New Member Hello Post!

[professorS]

Hi all

This is my first post here! I am a relatively low time pilot. Just a few weeks ago I moved south of the border from Canada to start in my new job in Indiana.

As I was evaluating my job offer back in January, I realized the institution that offered me the job has its own airport (yes — I am talking about Purdue). It really sucked that I had to live far from my family, but I have to admit being an aviation enthusiast, leaning that I will be working working 5 minutes from the airport made the decision to accept the offer much easier for me. 

Now, what does all that have to do with Mooney? I love Mooneys, I have flown in one, and I am now seriously considering to purchase one. Partly to get my instrument rating, and partly to be able to fly to Toronto to see my family.

I am so glad a forum like this exists. I have learned a great deal reading your posts. As I venture into the world of aircraft ownership, I am sure I will come here to seek your help, and I hope I will soon build up enough experience so that I can pay it forward too.

By the way, I would love to talk to anyone who might be considering a co-owning a Mooney.

Best wishes,

- professorS

[carusoam]

Welcome aboard Prof. S!

MS has a few Profs around here…. What’s your area / specialty?

We have many MSers near your area…

Partnerships are popular…

Getting the IR is extra helpful around the lakes… and traveling long distances…

 

Have you selected the type of Mooney you are interested in?  It’s attributes?

There is a nice M20K that was just listed for sale around here within the last hour…. 

Lots of questions….  
 

Glad you are here.  You have come to the right place…

Hmmmm… flying to work… might want to look up the ground transportation used by other Mooniacs… bikes, scooters, skateboards, onewheels…  Many battery powered…

Best regards,

-a-

[professorS]

12 minutes ago, carusoam said:

Welcome aboard Prof. S!

MS has a few Profs around here…. What’s your area / specialty?

We have many MSers near your area…

Partnerships are popular…

Getting the IR is extra helpful around the lakes… and traveling long distances…

 

Have you selected the type of Mooney you are interested in?  It’s attributes?

There is a nice M20K that was just listed for sale around here within the last hour…. 

Lots of questions….  
 

Glad you are here.

Best regards,

-a-

My first reply! Thanks for the kind note.

I am an economist and I primarily study technology commercialization + labor market!

I have a lot to learn about Mooneys, but I am going to start with some very high level requirements that I hope would help me narrow down the right model:

1) IFR certified

2) FIKI preferred

3) Preferably higher end of useful load and larger cabin models

4) I have experience in glass cockpit and I like  to have a G1000

5) AC is a plus, but not a dealbreaker.

6) I want cruise speed north of 175

7) I aim to fly >60 hours a year

Edited September 29, 2021 by professorS

[philip_g]

So... An acclaim? Budget helps.

Edited September 29, 2021 by philip_g

[professorS]

1 minute ago, philip_g said:

So... An acclaim? Budget helps.

I am trying to keep the budget under 400.

[philip_g]

7 minutes ago, professorS said:

I am trying to keep the budget under 400.

Acclaim should fit the bill. Maybe a bravo and do the panel.

[carusoam]

Thanks for filling in the details S!

Are you familiar with my favorite place to shop for Mooneys… a place in TX called GMax….

A one stop place to see several models and variations of pre-flown Mooneys all in one place…

Jimmy keeps their web page fully updated…

I believe there is a new Ovation for sale at the Mooney factory… haven’t heard it’s status in a while… 

All the performance of the Acclaim, EXCEPT FOR… flying in the Flight Levels… 

 

Let is know if you need help finding contact info…

Best regards,

-a-

[ArtVandelay]

Controller shows 7 candidates, no Acclaims, but Bravos and Ovations, one of the Ovations lists useful load of #1077 which is on the high end for a Mooney if that’s important to you.
Do you need to fly above 15,000’ on a regular basis? If not I would look at Ovations.

https://www.controller.com/listings/search?Category=6&ModelGroup=ACCLAIM%7COVATION%7CTLS%2FBRAVO&Manufacturer=MOONEY&Price=%2A400000&keywords=Tks

[professorS]

6 hours ago, carusoam said:

Thanks for filling in the details S!

Are you familiar with my favorite place to shop for Mooneys… a place in TX called GMax….

A one stop place to see several models and variations of pre-flown Mooneys all in one place…

Jimmy keeps their web page fully updated…

I believe there is a new Ovation for sale at the Mooney factory… haven’t heard it’s status in a while… 

All the performance of the Acclaim, EXCEPT FOR… flying in the Flight Levels… 

 

Let is know if you need help finding contact info…

Best regards,

-a-

Thanks for the info. I have already spoken to Jimmy on the phone. I’ll check out GMax as well.

Any ideas who might be top candidates for a prebuy? I know aviation is a small world and I can’t get someone quite independent. But small world also means reputation matters, so any high reputation engineers you would recommend for inspection?

