Mooniacs near Phoenix

[glasgowcmcm]

I've been debating if this airframe is clean and I can get a good deal, updating at least one of the NAV/COMMs to something more up to date. I realize buying a 430 and having it installed is expensive but I'm trying to stay around $55,000 so I have some budget left for unexpected issues the first year or two. Many of the Fs I found look ratty and not kept up. For my mission, cross countries with a family of 4, the E is out but I'm going to try and meet a Mooneyspacer in my town with an E to check the size for the rear pax area, but either way Brian, I don't think your E would be in my price range due to the upgrades.

I realize pictures aren't always the best indicator but it's hard to get an idea of the airframe when the seller doesn't list any pictures of the plane. Luckily, I have a few pictures of this plane from when it was listed before. I guess the reason there aren't any up to date compression numbers for this year's annual is due to the plane being for sale that long. I found this plane on TAP back in May/June and I assume he hasn't updated the add.

I've received emails back from both MSCs and they have given me a list of areas to look at during my pre PPI. Both mention pulling some interior panels during the PPI to check for corrosion in the tubular structure so I gather they will be thorough during any prebuy. I've read other places; another quick check is to look underneath the instrument panel and check there for corrosion on the structure as well as checking the window seals for any areas where water could have seeped in allowing corrosion to set in.

Brian, I'm sure flying with an upgraded GPS is great and I would love it. My next assignment is up at the Sikorsky plant conducting acceptance test flights on brand new UH-60Ms. It has an all glass cockpit and a much better avionics set up along with a ton of other improvements to the airframe. I'll spend 10 weeks down at Ft. Rucker getting my transition training as a Pilot and Maintenance Test Pilot. I'm sure once I get out of that and sit in a Mooney, it will be like going back in time. I like technology and its benefits, but it's nice to sit down strap in and enjoy flying for the shear fact that I'm flying with a map, compass, and clock.

Thank for all the comments and keep them coming.

 

[flight2000]

I can fit my family of four in there comfortably for the time being.  My kids (12 and 8) split time between the back seat and the co-pilots seat.  My wife spends her time reading in the back behind the co-pilots seat and says she's comfy back there.  Granted she's 5'5" and 115, so she's on the small side to begin with.  Definitely sit in one as you do have an extra bit of legroom for adults in the back with the F/J models.  Not a lot, but some.

 

If you happen to see COL Richard Knapp at Rucker, please pass along my regards.  He was the BC of 603rd while I was the B Commander.  Great guy to work for.

Brian

[glasgowcmcm]

I will say hello if I do see him. My wife has already told me she plans to sit in the back with her eyes closed on take off and landing. She is happier not seeing what's going but I told her that will change. My kids are going to be 10 and 13. I don't think they'll have a problem sitting up front at all. I want to introduce both, actually all 3 of them to the world of aviation and the possibilites it can open up. Plus, it will give my kids something to work towards (PPL) if they want. My son enjoys going to the simulator with me. He does barrel rolls better than I do. Probably because I think to much through the maneuver and he just does it.

[flight2000]

My oldest is already asking for pilot training when he gets to be old enough.  He has the basics down already and is doing a lot of self study in aerodynamics.  Finally got him interested in something that provides the self motivation he needs, instead of M&D pushing him all the time.  Just hope he doesn't want to fly helo's...

My wife is the same way.  She's a white knuckle flyer, but is getting better.  However, after our first trip, she looked me dead in the face and said "what took us so long to do this???"    I about fell over since this is the same woman that fought me about buying the plane in the first place.  She's a money miser, so can understand her concern, but wow, didn't expect the change so fast.  I love it.

It's amazing how it works out to be cheaper to fly to the grandparents house via GA (and quicker...) instead of going commercial.  Less hassle from the gestapo (aka TSA), too.  Especially with the "nude-o-vision" they've implemented at a lot of airports in the name of safety.

Brian

[rbridges]

I think you're better off with an F model.  It has a little better useable load when loaded with the same amount of fuel.  I don't know how big you are, but I bought a C model, and I can realistically only carry 3 people.  The leg room is also tight in the back.  The F will give you another 5 inches.  The C model is great for me and my wife.  If I need a 4 spot plane (maybe 1 or 2 times a year for me), I'll have to borrow or rent.

[glasgowcmcm]

I remember when I was in college looking at helicopter pilots thinking they were crazy while I taxied down in a 152. Then, once I graduated and there weren't any jobs open; the Air Force didn't need pilots, the Marine Corps couldn't guarantee a pilot slot, and I wasn't feeling the Navy due to being on a ship (which I understand you aren't always); I decided to join the Army and try this helicopter thing. I've enjoyed my time and I've learned a tremendous amount, landed in some tight and scary spots, landed with 1 wheel on the Mountain while sniper team jumps out, and landing while engulfed in a cloud of dust. You don't need the buns of steel workout when that happens! I want to get back into flying fixed wing to plus up my resume so once I can retire I'll be more marketable and moving about the country with much less expense and restrictions via GA just seems to make sense.

I received the logs today so I'm in the process of printing them out as I type. Hopefully nothing serious will turn up and I can get a PPI scheduled in the near future. The owner brought up the topic of price so I'll see how the next email comes back since I explained my research/discussions and the price point I'm looking at.

[flight2000]

Good luck on the logs and hope everything checks out.  If something doesn't look right, please post as there's lot's of knowledge and "been there, done that, this is what works" types hanging out here that can help.  It's always an exciting time, that's for sure.

I started as a 67R (now 15R) back in '91.  Did that for three years and applied for both Warrant and Green-to-Gold.  Guess which way I ended up going...   I thought about asking for Aviation Branch since I graduated from Embry-Riddle, but knew that most commissioned guys don't exactly fly that much unless they're lucky.  I went Ordnance instead and haven't missed it all that much.  I did meet one guy at Leavenworth that has had a charmed life as a commisioned aviator.  He's one of those rare fixed wing guys that has been buzzing around in RC-12's and Citations for awhile.  His next job, flying a G-V for the USARPAC Commander.  Some guys have all the luck... 

Brian

[glasgowcmcm]

I think from the email I just received that my search will continue. He didn't like the price he would get once the PPI/annual were complete. He is sticking to $55,000 but you never know how it will turn out. So that leaves 7 other airplanes to look at and you don't know what will pop up in the next 7-10 days while I await my ride home.

[rbridges]

I've got a price chart for pre-201 mooneys.  It's in the july 2010 issue of MAPA LOG.  It may be similar to VREF, but if you want it, let me know and I could fax a copy to you.

[glasgowcmcm]

I'd appreciate the chart. Can you email it to me? I tried to PM you but nothing appears in the To/From boxes. Might have to do with the high winds and dust storm going on right now, the internet is hit or miss. Either way, if you're able to PM me, I'll send you my email address if that's possible. Thanks!

[rbridges]

just give me an email.  I might be able to do it at home b/c I don't have a scanner at work.  my email is (take out the spaces)