Introduction and new (to me) plane

[atn_pilot]

So I've already been posting for the past couple of weeks since buying my Mooney, but I figured it was time for a real introduction. And some pics of the plane, of course.

 

So, a quick "about me." I've been flying for 20 years and spent 14 years flying for the airlines. I first flew Beech 1900s, then CRJs, and finally 717s for AirTran. After AirTran merged with Southwest, resulting in me being displaced out of Atlanta, I decided it was time to leave professional aviation and take over management of our family business, where my father was planning to retire soon. No regrets on leaving Southwest, but I definitely started missing the flying pretty quickly. I first started looking around at renting, but quickly discovered that rental prices are absolutely insane nowadays. The local flight school (at FFC) wants $175/hr to rent a DA-40. Not only is that price ridiculous, but I don't even like the plane. Not a fan of these overly curvy airplanes with sticks instead of yokes that seem to be all the rage with modern GA airplanes. Doing the math, it became clear real quick that renting made no sense since I wanted to fly at least 100 hours a year.

 

So I started looking around and doing lots of research on what GA planes might be good for what I wanted, which was primarily a cross country airplane. I soon figured out that Mooneys had an incredible combination of speed and efficiency, so I started looking for older M20s. I found an M20C just a few hours from me and went to take a look and a test flight. I was in love immediately. A quick pre-purchase inspection and title check later, and I was the proud owner of a 1968 M20C.

 

I've only put about 10 hours on it so far, but I've enjoyed every minute. The plane has a completely refurbished landing gear that was just done last year, a new prop, an interior and panel that were just redone about 4 years ago, and a few extras like fuel bladders and a Shadin fuel totalizer. I think I'm really going to enjoy this plane for a long time to come. And I have lots of plans for speed mods and avionics upgrades, of course.

 

So, here are some pics:

[Hank]

Good looking plane! Gotta love the economics and simplicity of a good C. Get the speed [or more!] of a nice 182 for the fuel burn of a flight school 172. And the Mooney is so much more capable, as long as back seat legroom isn't an issue. We always run out of cube before load except when giving friends a ride.

 

Here's to lots of fun with your new ride!

[carl]

Nice looking aircraft. 

 

I have a 67 E that has a lot to upgrade  

[carusoam]

Somebody really liked that C...!

Welcome aboard, officially,

-a-

[RocketAviator]

Welcome & congratulations

Any interest in participating with the Mooney Caravan to Oshkosh?

[Culver LFA]

Looks great!

I'll look for you next time I'm at KFFC

[MB65E]

I like the gray interior and panel. Looks like new production almost. Sure doesn't look like anything from 1968.

Fly safe,

-Matt

[atn_pilot]

Welcome & congratulations

Any interest in participating with the Mooney Caravan to Oshkosh?

 

I don't really know much about it. I'll look into it, though. I've never been to Oshkosh, so I do have an interest in going.

[Wakeup]

Looks very nice... I really like the gray panel. Congrats!! Troy

[Wakeup]

Your windows look more rounded on the corners ? It makes it look like a newer model. Troy

[Danb]

Sweet loking ride Troy. Good flying enjoy.

[kmyfm20s]

Very nice!!!

[Mooneymite]

Welcome aboard!

 

That's a nice looking C and it has a great looking panel in place of the "vintage panel".  The bladders are a great bonus.

 

When you'd like to try landing it on a nice turf runway, come visit Mallards Landing, GA04 about 12 minutes from you.

 

Hank is down near Auburn, and Rob is over in Perry.  We're all 'C' lovers.  Hank and Rob are both active posters here.  Maybe (someday) we can all get together for a Spruce run!

[atn_pilot]

I'm still getting used to not flaring at 50 feet, so it'll be a little while until I feel comfortable enough to land on grass again. Look forward to coming down there, though.

[Mooneymite]

.... until I feel comfortable enough to land on grass again. ...

 

Ha!  Grass hides "surprise landings" very well.  I think that's why the early aviators started on turf.

[Joe Zuffoletto]

Congratulations, and welcome to the world of Mooney!

[gsxrpilot]

I don't really know much about it. I'll look into it, though. I've never been to Oshkosh, so I do have an interest in going.

Just a quick plug for the Mooney Caravan. It's got to be the easiest/safest way to fly to OSH. There seems to be enough of you in GA to get a Georgia Wing together and come fly with us.

 

I also have to say I love the panel. It's so clean and organized. I've saved the pics for future reference if I ever rip mine out to start over.

[bonal]

Welcome and thaks for the intro and photos really like the look both inside and out congrats on what looks like a fine aircraft. Here's wishing you many hours of flight in your new bird...Have you named it yet.

[atn_pilot]

Hmm, I hadn't even thought of naming it. That'll take some thought!

[Conrad]

How comfortable are your seats? They look very similar to the seats in my E and the seats in my E are going to need a little TLC to make longer trips pleasant.

[rbridges]

That is a sharp looking panel, and a nice looking plane.  Must be convenient being based right next to Aircraft Spruce.  

[atn_pilot]

How comfortable are your seats? They look very similar to the seats in my E and the seats in my E are going to need a little TLC to make longer trips pleasant.

I'm used to DC9 seats, which are horrendous for anything over an hour, so I'm probably not the best judge. I haven't taken it on anything over two hours yet, but had no complaints so far.

[Jimhamilton]

I love your paint and interior.  I think you have been blessed with a most excellent Mooney.  I also love the panel.  It is so clean with everything you need.  Perfect.

[atn_pilot]

I'm usually in the office during weekdays, but if you're coming down on a Saturday, let me know!

[Marauder]

I'm usually in the office during weekdays, but if you're coming down on a Saturday, let me know!

Nice airplane! Love the way the panel was done. Is your family business associated with anything aviation? Inquiring Cheap Bast&$ds would like to know.

Now if you said your family business could make replacement Klixon switches or their covers, we would all be lining up to be your new best friends!

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