Also, what is the best way to look for a  partner other than spreading the word?

As for the new Mooney, I don’t know if the price will fit my budget, I hear new Ovations are 600K+?

[professorS]

2 hours ago, ArtVandelay said:

Controller shows 7 candidates, no Acclaims, but Bravos and Ovations, one of the Ovations lists useful load of #1077 which is on the high end for a Mooney if that’s important to you.
Do you need to fly above 15,000’ on a regular basis? If not I would look at Ovations.

https://www.controller.com/listings/search?Category=6&ModelGroup=ACCLAIM%7COVATION%7CTLS%2FBRAVO&Manufacturer=MOONEY&Price=%2A400000&keywords=Tks

Thanks for this info. I don’t have a particular need to fly above 15000. Yeah I have seen this one.

In your experience how important is AC? I know I can’t/shouldn’t ask for both AC and FIKI, so trying to weigh my options.

Also, in a say Ovation already equipped with G1000, what other avionics and management systems would be top on your list to have?

[dlthig]

I'd put A/C way at the bottom. I've flown with a friend who uses the cooler/ice/blower in the back seat. It works well enough and you don't have the permanent UL hit.

[GeeBee]

Are you in the Aero department at Purdue? If not might want to walk over there. Might find a partner or a lead.

I have an Ovation 2GX. I don't have air and I live in GA. Unless you are planning on 30 minute taxi times once you get above 5000 it makes no sense. What I do have and want you really want if you are going to fly IFR in the Great Lakes region is TKS. Yeah you don't go looking for ice, but it will find you and TKS is like a parachute. When you need it, you need it now, and you need a good one. Just last spring I had an un-forecast ice encounter over TN which was a non-event. If you have air and TKS, your useful load suffers beyond usability, so pick one. I will install air if Mooney ever gets around to the gross weight increase they are talking about.

As for what to add to a G1000? As long as it has WAAS or you can get someone to upgrade it (difficult now).....nothing. The G1000 system is rock solid, it does require training. Some people swear by the Synthetic Vision option, I think it is a little gimmicky but to each their own. TAWS is a good upgrade. Some people say get the GFC 700 autopilot, it is nice, I have the S-Tec 55x and I regularly fly to minimums with it. Solid, no problems just a little more temperamental than the GFC 700 but if you are familiar with it, no problem.

Go Boilermakers! (I can say that as an SEC fan) 

 

[ArtVandelay]

Thanks for this info. I don’t have a particular need to fly above 15000. Yeah I have seen this one.
In your experience how important is AC? I know I can’t/shouldn’t ask for both AC and FIKI, so trying to weigh my options.
Also, in a say Ovation already equipped with G1000, what other avionics and management systems would be top on your list to have?

If you can pick your departure times, you don’t need A/C…I live in Florida and never had the need. Remember once you get to 7500’ or above you’ll have cool air.
I personally would not get G1000, which I trained on. The current avionics are so good and gives you lots of options and have been updated with modern technology (ADSB, glide rings, auto glide…)
If I were you I would buy a plane that has everything else and update the avionics.

[philip_g]

I would take fiki over ac but I'd rather have both. If you want both get a sr22t g5 or newer and you'll still have the useful load, 2 doors, and a more comfortable airplane, but it'll bust your budget 25%.

 

I'd take the turbo over not if you plan to fly long distances. Everyone has different priorities. 

Edited September 29, 2021 by philip_g

[ArtVandelay]

I'd take the turbo over not if you plan to fly long distances.

Not sure what long distance has to do with it?

The turbo 231 vs 201 go basically the same speed below 10000’, so with the turbo unless you fly higher regularly you’ll have higher maintenance costs and maybe fuel costs without any benefit.

[philip_g]

29 minutes ago, ArtVandelay said:

Not sure what long distance has to do with it?

The turbo 231 vs 201 go basically the same speed below 10000’, so with the turbo unless you fly higher regularly you’ll have higher maintenance costs and maybe fuel costs without any benefit.

The 231 is 40-45 knots faster than the 201 at FL200. How is that "basically the same speed"?

 

Distance has aot to do with it, unless you want to climb to the FLs for an hour long flight.

 

You bounce around at 10 trying to dodge weather. I'll take the flight levels where I can see and avoid better.

Edited September 29, 2021 by philip_g

[WaynePierce]

If you aren't planning on flying South... way South, quite often you don't need AC. Climb to the desired temperature and enjoy. I'm in Memphis and I have one of the coolers you set in the back seat, or luggage area, it works for taxiing out by if you fly an hour the ice melts.

I bought my J from Jimmy at GMax and I even used his on field guy for my Pre Buy. I have no complaints or regrets on that decision, I also had them do an annual at the time, since it was already apart.

you will certainly be looking at a long body for the speed you are wanting. I plan on 150 knots in my J.

