Decision on Faster Aircraft

[jax88]

I did it!  I finally made a decision on a new aircraft last night.  After a couple of months of studying the market, looking at several sets of logs, considering all my flight profiles and future needs, I pulled the trigger.

My new aircraft will likely NOT be any faster than my current aircraft.  You see, I decided last night that I would keep my 75F and invest in new avionics, interior, and mods.  A complete avionics upgrade is scheduled to begin June 20 at McKee in San Marcos.  While the avionics are being done I am going to get SWTA to add flap gap seals (shame they can't get the glass for the 201 windshield mod) and overhaul my fuel senders.  I will likely have the interior completely redone at the same time so the co-pilot will quit nagging me about needing a headrest AND so I can get those unsightly cracks in the plastics covered/replaced.

Not the sexiest alternative, and probably not the smartest financial decision (I'll never get even a third of what I'm about to spend back if I decide to sell later), but I've yet to have a trip in my 75F that I didn't enjoy and feel completely safe about.

[Parker_Woodruff]

There's something to be said about having the nicest/one of the nicest examples of your particular make/model flying around.  We need good owners to keep these airframes in good, up to date, FLYING condition.  I've seen more planes in a sad state the past few months.  Fantom can attest to some of the parts planes sitting around Florida...

Looking forward to seeing a really nice M20F...

[jax88]

Well Parker, you'll likely be disappointed - I'm not putting any "glass" in mine.  Going with a 430W, SL30, GTX330 ES, dual glideslopes, an EDM700 with fuel option, a digital timer/clock, a card compass, and getting everything interfaced/integrated.

[Barry]

Yea, I agree. I really don't feel it's about getting your money back out of the plane since they don't build these any longer. If you want a Mooney and you want updated interior, avionics, paint, etc you should be OK with putting money into an older plane.

Actually, if you put enough money into a plane, you can arrive at an aircraft that is 95% of a new aircraft. The only real difference would be airframe age.

Cost-wise, it may actually be cheaper than buying that same plane new (if still manufactured) in 2011 dollars.

[Parker_Woodruff]

Quote: jax88

Well Parker, you'll likely be disappointed - I'm not putting any "glass" in mine.  Going with a 430W, SL30, GTX330 ES, dual glideslopes, an EDM700 with fuel option, a digital timer/clock, a card compass, and getting everything interfaced/integrated.

[PTK]

Quote: jax88

I did it!  I finally made a decision on a new aircraft last night.  After a couple of months of studying the market, looking at several sets of logs, considering all my flight profiles and future needs, I pulled the trigger.

My new aircraft will likely NOT be any faster than my current aircraft.  You see, I decided last night that I would keep my 75F and invest in new avionics, interior, and mods.  A complete avionics upgrade is scheduled to begin June 20 at McKee in San Marcos.  While the avionics are being done I am going to get SWTA to add flap gap seals (shame they can't get the glass for the 201 windshield mod) and overhaul my fuel senders.  I will likely have the interior completely redone at the same time so the co-pilot will quit nagging me about needing a headrest AND so I can get those unsightly cracks in the plastics covered/replaced.

Not the sexiest alternative, and probably not the smartest financial decision (I'll never get even a third of what I'm about to spend back if I decide to sell later), but I've yet to have a trip in my 75F that I didn't enjoy and feel completely safe about.

[N33GG]

That is about the panel upgrade I am going to put in my C-Model.  I may go the 650 route as well.  Compared to not that many years ago, that is an awesome capability in the cockpit.  Nothing wrong with taking care of an "old" Mooney either...  Good choice!

[KSMooniac]

Quote: jax88

Well Parker, you'll likely be disappointed - I'm not putting any "glass" in mine.  Going with a 430W, SL30, GTX330 ES, dual glideslopes, an EDM700 with fuel option, a digital timer/clock, a card compass, and getting everything interfaced/integrated.

