Converting an E to a D

[65MooneyPilot]

I just recently found out that the Insurance starts going up on retractable gear airplanes when you hit 70 years of age. So I was thinking I would convert my E to a D to keep the plane and get the lower insurance rate. I would rather keep my Mooney than have to sell it and buy a fixed gear. I just read a 2018 post that D models were C’s however when you look at the parts manual it appears the parts would fit an E model. I have 5 years to think about it. What do you guys think?

[Robert Hicks]

Heresy!

 

[Prior owner]

I’m sure there would be somebody out there with a Fixed gear D who would love trade you his 180 hp engine, fixed pitch prop, cowling  and stuck gear - for your engine, prop, cowling, and complete  retract system.... 

[takair]

It is an interesting thought!  You might check with your insurance company if insurance for such a one off aircraft would be reasonable.  You may find it harder to insure than what you have already.  Perhaps @Parker_Woodruff is around to chime in.  He discussed some strategies in another thread, where a friend lost hull coverage due to age 80.

[Parker_Woodruff]

You’d never make the saved premium back that you’d have to spend for a field approved conversion like that. 

And there is no fixed gear M20E in the underwriting tables...so you might not even get a better rate.

Just be with the right insurance company at age 68 and re-evaluate with your broker at age 74.

[65MooneyPilot]

Thanks for the thoughtful information. 

[Keith20EH]

Self Insure, and stop letting the insurance companies spoil your fun!

[kerry]

Skip the hull coverage and get a quote for liability.

[1964-M20E]

17 hours ago, kerry said:

Skip the hull coverage and get a quote for liability.

maybe skip the in motion hull coverage.  That way your hull is covered when sitting at the hangar

I would wait 5 years and see what the insurance company says at that point.

[MBDiagMan]

Yes, my insurance skyrocketed last year, but trading planes due to insurance cost seems to me a bit of a radical move.