 

[ArtVandelay]

The 231 is 40-45 knots faster than the 201 at FL200. How is that "basically the same speed"?

Because the OP said he’s not going to be flying in the flight levels or anywhere close to it.

[ZuluZulu]

Sounds like an Ovation, maybe an Eagle or Screaming Eagle to save a few more bucks.  If it's a G1000, make sure it has WAAS.  Jimmy at GMax is a great start, you may also want to get in touch with Premier in Florida.  They seem to deal in long-bodies often.

And there's no such thing as a "new" Ovation or Acclaim anymore, at any price; the company is no longer manufacturing aircraft for the time being.  Maybe permanently.  I know their website says they have a "customized factory new Acclaim Ultra," but liquidating a few one-off stragglers is not the same as keeping the assembly lines running.

https://www.premieraircraftsales.com/index.php/inventory/mooney-aircraft-inventory

[carusoam]

13 hours ago, philip_g said:

I would take fiki over ac but I'd rather have both. If you want both get a sr22t g5 or newer and you'll still have the useful load, 2 doors, and a more comfortable airplane, but it'll bust your budget 25%.

 

I'd take the turbo over not if you plan to fly long distances. Everyone has different priorities. 

Allow me to play though…

Go TBM… a turbine Mooney built in Tarbes France!   
 

Hmmmm…

You have spoken with Jimmy….   He is the G in GMax.   All American Aircraft has combined with DMax’s MSC… making a very powerful resource…

Where to get a PPI performed… is best done independently of the ships current mechanic…

My Ovation was sold by Jimmy, and its PPI was done by DMax… back when they were independent of each other…   Both of these fine gentlemen were excellent to work with… incredibly knowledgable regarding the topic… and generous with their time explaining it all…

Once you have found your gem out in the field… then it becomes time to select where the PPI is going to be performed… usually, within an hour’s flight time away…  moving somebody else’s plane for this exercise can be highly stress inducing for the seller…  

The more you document things with a sales agreement… the less stress is involved…

Best regards,

-a-

[Mooney Dog]

On 9/28/2021 at 9:44 PM, professorS said:

I love Mooneys

I think you'll fit in just fine here!

 

[Guest]

On 9/28/2021 at 11:23 PM, professorS said:

I am trying to keep the budget under 400.

Have you seen the Bravo listed with Bruce at Apex Aircraft in Toronto?  As the eastern Canada MSC located in Kitchener I’d be happy to chat about it.

Clarence

[professorS]

2 hours ago, M20Doc said:

Have you seen the Bravo listed with Bruce at Apex Aircraft in Toronto?  As the eastern Canada MSC located in Kitchener I’d be happy to chat about it.

Clarence

Yes I have seen that one, though having imported my car once to the United States, I worry that it might be an unnecessary hassle to do it with a plane

 

Are there any specific advantages, say in terms of price, to bring an aircraft from Canada rather than buying it here in the US?

[professorS]

8 hours ago, carusoam said:

Allow me to play though…

Go TBM… a turbine Mooney built in Tarbes France!   
 

Hmmmm…

You have spoken with Jimmy….   He is the G in GMax.   All American Aircraft has combined with DMax’s MSC… making a very powerful resource…

Where to get a PPI performed… is best done independently of the ships current mechanic…

My Ovation was sold by Jimmy, and its PPI was done by DMax… back when they were independent of each other…   Both of these fine gentlemen were excellent to work with… incredibly knowledgable regarding the topic… and generous with their time explaining it all…

Once you have found your gem out in the field… then it becomes time to select where the PPI is going to be performed… usually, within an hour’s flight time away…  moving somebody else’s plane for this exercise can be highly stress inducing for the seller…  

The more you document things with a sales agreement… the less stress is involved…

Best regards,

-a-

Thank you! I have narrowed down the choice to Ovation and Acclaim, and am just working with an insurance agent to see what I can actually cover given I am a low time pilot. Thanks for the guidance again.

[professorS]

16 hours ago, ZuluZulu said:

Sounds like an Ovation, maybe an Eagle or Screaming Eagle to save a few more bucks.  If it's a G1000, make sure it has WAAS.  Jimmy at GMax is a great start, you may also want to get in touch with Premier in Florida.  They seem to deal in long-bodies often.

And there's no such thing as a "new" Ovation or Acclaim anymore, at any price; the company is no longer manufacturing aircraft for the time being.  Maybe permanently.  I know their website says they have a "customized factory new Acclaim Ultra," but liquidating a few one-off stragglers is not the same as keeping the assembly lines running.

https://www.premieraircraftsales.com/index.php/inventory/mooney-aircraft-inventory

Have you heard about Richard Simile? He is currently with a company called Thunderbird, although all the material I can find about him is with Premier? Has he moved on from Premier?

Also, do you know how should I think about differences in operating and maintenance costs of Acclaim versus Ovation/Bravo?