[John Pleisse]

Quote: jax88

I did it!  I finally made a decision on a new aircraft last night.  After a couple of months of studying the market, looking at several sets of logs, considering all my flight profiles and future needs, I pulled the trigger.

My new aircraft will likely NOT be any faster than my current aircraft.  You see, I decided last night that I would keep my 75F and invest in new avionics, interior, and mods.  A complete avionics upgrade is scheduled to begin June 20 at McKee in San Marcos.  While the avionics are being done I am going to get SWTA to add flap gap seals (shame they can't get the glass for the 201 windshield mod) and overhaul my fuel senders.  I will likely have the interior completely redone at the same time so the co-pilot will quit nagging me about needing a headrest AND so I can get those unsightly cracks in the plastics covered/replaced.

Not the sexiest alternative, and probably not the smartest financial decision (I'll never get even a third of what I'm about to spend back if I decide to sell later), but I've yet to have a trip in my 75F that I didn't enjoy and feel completely safe about.

[fantom]

Very nice, and another vote for the GTN650, rather than a 430W, UNLESS you're buying a reconditioned 430W for a song. Also suggest you not have the interior done by some paint shop, but by the best shop in your town, and at a very fair price....Aero-Comfort.

Parker an I have seen some poor Mooneys, rusting away on the ramps here in SoFL. A fate they certainly don't deserve :-(

[jetdriven]

GTN updates are over a grand a year, BTW. 

[fantom]

Quote: jetdriven

GTN updates are over a grand a year, BTW. 

[skyking]

If you love the plane i would also stick with the existing bird and up grade it.

I have WAY more money into my M20A than i will ever get back but thats not why we do it. I also have thousands of dollars more into my classic british sports cars than i will ever get back, but again, who cares.

I do it to keep the plane flying and the cars running. Like Parker said. We need to keep the these beautiful aircraft in flying condition.

[mooneyman]

Great decision!

I have been slowly refurbishing my 74' F over the past several years.

1) Fuel tank strip and reseal with polyurethane STC - Midwest Mooney

2) 201 windshield, 201 lasar cowl mod, aileron flap gap seals

3) JPI engine monitor with fuel flow, vertical compass card

4) Strip and Jet Glo paint

5) Garmin 430W/ 340 audio panel

6) Aspen 1000 PFD

7) Panel fabrication

Only thing left is the interior. I may tackle that next year. I get compliments everywhere I go and most people cannot believe it is a 37 y/o airplane. 

You will not regret sticking with the F as long as it continues to serve your mission!

[jbreda]

There is nothing wrong with upgrading the F.  I would do the major J model mods if you can.  I can recommend the guys in San Marcos from personal experience.  My plane is at McKee's now.  Erik there is top notch and very helpful.  Russell at SWTA aviation is also extremely knowledgeable and helpful.  I turned my F into a modern aircraft (there is 1 gallery pic posted).  It was a long involved project for a number of reasons.  If you would like the benefit of some of my experiences feel free to PM me.

John Breda

[DaV8or]

Quote: jbreda

There is nothing wrong with upgrading the F.  I would do the major J model mods if you can.

[aerobat95]

It is a bummer.  I am surprised that there isnt the demand.  From what it sounds like on here there are plenty of people that would like to do the mods but no one sells them any more.  I too would love to mod my '74F but there isnt a whole lot to do.  I have thought about the gap seals, oil relocation (clean up the front of the cowl some), and the wing root leading edge fairing.  Would love to do the 201 windscreen but at this point not an option.  For me my F would be perfect with those mods and then a nice modern paint job.  I did get a email from Lasar saying to check back in a few months....maybe Mooney will get their act together and start making parts again.   Who knows....only time will tell....FWIW as far as your F goes....it will do about 90% what a J will....even if the J is 10 knots faster....over 600-700 miles its really only 17 minutes faster.....to go much faster its going to require bigger engines and bigger fuel bills and bigger maint. bills.  Plus your panel is now awesome!!!