new member from Houston

[FlyingCop]

Hi everyone!

My name is Jack, and I am a new member from Houston.  I am a police officer in these parts, hence my username.  I currently own a 1967 Cherokee 180 I purchased several years ago from a Mooney dealer, All American Aircraft in the San Antonio area.  I am interested in learning more about Mooneys, and possibly having one as my next bird.

In the mean time, my Cherokee is in a paint shop getting gussied up.  Perhaps if someone is flying from Houston to the San Antonio area around 8/20, they can give me a real-life introduction to a Mooney?  Doesn't hurt to ask, right?

Anyhow, I look forward to learning more about Mooneys and contributing what I can to this forum.

 

Cheers,

Jack

[kmyfm20s]

Welcome! I bet if you talked to Jimmy or David at AAA they would take you for a flight in a Mooney as a potential buyer.

[FlyingCop]

12 minutes ago, kmyfm20s said:

Welcome! I bet if you talked to Jimmy or David at AAA they would take you for a flight in a Mooney as a potential buyer.

You are probably right, but I'd hate to lead them on.  Realistically, I won't be ready to buy one for another 4 years or so.  But a man can dream, right?

[jetdriven]

I'm also around Houston, I keep my plane at Lvj.  

[FlyingCop]

Just now, jetdriven said:

I'm also around Houston, I keep my plane at Lvj.  

Cool!  I keep mine at EYQ.

[MB65E]

Morning Jack! Welcome!!

During your hunt, the search function is really helpful. Just about everything has been discussed that I can think of. Make sure you look at current airplanes that are flying. Barn finds and hangar queens tend to have some serious issues as the airframes age. Everyone here is really helpful. The attitudes and comments make the site entertaining. 

All the best!

-Matt

[DXB]

 

14 minutes ago, FlyingCop said:

You are probably right, but I'd hate to lead them on.  Realistically, I won't be ready to buy one for another 4 years or so.  But a man can dream, right?

Welcome!  I'm sure you'll find some good guidance locally, and via this site.  BTW If you already own a decent Piper, you are very likely ready now!  How about trading for something like this in their present inventory:

http://www.controller.com/listings/aircraft/for-sale/1433885/1968-mooney-m20c-ranger?dlr=1&pcid=17527&sfc=1&ssc=1&src=0&sps=0&ftr=0&if=1

 I finished my PPL two years ago in a Warrior, then shopped both M20C models (the most economical Mooney) and '70s era Archers.  The Archers were higher priced for similarly equipped planes.  Calculated total operational costs annually were only 10-20% higher for the Mooney.  I am SO glad I went with the Mooney.  These planes are among the best value in the legacy fleet.  The whole transition may not cost you very much at all.  After 10 hours transition training, your return on investment will be ENORMOUS.  The dividend is first and foremost in pure joy of flying, but also speed, efficiency, pride of ownership, and being part of a truly passionate pilot community.  No downside at all. Working to master the bit of added complexity above a basic trainer itself is pure enjoyment.

[kmyfm20s]

45 minutes ago, FlyingCop said:

You are probably right, but I'd hate to lead them on.  Realistically, I won't be ready to buy one for another 4 years or so.  But a man can dream, right?

They need to periodically fly their inventory to keep the parts moving. I bet they really don't care if your ready to buy now as long as your a potential in the future. Plus you have already bought one plane from them as you know they are great guys!

[Yetti]

Howdy.  also in the Houston Area.   Have been fixing up an F model.

[carusoam]

Welcome aboard, Jack.

We have a couple of people in LE here.  Do you get to involve flying with your work?

The folks at AAA are great.  They helped me find that a Mooney was right for me years before I had the ability to buy and care for one...

Best regards,

-a-

[FlyingCop]

3 hours ago, MB65E said:

Morning Jack! Welcome!!

During your hunt, the search function is really helpful. Just about everything has been discussed that I can think of. Make sure you look at current airplanes that are flying. Barn finds and hangar queens tend to have some serious issues as the airframes age. Everyone here is really helpful. The attitudes and comments make the site entertaining. 

All the best!

