. That might cost 700 bucks and you would know where you stand airworthiness wise. Maybe get a partner too and ask them to foot the bill for half ownership. Yeah that is my plan. I just need to find the person that wants to help me. Like I said, the only local mechanic has a bad rep and likewise has been watching my plane sit for years so he has 0 interest when I talked to him. DonMuncy, on 02 Jan 2015 - 09:55 AM, said: Welcome aboard. Most of us here are old geezers. Good to have new young blood. I much prefer learning from you older fellas. Several of the newer age guys look at it too serious. I stopped by KCRG in Jacksonville and all the 20-somethings are wearing captains uniforms with epaulets and acting like they've been flying 747s for years, and they're just there for a paycheck. I can't stand it. Under most circumstances, I personally believe no self respecting pilot should wear epaulets or any kind of flightsuit unless you're putting Jet-A or JP-4 into your aircraft, otherwise you just look a bit goofy. Kinda like the guy I saw wearing a green flightsuit while piloting a 152 once at Camarillo once. Yeah I agree, but its worse when the people are walking around in public dressed like that . I asked one guy I saw and he says he flies a C172. I was astonished. I told him: "I just normally wear shorts and a tshirt when I fly" and I could see him getting irked. Well this "older fella" who did fly 747's for years (my first real flying job was in the B707) thinks it's great you are starting flying at such a young age. Just remember to stay proficient and know your limits,(and the aircraft's) there is always tomorrow. The biggest hazard I have seen is a pilot with just enough experience to start pushing the envelope. You may get away with it a few times, but chances are it will eventually "bite" you. Looking back over the years there has been a few times when the situation could have gone either way, and I learned the meaning of "there are no old bold pilots". You are smart to learn from those who have made the mistakes and lived to talk about it. It's been my experience that the greatest joy in aviation has been flying the 'little airplanes". Have fun and stay safe! Wow, you're the kind of guy I would just love to hear some stories from. I much prefer the jets of old, (707, DC-8, DC-10, etc) with the good old fashioned gauges over the newer stuff. The fact that a Cherokee holds its value would make me willing to invest in radios and other upgrades, knowing there would be strong resale in the future. This is assuming the airframe is straight and free of corrosion. It would not hurt you to get several hundred hours in a Cherokee before moving to a Mooney. Good luck. Either way, you are living the dream many never get to enjoy! Yes, the Cherokee will be flown plenty when it finally gets back into shape. If it were legal right now and I had my license, I would easily be knocking at least 5 hours a week off. I want to travel, see places, etc. Every day from waking up to going to bed, my head is in the clouds. My first flight lesson is in a C152 on the 17th of this month out of 15FL (for anyone familiar with the area). The medical is going to be a hurdle for me but I cannot wait to finally chase that ticket. Quote
xrs135 Posted January 18, 2015 Report Posted January 18, 2015 Welcome aboard. Most of us here are old geezers. Good to have new young blood. Hey now, not all of us! I was a Mooney owner at 27, and I'm still sub 30! Quote
carusoam Posted January 18, 2015 Report Posted January 18, 2015 Hey, Young geezer! M20C @35...loved like my third child...! Quote
Parker_Woodruff Posted January 18, 2015 Report Posted January 18, 2015 I know you're attached to the Cherokee, but you will be pouring a nice Cherokee's worth of money in that one to make it airworthy. I hate to see a plane scrapped, too. But a plane that's been sitting in Florida for years might not be worth the investment. 1 Quote
Tmack1 Posted January 26, 2015 Report Posted January 26, 2015 You all are making me feel old at 39 and I am starting to appreciate getting my license in ohio I didn't spend near that per hour getting my license. Although now that I think of it myself and one other pilot at my airport are under 60 Quote
mike_elliott Posted January 26, 2015 Report Posted January 26, 2015 Welcome! You might consider going to a Florida Mooney lunch group gathering. They are the 2nd Sat of ea. Month. Lots of old Mooney geezers to talk with. Quote
Raptor05121 Posted January 27, 2015 Author Report Posted January 27, 2015 Welcome! You might consider going to a Florida Mooney lunch group gathering. They are the 2nd Sat of ea. Month. Lots of old Mooney geezers to talk with. Where are they located at? Is there anyone in my neck of the woods that could pick me up? Have headset and cash, will split the fuel bill! Quote
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