M20C in New England

[PilotRPI]

After renting for almost 20 years, I am in a position to own my own plane.  I've always loved the design language of Mooney's, and price wise, they seem to be similar to other fixed gear "trainers" but have significantly better performance.

 

I live outside of Boston, and was wondering if there are any Mooney owners in NE that would be willing to let me sit in their plane, and maybe give me a good walkaround of their plane. 

 

Thanks!

 

Jesse

[DXB]

You articulate my reason to get an M20C perfectly.  I will be in Boston for business around 4/20-4/25 and was hoping to go up in my '68 M20C, weather permitting.  I plan on landing at KOWD and, if schedules work out, would be happy to show you my plane and share the experience of a recent, less-than-savvy 1st time buyer. PM me if interested and we can try to schedule something closer to the date.

[HRM]

After renting for almost 20 years, I am in a position to own my own plane.  I've always loved the design language of Mooney's, and price wise, they seem to be similar to other fixed gear "trainers" but have significantly better performance.

 

Thanks!

 

Jesse

 

Why a C?

[Andy95W]

Why a C?

Where do you want me to start?

"How do I love thee, let me count the ways."

-Browning

[bonal]

Why a C?

They cost less than an E

[Marauder]

They burn less gas...

[ArtVandelay]

They burn less gas...

I think you can throttle down on a E or F and get equal or better burn rate.

A J certainly will.

[Hank]

Let's just start with the basics of "why a C model" for the initiated:

There are more Cs than any other model.

They are stone simple (even my electric model).

Acquisition cost is lower.

Easier to learn (fewer controls).

No hot start issues.

Less expensive insurance.

Faster, cheaper annuals.

Cs are great planes! We love ours.

[carusoam]

A C is a great way to find out if private aviation is for you without breaking the bank, as much as some other Mooney's might...

The challenge is, once you get started...

Are you sure you want one of the fastest, factory built, four seat, normally aspirated, airplanes, on or off the planet?

It could be addicting?

Best regards,

-a-

[Hank]

All Mooneys turn heads wherever you go. You gotta be prepared for attention. Gotta get you one!

[cliffy]

Jesse

What you buy depends on what your typical flying mission will be.

You normally buy for 80% of your trips. If 80% are less than 250-300 miles a C fits your bill perfectly. In 2 hrs in a C you might save 20-25 mins by going to something faster (and way more expensive both buy in and operating cost). Not all that much time, especially if you like flying.

Lots of Cs out there. Take your time and pick a good one at a good price. I'm seeing good ones at prices I never thought I would see. NOTHING BEATS A GOOD PRE-PURCHASE INSPECTION BY SOMEONE WHO KNOWS MOONEYS! NOTHING!

Determine what you are going to use it for ($100 hamburger runs or serious traveling 100+ hrs a year) and then start looking around and asking questions here. Buy one equipped the way you want it (for how you're going to operate it) and not a project in the making. You'll be lots of money ahead. They are out there.

A "C" will let you get your feet wet in a/c ownership without breaking the bank.

Find one with a GPS hooked to an autopilot for the most bang for the buck. It doesn't have to be a 430 or a glass panel to be very useful first airplane. Adding all that stuff later is way more expensive in the long run.

Good luck hunting that's half the fun.

Get a good "how to" book on buying airplanes. It's a learning experience. You can do a lot without going all over the country. Learn how to read log books and look at prospects on line to save time and money.

[DXB]

Agree with most of what is said above. Would add that the #1 priority for the old C model is ensuring a corrosion-free airframe. Missing hidden corrosion in the wing spar cap or steel tube roll cage can wipe out the value of your plane in an instant.  This is where a pre-buy inspect by a reputable Mooney mechanic gave me greatest peace of mind.  Then come the usual priorities (engine, avionics, paint/interior). Good avionics do make the C even more of a bargain- unfortunately I could never find one for sale on the east coast that had them but lacked other red flags.  But you will never find the perfect plane.  The only downside that I see for my C model besides the small back seat is that improvements you make add less to the value of the plane than newer models.  The high regard for the excellent J model in the market keeps a lid on the value of the older models, which are still great performers - but then this is what makes them such a bargain.

[Bob_Belville]

Jesse, you're probably looking for a 40-50+ year old plane. At this point there are no 2 that are exactly alike so you'll want to find the one with as much going for it as possible. Many Mooneys have been upgraded, some have had more spent on them that the airframe is worth. Finding a 2 axis autopilot, some modern avionics, a corrosion free airframe, etc will save you money vs fixing or adding. 

 

You will probably find a C at a lower entry cost but I would not close my mind to an E or F. The E was first built over 50 years ago, the first Fs are almost 50. These IO360 (200 hp) models fly pretty much like a C. Maintenance/insurance is not that different, If you pay a few AMU more for one of these you will probably get it back on resale and you'll enjoy somewhat better performance every time you take it up. I suppose the typical E/F has been treated to more 201 upgrades.

 

Have fun kicking tires, I suspect you'll know the one when you find it.

 

Flight Level Aviation KOWD is supposed to  be a MSC.

 

My daughter (lives in Acton) has a friend who has a maintenance shop in Orange KORE http://www.aerocareinc.com/who knows Mooneys. Might be worth a call, might know about unlisted planes, might be a PPI resource. Should be friendlier to personal aviation than Norwood.

[HRM]

...but a C can't be Super.

[BigTex]

Other than the additional 20 HP you get with the IO-360, take a look at the price difference between the O-360 and the IO-360 at Overhaul time.  Depending on the hours on your engine, this might help you decide.

[SoMooney]

I have a 67 F and would be happy to let you check it out. Based at OWD

[PilotRPI]

Thanks everyone!  An M20c fits within my budget compared to the other models, from there, they seem to jump up quite a bit more in price.  I don't plan on having back seat passengers.  We just want that room so we can fit a couple folding bikes, so legroom is not an issue.  Most of our flights would be within an hour and a half.  I do not yet have my IFR but would like something with which I can pursue that.

 

I like the idea of actually having some airspeed for my 9gph, and maybe handling bumps a bit better through either higher wing loading or climbing quickly to higher altitudes.

 

I like the simplicity of the C model as well.  I only have one hour of retract in a Bonanza (is that forbidden to mention here?), and another hour of high performance in a Stearman.  Yep, quite the oxymoron.  I have 260 TT.

 

I was at Keene today (EEN) and saw an Ovation 2.  I tried not to trip over my tongue.  It was beautiful.

[SoMooney]

Oops meant to say 68 F!

[PilotRPI]

SoMooney, I sent you a PM.

[carusoam]

Get the C now...

The Ovation will be there for you later...

It's amazing how fast a decade goes by at Mooney speeds...

PPI and Training are the best investments to support plane ownership.

My experience...

XBHS (go Hawks!) ...anyone familiar?

Best regards,

-a-