-Matt

Thank you for the kind welcome!

[FlyingCop]

3 hours ago, DXB said:

 

Welcome!  I'm sure you'll find some good guidance locally, and via this site.  BTW If you already own a decent Piper, you are very likely ready now!  How about trading for something like this in their present inventory:

http://www.controller.com/listings/aircraft/for-sale/1433885/1968-mooney-m20c-ranger?dlr=1&pcid=17527&sfc=1&ssc=1&src=0&sps=0&ftr=0&if=1

 I finished my PPL two years ago in a Warrior, then shopped both M20C models (the most economical Mooney) and '70s era Archers.  The Archers were higher priced for similarly equipped planes.  Calculated total operational costs annually were only 10-20% higher for the Mooney.  I am SO glad I went with the Mooney.  These planes are among the best value in the legacy fleet.  The whole transition may not cost you very much at all.  After 10 hours transition training, your return on investment will be ENORMOUS.  The dividend is first and foremost in pure joy of flying, but also speed, efficiency, pride of ownership, and being part of a truly passionate pilot community.  No downside at all. Working to master the bit of added complexity above a basic trainer itself is pure enjoyment.

That is a pretty sweet bird.  Besides the money, and am looking to hit a few other milestones before stepping up to another plane.  I would like to finish up my instrument rating for sure.

[FlyingCop]

2 hours ago, Yetti said:

Howdy.  also in the Houston Area.   Have been fixing up an F model.

I see in your profile you are at IWS, which is very near me.  Perhaps I could check out what you are doing with your F model sometime.

 

[FlyingCop]

1 hour ago, carusoam said:

Welcome aboard, Jack.

We have a couple of people in LE here.  Do you get to involve flying with your work?

The folks at AAA are great.  They helped me find that a Mooney was right for me years before I had the ability to buy and care for one...

Best regards,

-a-

Yes, my experience with AAA was great.  They said they wanted to treat me right so I would return to buy my next plane from them, and I will probably will.  Good guys.

I'm afraid I only get to daydream about flying at work.  I've spent most of my career as an investigator, and am currently doing a two year rotation doing internal investigations.  Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?   -Roman poet Juvenal (Who will watch the watchmen?)  Apparently, me for two years.  lol

[gsxrpilot]

There's another on this forum who was in the same situation.  A police officer in Fort Worth, he went from a "Flying Cop" to SuperCop by selling his Cherokee and buying a Mooney M20C.  Look up SuperCop on these forums for details on his upgrade from Cherokee to M20C.  :-)

[Hector]

Met up with Supercop at Oshkosh this year. We were parked a couple of rows apart. Very nice guy. Maybe he will see this and give you some feedback. I own a 67 C model and love it. The best advise I can give you is figure out what you need/want and get it all on the next plane you buy. Don't buy with the intent to upgrade airplane or avionics later if you can help it. Much cheaper to get it all in your next purchase. You have one of the best Mooney shops anywhere in your backyard . Don Maxwell Aviation. Get him to do your pre-purchase inspection to make sure you are getting a clean bird with no nasty surprises later. Just have him annual the bird as part of pre purchase with the seller paying for all airworthiness problems. If seller not willing to do that then keep looking. Lots of decisions for you to make depending on budget. If budget is modest you might have to decide between a later model Mooney that is not so nicely equipped or an older Mooney that may have all the bells and whistles. Always a tough choice. Search function is a good start but if you have specific questions don't hesitate to post. There is never a shortage here of people with opinions. Welcome aboard.

[N252WD]

Welcome Jack.... I remember 5961W, used to be my call sign for awhile. Loved that old bird until I stepped up to my Mooney. I remember we used to talk on the phone alittle bit along time ago about the bird. Well glad to see you on here, I am out of CXO and flying a M20K if you ever want to go up let me know. I hang out at General at CXO when I'm home. IM me if you want to get together I will give you my cell.

[rainman]

Jack, I'm near San Antonio at 5C1, and rent hangar space from a retired Houston police officer, Eric Simpson who flies an RV-8. Welcome! Ray

[FlyingCop]

2 hours ago, N252WD said:

Welcome Jack.... I remember 5961W, used to be my call sign for awhile. Loved that old bird until I stepped up to my Mooney. I remember we used to talk on the phone alittle bit along time ago about the bird. Well glad to see you on here, I am out of CXO and flying a M20K if you ever want to go up let me know. I hang out at General at CXO when I'm home. IM me if you want to get together I will give you my cell.

Hello again!  I promise I am taking good care of your old bird.  I will definitely take you up on your offer.  I'll fly the little Cherokee up to CXO and show you her new paint job when it is done.  

[Supercop0184]

Jack - as Paul (gsxrpilot) said, I'm a Fort Worth officer - started out in a Cherokee 180 which I owned for two years. Finally decided to move up. As a cop, obviously my budget was somewhat limited - purchase and operating. I looked at old v tail bonanzas (sturdy but parts are expensive and annuals are tricky with specific ADs to deal with, and six cylinders to pay for: Comanches - nice but the 180s are lethargic so the 250s are really a minimum way to go, now we get back to the whole 6 cylinder overhaul expense issue: and Mooneys. The 180 Mooney willl out fly the 180 Cherokee by a long shot with nearly the same useful load, cabin room, and maintenance expense/ my annual is 600 more yearly (1400 bucks) my insurance is 800 more yearly only because I had no retract time, should go down this next year, and everything else is the same. I'm always looking for reasons to fly so next time I'm free for a day if you haven't already gone for a ride ill

come down and show ya what it's like. 

[N252WD]

Sounds good, let me know when you want to fly... I would love to see the new paint when your done. Still today that is the only plane I have ever flown with a hand brake, lol. 

[FlyingCop]

15 hours ago, Supercop0184 said:

Jack - as Paul (gsxrpilot) said, I'm a Fort Worth officer - started out in a Cherokee 180 which I owned for two years. Finally decided to move up. As a cop, obviously my budget was somewhat limited - purchase and operating. I looked at old v tail bonanzas (sturdy but parts are expensive and annuals are tricky with specific ADs to deal with, and six cylinders to pay for: Comanches - nice but the 180s are lethargic so the 250s are really a minimum way to go, now we get back to the whole 6 cylinder overhaul expense issue: and Mooneys. The 180 Mooney willl out fly the 180 Cherokee by a long shot with nearly the same useful load, cabin room, and maintenance expense/ my annual is 600 more yearly (1400 bucks) my insurance is 800 more yearly only because I had no retract time, should go down this next year, and everything else is the same. I'm always looking for reasons to fly so next time I'm free for a day if you haven't already gone for a ride ill

come down and show ya what it's like. 

It seems we are similarly situated, and thinking along the same lines.  However, perhaps I would be better off getting an F or J, as I have two small boys (currently ages 5 and 7) who are likely to grow as tall as me (6' 3").  I figure by the time the outgrow the short-body Cherokee, I will be in a position to move up to a long-body Mooney.

[Oldguy]

Welcome aboard, Jack.

There are a few of us on the board who surprise people when we exit our planes. If I recall, Yetti is 6'9" and I am 6'5" with a 6'7" son who has flown with me. I think you are probably right in looking at a mid-body J or F for the multiple occupants over 6" or so, but I know there are others with C and E models who fit our sizes in their birds. Best of luck in your future search.

[Flynnupe94]

Hello Jack, my name is Keith, I too am a fellow LE officer from Dallas where I am Helicopter Pilot for the dept. I wanted to welcome you to  the site. If you choose to get a Mooney, you wont be disappointed. Im working on my 3rd Mooney. About 2yrs ago I decided to move up from my J model to an Ovation. If you need anything or if you're in the Dallas area let me know and I can take you for a Helicopter ride as well as a Mooney ride...

[cliffy]

Hello Jack!

I fly into EYQ several times a year as my son lives 1 mile away. I'm from AZ KPGA way up at the Utah border. I have a C model (actually D/C) and will probably be there some time in Oct. If you're around I'll take you for a flight. I always park on the grass behind the gas pit. Someone needs to put new tie down ropes out there :-)     N1969Y

Cliffy